How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Wisconsin

The absence of dialysis machines and skilled operators would significantly shorten the lives of many individuals.

Operating a dialysis machine is a fulfilling vocation for those who feel compelled to help others.

If you seek further insights into this profession, you’re in the right place to explore the intricacies.

Dialysis Technician Job Profile in Wisconsin

Choosing a profession without a clear understanding of its responsibilities is not a good idea.

In Wisconsin, dialysis technicians focus on patients grappling with kidney ailments.

Their primary role encompasses ensuring the smooth operation of dialysis machines, tailoring them to the specific requirements of each patient.

Other duties in this profession involve:

• 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

The day-to-day duties of these professionals may exhibit some variations.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin doesn’t impose strict training and certification requirements on dialysis technicians, practitioners must adhere to the directives laid out by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS mandates several requisites for future dialysis techs, like:

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

Licensing must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment.

As part of the certification process, candidates must pass one national-level test from the available ones:

• 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

Certified dialysis technicians are also required to undertake continuing education courses biennially and pass a recertification exam every four years.

Dialysis Technician Training Institutions in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the journey to becoming a dialysis technician commences with a high school diploma or GED.

High school students should focus on these key subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

Formal training then unfolds in post-secondary educational establishments such as vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.

The classes focus on:

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

Completion of a comprehensive training program typically spans approximately one year.

Below, you can find a list of approved institutions offering dialysis technician programs in Wisconsin.

Calhoun Community College

At Calhoun Community College you can enroll in a 50-hour training program.

The course is available in two convenient formats:

• Online
• Traditional classroom setting.

For the online option, the tuition is $1,299, which includes access to ebooks.

The program is designed to be completed within six months.

On the other hand, the classroom-based program costs $999 and also includes textbooks.

Classes for this option take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning at 6 p.m.

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

Auburn University

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

This fee comes with a range of benefits.

These include:

• 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 flexible timeframe of up to six months.

Alabama State University 

If you want to prepare for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam then you can surely enroll in this university.

Its program is accessible to students from other states, although it is essential to verify that it complies with your specific state’s requirements.

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

The program comprises 205 hours of content that must be covered within a 12-month period, even when pursued at your preferred pace.

Additionally, CPR training and certification are integrated into the curriculum, offered through the Red Cross.

Some of the courses included cover topics like:

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

Salaries for Dialysis Technicians in Wisconsin

Understanding potential income is a crucial aspect when embarking on a new career journey.

In the field of dialysis technology, professionals typically begin at an entry-level position.

On average, dialysis technicians in Wisconsin earn an annual salary of around $50,300.

If you’re interested in pinpointing cities in Wisconsin where these salaries tend to be higher, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

Dialysis Technician by State