How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Virginia

The absence of dialysis machines and skilled operators would significantly shorten the lives of many individuals, underscoring the vital role of dialysis technicians in the healthcare industry.

Operating a dialysis machine might not appear glamorous, but it offers a fulfilling career for those dedicated to aiding others.

If you’re keen to learn more about this profession, you’re in the right place, so continue reading!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Virginia

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

In Virginia, dialysis technicians primarily care for patients with kidney issues.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure dialysis machines function correctly and tailor their operation to each patient’s unique requirements.

Additional duties 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 typical responsibilities of dialysis technicians, which may vary day by day.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Virginia

Virginia doesn’t impose strict training and certification requirements on dialysis technicians.

Therefore, adherence to guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is essential.

The CMS outlines that prospective dialysis technicians should have:

• 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 starting employment.

Dialysis technicians can pursue national certifications through organizations like:

• 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 exams.

Virginia’s specific guidelines for this profession come from the Virginia Board of Nursing and may include both written and practical exams.

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 Virginia

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

The journey begins with relevant coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

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

Students get knowledge on the following topics:

• 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 typically takes about a year.

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

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College presents a 50-hour training program that offers two flexible methods of completion: online and in a classroom setting.

The online option, priced at $1,299, includes e-books and must be completed within six months.

Meanwhile, the classroom option, available at $999, includes textbooks and holds classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

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

Auburn University

Auburn University provides a comprehensive dialysis technician program, entirely available online.

This program has a tuition of $3,000.

For this amount, you get access to the following:

• 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 courses within a flexible six-month time frame.

Alabama State University

Preparation for the exam offered by BONENT is one of the best at this university.

The exam is called Certified Hemodialysis Technicians or CHT.

This program welcomes students from other states, though they should verify its compliance with their state’s regulations.

The full tuition for this program amounts to $4,190 and can be paid in installments.

The program spans 205 hours, allowing students to learn at their own pace over a 12-month period.

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

Some of the classes covered in this program include:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Virginia

Before pursuing a career, understanding potential income is essential.

Dialysis technicians usually hold entry-level positions with an average salary of $50,800.

To explore cities in Virginia where dialysis technician salaries may be higher, refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Virginia

Dialysis Technician by State