How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Montana

In Montana, the critical role of dialysis technicians in the healthcare sector cannot be overstated.

These professionals play a vital part in the operation of dialysis machines, a function that directly impacts the health and well-being of patients with kidney issues.

The work of a dialysis technician may not seem glamorous, but it offers a truly rewarding career path for those driven by the desire to help others.

If you’re curious about this profession and want to explore it further, you’re in the right place.

Continue reading to learn more.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Montana

Understanding the responsibilities associated with a career is crucial before embarking on this journey.

Dialysis technicians in Montana work primarily with patients experiencing kidney problems.

Their core duty involves ensuring the dialysis machines’ proper operation and adjusting them to meet each patient’s specific needs.

These responsibilities include:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients
• Reviewing patients’ medical history to identify potential concerns during the procedure
• Adjusting dialysis machines to suit individual patient needs
• Administering oxygen when necessary
• Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if required

These duties may vary day-to-day, but they form the fundamental responsibilities of a dialysis technician in Montana.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Montana

Montana doesn’t impose strict requirements for dialysis technician training and certification, relying on guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS guidelines stipulate that prospective dialysis technicians must meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma or GED
• Training
• Credentialing
• Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification
• Gaining experience

Certification must be obtained within 18 months from the start of employment.

Various national-level certifications recognized in Montana include:

• 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

Montana’s specific guidelines for this profession are limited, some key requirements include passing a written and practical exam.

Certified technicians must also complete continuing education courses every two years and pass a recertification exam every four years.

Dialysis Technician Training in Montana

To embark on this career path, prospective dialysis technicians in Montana should begin by completing high school or obtaining a GED.

In high school, it’s beneficial to focus on subjects such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the comprehensive training for this profession takes place in post-secondary educational institutions.

These are:

• Vocational schools,
• Community colleges,
• Technical institutes.

This specialized training covers 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

A typical training program for dialysis technicians in Montana lasts around one year.

Please refer to the list of approved institutions to explore your educational options.

Auburn University

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

This comprehensive package includes:

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

Students are expected to complete their coursework within a maximum period of 6 months.

Alabama State University

If you want to take the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam, provided by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), this is the university to enroll at.

The program’s total tuition is $4,190, which can be conveniently paid in installments.

It spans 205 hours of study and must be completed within a year.

Some of the core course topics are:

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

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College provides a comprehensive 50-hour training program with two flexible completion options: online or in a traditional classroom setting.

For online learners, the tuition is $1,299 and includes e-books, while the program must be completed within 6 months.

If you prefer the classroom experience, the cost is $999, covering textbooks as well.

However, you will have to travel out of state for this option.

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Montana

Before pursuing any career, it’s important to consider potential earnings.

Dialysis technicians in Montana usually begin at the entry level, with a median yearly salary of $40,200.

If you’re interested in discovering which cities in Montana offer higher salaries, you can find this information in the table provided.

Regional Salary in Montana

Dialysis Technician by State