How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Vermont

Without dialysis machines and skilled professionals to operate them, the lives of many individuals could be significantly shortened.

This underscores the vital role of dialysis technicians in the healthcare sector.

Operating a dialysis machine may not seem glamorous, but it presents a fulfilling career path for those dedicated to assisting others.

If you’re eager to learn more about this profession, you’re in the right place, so read on!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Vermont

Selecting a profession without a clear understanding of its responsibilities is unwise.

Dialysis technicians in Vermont primarily work with patients experiencing kidney issues.

Their primary duty is to ensure the proper operation of dialysis machines while customizing their use to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Additional 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 represent some of the typical responsibilities of a dialysis technician, which may vary from day to day.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Vermont

Vermont does not have strict training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians.

So, dialysis techs must adhere to guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS stipulates that prospective dialysis technicians should possess the following:

• 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.

National certifications for dialysis techs are available through these 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 certification examinations that are nationally recognized.

Vermont’s specific guidelines for this profession include both a written and practical exam.

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

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Vermont

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

The preparations for this occupation start in high school and these subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

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

Here, 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 requires about a year.

Please note that approved educational institutions in Vermont offering these programs can be found in the list below.

Calhoun Community College

This community college offers a comprehensive 50-hour training program with two flexible completion options detailed below.

Online

You can choose to complete the program online with a tuition of $1,299, which includes access to e-books.

The program is designed to be finished within 6 months.

In a Classroom

Alternatively, you can opt for in-person classroom instruction, which costs $999, and this fee also covers the cost of textbooks.

Classes are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, starting at 6 p.m.

Please note that refunds are only available for in-person classes.

Auburn University

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

Here are the perks that come with this fee:

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

Those enrolled in this course are expected to complete it in under 6 months.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University (ASU) offers an online training program to prepare students for the test administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

Its name is the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam.

This program is accessible to students from other states, with the caveat that they should ensure it aligns with their state’s specific regulations.

The full tuition for this program is $4,190 and offers the flexibility of payment in installments.

The program encompasses 205 hours of coursework, which must be completed within 12 months, even for students learning at their own pace.

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

The program covers a range of essential subjects, including:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Vermont

Before pursuing a career, understanding potential income is essential.

Dialysis technicians typically hold entry-level positions, with an average salary of approximately $49,200.

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

Dialysis Technician by State