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What is a Renal and Dialysis Technologist?

A renal and dialysis tech is a professional that performs hemodialysis treatments to patients with renal failure under the direct supervision of a physician or nurse.  Renal is the technical term for the kidneys or relating to the kidneys.  A dialysis technologist is a medical professional that works to help remove excess water and waste from the kidneys for people with limited use or no use of kidney function.

Kidneys are vital to overall health as they maintain an equilibrium of water and essential minerals (chloride, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulfate, calcium and magnesium) in the body.  A Renal and Dialysis Technologist will learn a number of important skills while enrolled in an accredited college degree program such as: anatomy, physiology, dialysate preparation, equipment monitoring, patient preparation, venipuncture, local anesthesia administration, documentation, along with professional standards and ethics.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$64,280

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

42.33%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

112,700

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Renal and Dialysis Technologist Degree

Acceptance Rate

90.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Florida Panhandle Technical College (FPTC) is a technical college located in Chipley, Florida. FPTC was founded in 1967 as Washington-Holmes Area Vocational Technical Center with the goal to provide vo­cational education in Washington, Holmes, and nearby counties. Currently, the college offers more than 30 career and technical programs and training.

The Renal and Hemodialysis Technician degree at FPTC trains students to administer, maintain, and operate the dialysis equipment used to cleanse the blood of metabolic waste products. Students also learn the basics of preparing patients for procedures, monitoring their progress, and writing reports for physicians. This program which can be completed within 20 weeks only admits individuals aged 18 years old and above. To inquire about the program, visit fptc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Platt College Los Angeles is an academic institution with four campuses in Southern California namely Alhambra, Anaheim, Riverside, and Ontario. Since its founding in 1985, the college has been committed to providing uniquely balanced programs to help students succeed in today’s in-demand fields. Platt values the importance of education as a foundation for personal and professional growth.

Offered by the Platt School of Medical Sciences, the Hemodialysis Technician program is a comprehensive program consisting of 80 hours of lecture and laboratory and a 200-hour externship training in local hospitals and dialysis centers. Students learn the basics of dialysis treatment and its development as well as the proper usage and maintenance of machines. At the end of the program which typically lasts for 3 to 6 months depending on the student’s schedule, students will be able to assist patients and provide a safe and effective dialysis treatment. Learn more about the program at plattcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Midwestern Career College (MCC) is a small academic institution with campuses around Illinois that provides premier career-focused education in the fields of accounting, business, marketing, and healthcare. MCC aims to transform the lives of people by preparing students for career success. Among its popular programs are Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Dialysis Technologist Training.

The 40-week Renal Dialysis Technologist Training Program at MCC, currently available online, equips students with the knowledge and clinical skills to work as dialysis technicians. Through the program, students learn the operation of dialysis equipment, safe and effective care to patients, identification of complications, and reporting of treatments and outcomes. Graduates are then eligible to become Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT), National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT), and  Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) after passing the examination. Access the program requirements at mccollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$11,420 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Located in Coconut Creek, Florida, Atlantic Technical College (ATC) is a public, secondary, and post-secondary academic institution. ATC started operating in 1973 with only 450 students enrolled in 11 programs. Today, the college serves more than 6,000 students in the fields of Architecture and Construction, Business Management and Administration, Health Science, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, and Manufacturing.

The 6-month Renal Dialysis Technician degree at ATC offers both traditional and hybrid delivery formats in teaching students with the skills needed for employment as hemodialysis or dialysis technicians. Students are taught the major roles of hemodialysis technicians which are to assemble and maintain the dialysis equipment and provide exceptional patient care. Other skills and concepts covered in the program include Anatomy and Physiology, Dietary Regimens, Emergency Care, Hemodialysis Procedures and Techniques, and Wellness and Disease Concepts. Check the entire program at atlantictechnicalcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,482 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

OTC or Ogeechee Technical College has a leading radiology technology program.  OTC has curated the curriculum to allow students to elect a degree or certification in radiology.  The degree program is conferred as an Associate of Technology (AAS) while the alternative pathway is a Computed Tomography Specialist certificate.  In both programs, qualified students will gain access to a set of courses that will help build foundational knowledge and prepare them for the next steps in their future.       

