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Dialysis Technician Certificate Program



The Dialysis Technician Profession

As kidney failure continues to be a growing national health problem, kidney disease is driving the growing demand for well-trained dialysis technicians. Dialysis technicians are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other medical facilities. The number of dialysis technician jobs has the potential to increase by more than 35% by 2018. While most technician training has historically been done “on-the-job,” today’s healthcare employers are seeking well-trained technicians who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to fill this growing number of positions.


The Dialysis Technician Program

This Dialysis Technician Program provides students with the knowledge needed to perform as a dialysis technician. This program will review kidney dialysis machines, preparing dialyzer reprocessing and delivery systems, and review equipment maintenance. This Dialysis Technician Program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of dialysis technicians.

This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Specific procedures to operate kidney dialysis machines
  • Preparation of the dialyzer, reprocessing and delivery systems
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Skills to monitor and record a patient’s vital signs
  • The process for a dialysis teams’ administration of local anesthetics and drugs as needed
  • Assessment of patients for any complications that occur during a procedure
  • Patient training for at-home dialysis treatment and techniques to provide emotional support patients need for self-care

Dialysis Technician Detailed Course Information:

  • Knowledge and use of aseptic techniques and standard precautions
  • Renal physiology and the pathology of renal failure
  • How to perform and record physical measurements including weight and vital signs
  • Principles of hemodialysis and hematological aspects
  • Dialyzer reuse preparation, dialysate, and delivery systems
  • Basic body chemistry including fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Clinical manifestations of end-stage renal disease
  • Routine aspects of hemodialysis
  • Dietary regulation and medication problems relating to dialysis
  • Acute renal failure and dialysis
  • Kidney transplantation
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • Diabetes and hemodialysis
  • Pediatric hemodialysis
  • End-stage renal disease in the elderly
  • Composition of dialysate solution
  • Anticoagulation and heparin administration
  • Handling of hazardous materials

Lesson Checklist

Each lesson has a prescribed, detailed checklist of activities for successful completion of the lesson. This includes lesson objectives, readings, and recommended assignments. Although assignments are optional, the instructor will grade and provide feedback on submitted assignments.

Course Materials:

  • Review of Hemodialysis for Nurses and Dialysis Personnel, 8th Edition

Module/Lesson Structure

The Dialysis Technician program is divided into five main content modules. Each module contains one or more lesson presentations to view. These lesson presentations are the “lectures” which, along with the textbook readings and resources, will help you learn the material. The lesson presentations address a variety of learning styles and preferences using text, audio, video, etc. Each lesson contains at least one Check Your Understanding interactive self-assessment that will help you gauge your comprehension of that lesson’s content. Many lessons include supplemental resources such as videos, and flashcards. Using these additional materials will deepen your understanding of the content.

Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.

Module 1 – Dialysis and Renal Disease

  • Lesson 1 – The Dialysis Team and History of Dialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: pp. 1-11 and Chapter 2: pp. 12-16
  • Lesson 2 – Basic Chemistry of Body Fluids and Electrolytes
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 3: pp. 17-29
  • Lesson 3 – Renal Physiology and the Pathology of Renal Failure
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 4: pp. 30-43
  • Lesson 4 – Clinical Manifestations of End-Stage Renal Disease
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 5: pp. 44-57

Module 2 – Principles of Hemodialysis

  • Lesson 5 – The Dialysate
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: pp. 65-68
  • Lesson 6 – The Dialyzer
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: pp. 58-65, Chapter 9: pp. 108-114
  • Lesson 7 – The Delivery System
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 6: pp. 68-71
  • Lesson 8 – Principles of Hemodialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 7: pp. 79-89
  • Lesson 9 – Water Treatment
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 8: pp. 90-107
  • Lesson 10 – Infection Control
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 10: pp. 115-132

Module 3 – Needs of the Dialysis Patient

  • Lesson 11 – Anticoagulation and Heparin Administration
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 11: pp. 133-140
  • Lesson 12 – Access to the Bloodstream
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 12: pp. 141-163
  • Lesson 13 – Patient and Machine Monitoring and Assessment
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 13: pp. 164-184
  • Lesson 14 – Nutrition Management
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 14: pp. 185-200
  • Lesson 15 – Laboratory Data: Analysis and Interpretation
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 15: pp. 201-209

Module 4 – Dialysis Complications and Related Procedures

  • Lesson 16 – Diabetes and Hemodialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 16: pp. 210-219
  • Lesson 17 – Medication Problems and Dialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 17: pp. 220-245
  • Lesson 18 – Acute Kidney Injury and Dialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 18: pp. 246-269
  • Lesson 19 – Peritoneal Dialysis and Home Dialysis Therapies
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 19: pp. 270-293
  • Lesson 20 – Kidney Transplants
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 20: pp. 294-310

Module 5 – Special Dialysis Populations

  • Lesson 21 – Pediatric Hemodialysis
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 21: pp. 311-322
  • Lesson 22 – Chronic Kidney Disease in the Elderly
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 22: pp. 323-328
  • Lesson 23 – Psychosocial Effects of Dialysis Therapy
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 23: pp. 329-339
  • Lesson 24 – Management of Quality in Dialysis Care
    • Reading Assignment: Chapter 24: pp. 340-356

Note: This program can be completed in 6 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 12-month period.

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.

National Certification

This program is designed to cover the key objectives of the leading dialysis technician certification exams. Although some students do immediately pursue certain certifications, most national exams require job experience for formal dialysis technician certification. The BONENT Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician examination requires one year of experience (12 months) in nephrology patient care, and current active participation in an End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facility.

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