How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Michigan

Dialysis technicians play a vital role in patient care, ensuring the smooth operation of dialysis machines and assisting those with kidney issues.

This often overlooked yet crucial occupation offers rewarding opportunities for those driven to make a positive impact in the medical field.

Read on to discover more about dialysis technician roles and requirements in Michigan.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Michigan

In the healthcare industry, the role of dialysis technicians is invaluable.

Without these professionals and the dialysis machines they operate, many individuals with kidney issues would face significantly reduced lifespans.

This underscores the critical importance of dialysis technicians in the medical industry.

Before embarking on a career path, understanding the job’s responsibilities is essential.

Dialysis technicians primarily work with patients experiencing kidney problems.

Their core duties include:

• Monitor the vital signs of the patients
• Assisting the patients during the procedure
• Ensuring patients are safe and comfortable
• Reviewing their medical history
• To make sure there are no other conditions that need to be taken care of during the procedure
• Adjusting the dialysis machines depending on the needs of the patients
• Administering oxygen – if needed
• Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – if needed

While these responsibilities are central to the role, day-to-day tasks may vary based on specific patient needs.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Michigan

The state lacks stringent requirements for dialysis technician training and certification.

Instead, it relies on guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Aspiring dialysis technicians must meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma or GED
• Training
• Credentialing
• Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification
• 6 months of experience or 1,000 hours of clinical practice.

National-level certifications can be obtained through these exams:

• 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

Certified dialysis technicians must complete continuing education courses every two years and pass recertification exams every four years.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Michigan

Aspiring dialysis technicians in Michigan should commence their journey by graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.

High school students are encouraged to focus on these subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

Post-secondary education is where the real training begins, and students can explore programs offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

These programs delve into topics including:

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

The typical duration of these programs is approximately one year.

For a list of institutions allowed to offer classes for residents of Michigan, continue reading!

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College presents a comprehensive 50-hour training program that caters to your educational needs.

You have two convenient options for program completion:

Online Learning: Embrace the flexibility of online learning with a tuition fee of $1,299, which also includes e-books.

This program is designed to be completed within 6 months to accommodate your schedule.

Auburn University

Auburn University extends its fully online dialysis technician program at a tuition cost of $3,000.

This comprehensive fee covers the following features:

• 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 offers an online training program tailored for aspiring Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT).

This program is certified by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

It welcomes students from other states, provided they ensure it aligns with their state’s regulations.

The total cost for this comprehensive program is $4,190, with the option to pay in installments.

The program has 205 hours, which can be completed within 12 months, even if you prefer a self-paced learning approach.

Furthermore, CPR training and certification, administered by the Red Cross, are included in the course.

Some of the subjects covered in this program include:

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

These programs aim to provide students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the field of dialysis technology.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Michigan

Before embarking on a career, understanding potential income is crucial.

Dialysis technicians typically hold entry-level positions and earn an average yearly salary of $43,600.

However, it’s worth noting that salary levels may vary depending on the city of employment.

For information on cities in Michigan with higher dialysis technician salaries, consult the table below.

Regional Salary in Michigan

Dialysis Technician by State