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

National Polytechnic College (NPCollege) is a technical and vocational college based in Lakewood, California. NPCollege was founded in 1996 with the mission to provide education and training in various allied health careers to serve communities. The college provides degree, vocational, and non-vocational programs in the field of healthcare.

With a combination of didactic theory and hands-on training through a clinical practicum, the Renal Dialysis Technician degree at NPCollege provides students with an introduction to different aspects of the hemodialysis treatment, from various kidney conditions to available treatment options. Throughout the program, the analytical and critical thinking skills of students are developed during the identification of pathology and associated complications. The usual program completion time is 25 weeks for full-time students. Upon completion, students can take licensing examinations to become a Clinical Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) or Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT). Explore the program at npcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,615 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers a nursing technician certificate course to help students prepare for a meaningful future in healthcare.  The rigorous courses at Wiregrass position students to be a patient advocate at every turn.  Graduates will be trained to check vitals, helping with daily activities, obtaining lab specimens, carefully observing patients, charting patient activity, and communicating with supervisors.  The core classes begin with critical reasoning, math and English composition then transition to certificate-focused curriculum.  Learn more about this program at Wiregrass Georgian Technical College today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1987 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Blue Cliff College is a training center with several campuses in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arizona. The college originally aimed to become one of the most respected and innovative massage therapy training centers in the country. Its main campus in Metairie, Louisiana offers exciting academic and career programs in healthcare, cosmetology, and esthetics.

The Dialysis Technician Training at Blue Cliff Metairie is a diploma program providing extensive instruction and training in patient preparation, use and care of dialysis machines, understanding relevant medical terminology, safety and sterilization protocols, as well as documentation during the entire dialysis procedures. The flexible program is a combination of online courses and classroom lectures with hands-on training that can help students prepare for a career as Dialysis Technicians or Patient Care Technicians in as quick as 12 months. Know more details at bluecliffcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,881 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) is a public community college that is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. In 2010, the merging of Flint River Technical College and Griffin Technical College gave birth to SCTC. The two main campuses which are the locations of the origin schools are in Griffin and South Thomaston, Georgia. Other campuses in the state are located in West Jackson, Drive Monticello, and McDonough.

The Hemodialysis Patient Care Certificate at SCTC Griffin campus is a 2-term program that prepares students with acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of hemodialysis. The first term consists of courses in hemodialysis including Introduction to Health Care, Introduction to Computer Literacy, and Hemodialysis Patient Care. Students undergo a Hemodialysis Practicum in their second term to apply the knowledge and skills they gained from the coursework to actual patients in need. Inquire about the program at sctech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Blue Cliff College is a health, beauty, and trades training center with campuses in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arizona. The campus located in Houma, Louisiana has provided students with comprehensive programs and training in the healthcare, cosmetology, and skilled trades fields since 2005.

At Blue Cliff Houma, the 12-month diploma in Dialysis Technician Training is a comprehensive program offering instruction and training in preparing patients, operating dialysis machines, understanding relevant medical terms, employing safety and sterilization protocols, and proper documentation of the entire dialysis procedures. The program provides high flexibility as courses are available both online and on-campus together with hands-on training that can prepare students for a career as Dialysis Technicians or Patient Care Technicians. Visit bluecliffcollege.edu for further information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,881 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Atlanta Technical College (ATC) is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia providing academic and innovative career preparation programs. ATC was established in 1945 as Smith-Hughes Vocational School with offerings in vocational and technical education. Today, the college offers several technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees to help students succeed in their respective careers.

