How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Nevada

In Nevada, the significance of dialysis technicians within the healthcare sector cannot be overstated.

These professionals play a vital role in the operation of dialysis machines, which directly affects the lives of patients with kidney issues.

While the work of a dialysis technician may not sound glamorous, it offers a rewarding career for those who wish to make a meaningful impact on others.

If you’re interested in learning more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading to gain a deeper understanding.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Nevada

Before embarking on this career, it’s essential to understand the associated responsibilities.

Dialysis technicians in Nevada primarily work with patients who have kidney problems.

Their core duty is to ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines and to operate them according to 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

While these duties may vary from day to day, they form the fundamental responsibilities of a dialysis technician in Nevada.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Nevada

Nevada does not impose strict requirements for dialysis technician training and certification.

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

According to CMS guidelines, 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 nationally recognized certifications are accepted in Nevada, 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

Nevada’s specific guidelines for this profession are limited, with key requirements including 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 Nevada

To embark on this career path, prospective dialysis technicians in Nevada 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, such as vocational schools, community colleges, and 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 Nevada lasts around one year.

Let’s see which schools are approved to offer classes to future dialysis techs from Nevada!

Auburn University

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

This comprehensive program 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 six months.

Alabama State University

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam.

Alabama State University offers the best online training program tailored for those who want to take this test.

This program is accessible to students from various states, contingent upon verifying its alignment with their respective state regulations.

The program entails a total tuition fee of $4,190, which can be conveniently paid in installments.

It spans 205 hours of study, and you have up to 12 months to complete the program, even when learning at your own pace.

Additionally, CPR training and certification are included in the course, provided by the Red Cross.

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• 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 available through two distinct methods.

One of them is online, for students everywhere and the other is in person, for in-state students or those who can travel to the college.

The online option offers flexibility for students.

The tuition for the online program is $1,299, which includes e-books.

The course must be completed in 6 months.

For those who prefer an in-person learning experience, the classroom option is available for $999.

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Nevada

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

Dialysis technicians in Nevada typically begin at the entry level, with a median yearly salary of $44,500.

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

Regional Salary in Nevada

Dialysis Technician by State