How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Massachusetts

Without dialysis machines and skilled operators, the lives of many individuals would face an accelerated threat.

This underscores the vital role dialysis technicians play within the healthcare industry.

Operating a dialysis machine may not carry the allure of glamour, yet it remains an important position in the medical industry.

If you seek further insight into this profession, you’ve come to the right place, so read on!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Massachusetts

Embarking on a career without comprehending its responsibilities is seldom a prudent choice.

First and foremost, these professionals collaborate with patients dealing with kidney ailments.

Their primary objective revolves around guaranteeing the efficient operation of dialysis machines and tailoring their functions to meet individual patient needs.

The spectrum of duties includes:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients
• Reviewing patients’ medical histories to see if they also have other conditions requiring special attention
• Adjusting dialysis machines as necessary to accommodate patients’ needs
• Administering oxygen if it’s required
• Providing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when essential

These duties represent the typical workload of a dialysis technician, subject to daily variation.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, individuals venturing into this field operate under the jurisdiction of the private sector.

Massachusetts does not impose rigid training or certification prerequisites on dialysis technicians.

However, adherence to the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is mandatory.

CMS mandates that aspiring dialysis technicians must fulfill the following criteria:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program
• Credentialing
• Adherence to Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification

The certification must be secured within 18 months of commencing employment in this role.

Candidates are required to pass a series of tests for nationally recognized certifications, including:

• The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
  • Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam
• The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
  • Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam
• The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
  • Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam
  • Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam

Candidates are typically required to pass both a written and practical examination.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Massachusetts

As mentioned, dialysis technicians in Massachusetts are encouraged to complete a formal training program before entering the workforce.

Prospective technicians are required to graduate from high school or obtain a GED.

In high school, students should emphasize coursework in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the training really training begins at post-secondary educational institutions like vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

This phase of their education delves into topics such as:

• Principles of dialysis
• Care of patients with kidney failure
• Possible complications of dialysis
• Water treatment and dialysate preparation
• Infection control
• Safety Dialyzer reprocessing

Completing this training typically takes approximately one year, preparing graduates to embark on their careers.

Approved institutions offering dialysis technician programs in Massachusetts can be found below:

Calhoun Community College

This educational institution provides a comprehensive 50-hour training program.

There are two options to complete the program, on and offline.

The online option is mostly for those who live out of state, and the other for in-state students.

If traveling to get an education is not a possibility for students from Massachusetts, then they qualify for the online option.

The tuition for this option amounts to $1,299, which also includes access to e-books.

Please note that refunds are exclusively applicable to in-person classes.

Auburn University

Auburn University offers a fully online dialysis technician program with a tuition fee of $3,000.

These are some of the pers included:

• Interactive learning modules,
• Various learning exercises,
• Access to career resources,
• Round-the-clock mentoring support,
• Opportunities for national and state certifications,
• Self-paced learning.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University delivers an online training program designed for students preparing for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

This format accommodates students from various states, though it is essential to ensure compliance with individual state regulations.

The program comprises 205 hours of coursework, with the flexibility to complete it within 12 months while progressing at your own pace.

The curriculum includes comprehensive CPR training and certification, offered through the esteemed Red Cross.

Several key subject areas are covered within the program, encompassing:

• The Cardiovascular System
• The Urinary System
• The Endocrine System
• The Reproductive System
• Infection Control
• Principles of Hemodialysis

Dialysis Technician Salary in Massachusetts

Before commencing a career, it is prudent to have an understanding of the potential income one may expect.

Dialysis technicians occupy an entry-level position within the field, with a median wage of $47,900.

For those curious about the areas in Massachusetts where salaries tend to be higher, the following table provides some insights:

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Dialysis Technician by State