ATC’s Renal Dialysis Patient Care Specialist Certificate is a program offering instruction to develop the skills and gain the knowledge required to become a successful Hemodialysis Patient Care Specialist. The courses included in the curriculum are First Year Experience Seminar, Introduction to Health Care, and Hemodialysis Patient Care. In the final semester, students are required to undergo the Hemodialysis Practicum in local hospitals and dialysis centers. Graduates are eligible to sit in two national certification examinations to become a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT): Certification Exam in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) and Certification Exam in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT). Check atlantatech.edu for further information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Founded in 1964 as part of the North Carolina Community College System, Richmond Community College (RCC) is a community college offering technical academic resources and expanded programs in the field of business, finance, engineering, health sciences, and public services. RCC currently serves 10,000 students enrolled in over 60 degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

The Dialysis Technology degree at RCC is a diploma program that equips students with theoretical and clinical skills to provide the utmost care for patients diagnosed with renal disease. Students learn the basic operation of dialysis equipment along with the actual dialysis preparation and procedures in hospitals, renal dialysis facilities, and clinics through on-campus and online classes and training. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the Certification Examination for Nephrology Technicians after a year of working in the field. Read more about the curriculum at richmondcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The allied health degree programs at Lower Columbia College can lead students to a number of differing careers.  Allied health at LCC is a program for students interested in a career in healthcare along with the adjacent pathways in nursing and medical assisting.  Meanwhile, students in this learning domain can elect to follow a path in fitness or chemical dependency counseling.   Obtain admissions information from the team at Lower Columbia College today and find the perfect degree program for you. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, Blue Cliff College is a health, beauty, and trades training center where students enroll in different career-focused programs that help them succeed in their chosen field. The Gulfport campus has a wide variety of features and facilities available for student use such as 6 lecture rooms, a computer laboratory, 2 massage therapy technique laboratories, and a spa-inspired cosmetology laboratory.

The Blue Cliff Gulfport campus is the Dialysis Tech school of the college where students learn the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to help patients with kidney problems. In just 12 months, the basics of providing comfort to patients, preparing for procedures, operating dialysis machines, using medical terms, documentation of dialysis procedures, and employing safety and sterilization standards are covered in the Dialysis Technician Training. Classes and training are offered both online and on-campus to give students flexibility in planning their schedule. For more information, go to bluecliffcollege.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,881 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

With its main campus in Lakewood, Washington, Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) is a technical college offering excellent, affordable education and hands-on training facilities in its nationally accredited programs. As a member of Washington's higher-education system, CPTC has over 40 programs across its 7 schools in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health sciences, business, hospitality, science, engineering, transportation, and trades.

The Hemodialysis Technician program at CPTC is a certificate program preparing students to pursue a career as hemodialysis technicians. Students are taught the basics of operating kidney dialysis machines in outpatient settings and providing basic renal care for patients. Throughout the program which includes a practicum, students gain real-world experiences through participating in theoretical and practical preparation in the duties of a hemodialysis technician. The program which has a combination of online, classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences can be completed in three quarters. Explore the curriculum at cptc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior College (LSC) is among the 20 best community colleges in the United States. The college offers top-ranked on-campus and online programs in accounting and cybersecurity. LSC also ranks third in the Minnesota State college system among colleges with the lowest tuition rates.

LSC’s Renal Dialysis Patient Care Technician degree is a certificate program that trains students to provide exceptional renal care for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatments. Students learn the principles and overview of hemodialysis, issues related to it, and knowledge on kidney anatomy, function, and failure. During the final quarter, a clinical internship in a local hospital or dialysis facility is required to complete the program. At the end of the program, students are expected to demonstrate comprehensive theoretical knowledge and clinical skills necessary to become a successful Hemodialysis Patient Care Technician. Access the program requirements at lsc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Northcentral Technical College is a technical college located in Wausau, Wisconsin.  The main campus of NTC is located in Wausau but there are several regional centers that are established within the state which are located in Antigo, Merrill, Medford, Spencer, Phillips and Wittenberg.  A member of the Wisconsin Technical College Systems, NTC has a humble beginning. Established in 1912, it was first named Wausau Industrial School but was later renamed in 1988 with its current name.

