How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the importance of dialysis machines and the dedicated professionals operating them cannot be overstated.

They play a crucial role in extending the lives of individuals facing kidney-related health challenges.

Becoming a dialysis technician may not seem like the most glamorous career, but it offers immense fulfillment to those with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into this profession, you’ve come to the right place.

Continue reading to explore the world of dialysis technicians in Tennessee.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Tennessee

Selecting a career without a clear understanding of its responsibilities can be unwise.

Dialysis technicians take care of patients dealing with kidney issues and ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines while customizing their use to meet each patient’s unique requirements.

Their responsibilities encompass:

• 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 represent some of the typical responsibilities of dialysis technicians, which may vary from day to day.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Tennessee

In Tennessee, there are no stringent training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.

Aspiring technicians must adhere to the guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS specifies that prospective dialysis technicians should possess:

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

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment.

Dialysis technicians have the option to pursue national certifications through various organizations:

• The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
• The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
• The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)

Each of these organizations offers nationally recognized certification examinations.

Certified technicians must fulfill ongoing education requirements, renew their certification every four years, and stay up-to-date with evolving industry standards.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Tennessee

Aspiring dialysis technicians in Tennessee must complete a structured training program before seeking employment.

The journey begins with particular attention to relevant coursework in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

Subsequent training takes place in educational institutions such as vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.

Students delve into topics like:

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

Completing a comprehensive training program usually takes about a year.

Approved educational institutions offering these programs for students from Tennessee can be found below.

Calhoun Community College

At this college, you have access to a 50-hour training program with two flexible completion options: online or in a traditional classroom setting.

The online course is priced at $1,299 and lasts for 6 months.

On the other hand, the classroom option, which costs $999, also covers textbooks and convenes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Please note that refunds are only applicable to in-person class enrollments.

Auburn University

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

This program includes interactive learning modules, as well as the following:

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

The course is designed for self-paced learning with an expected completion time of up to 6 months.

Alabama State University

ASU presents an online training program tailored for the candidates for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam.

This exam is administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

This program is accessible to students from other states, provided they verify its compliance with their respective state regulations.

The total tuition for this comprehensive program is $4,190, which can be paid in installments.

It spans 205 hours of study that can be completed within 12 months, even at a self-determined pace.

Additionally, CPR training and certification are integral components of the course, conducted by the esteemed Red Cross.

The curriculum covers various subjects, including:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Tennessee

Before pursuing a career as a dialysis technician, it’s important to understand the potential income.

Dialysis technicians typically hold entry-level positions with an average salary of $47,000 per year.

For information on cities within Tennessee where dialysis technician salaries may be higher, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Dialysis Technician by State