The school offers more than 50 courses from different fields of expertise which include agriculture, community service, agriculture, general studies, public safety and health. Moreover, the school also offers more than 100 certificate programs that can be taken by first time students as well as employees who wish to take refresher courses to improve their careers. With the many courses offered by NTC, it has lived to its goal of fostering economic growth within the community.

As established in June 2013, the tuition fee rate of NTC for resident enrollees is $122 per credit hour while out-of-resident tuition is about $183 per credit unit. For students who are hard up with their finances, the school also offers financial aids.

On the other hand, students who also wish to transfer to another university can take advantage of the transfer program offered by the school. NTC holds an annual transfer event fair where students can choose to transfer to schools like the Upper Iowa University, UW-Oshkosh, Lakeland College, Bellevue University and Franklin University.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the largest public, two-year community college in Rhode Island with four main campuses in Warwick, Lincoln, Providence, and Newport and a satellite facility in Westerly. Since 1964, the college has been offering various career, vocational-technical, and academic programs for high school students, adults, and professionals.

Offered at CCRI Liston Campus at Providence, the Renal Dialysis Technology certificate program is a two-semester certificate program that prepares students in the roles of renal dialysis technicians by providing theoretical coursework and clinical preparation. Students learn the principles of renal dialysis treatments such as kidney diseases, dialysis modalities and devices, and dialyzer reprocessing and water treatment. There is also a required clinical practicum at the end of the program to provide students with the opportunity to have first-hand experiences in the field. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the National Nephrology Technician Certification Examination after working in the field for 18 months. For further information, go to ccri.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Originating from the Kalapuya word Chemeketa which means "gathering place", Chemeketa Community College is a community college located in Salem, Oregon. The college values diversity, collaboration, and innovation as reflected in educational opportunities and workforce training it provides to students to reach their academic and professional goals.

The Certificate in Renal Dialysis Technician at Chemeketa teaches the basics of working as a hemodialysis technician in hospitals and dialysis facilities. These include providing safe hemodialysis treatments in a professional manner as well as first aid and CPR.  Through a combination of classroom learning, laboratory exercises, and clinical placement in dialysis facilities, students develop the necessary skills and training to become successful hemodialysis technicians. After the program, graduates are eligible to sit for a certification exam for Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT). Get more details at chemeketa.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a public, two-year, vocational-technical college located in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With four campuses around Wisconsin namely Downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, West Allis, and Mequon, MATC offers associate degrees, accelerated programs, certificates, bilingual programs, and apprenticeships in a wide variety of fields such as healthcare, humanities and social sciences, business, engineering, and manufacturing.

At Downtown Milwaukee Campus, the Renal Dialysis Technical Diploma prepares students for a healthcare career as renal dialysis technician (RDT). The main tasks of RDTs are setting-up, checking, and maintaining of the dialysis equipment, preparing dialysate solutions, performing venipuncture, and monitoring patient responses during the dialysis procedure. Aside from career-specific courses, the program also includes credited exploratory courses outside the discipline. Prior to graduation, students undergo a series of clinical practicum in hospitals and dialysis centers. Students are then expected to master employing infection control and safety principles, operating renal dialysis treatment machines and related equipment, and providing professional care to patients. Learn more about the program at matc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Part of the Southern University System, the Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) is a two-year community college located in Shreveport, Louisiana. SUSLA was founded in 1967 with the mission to educate a skilled workforce and prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in order to enrich the community through lifelong learning.

In collaboration with the college’s affiliated dialysis centers in the area, the Dialysis Technician major offered at SUSLA is an 8-month certificate program providing classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences in the field of hemodialysis patient care. The program trains students to become licensed dialysis technicians who can give professional patient care in hospitals and dialysis facilities through a series of hemodialysis practicum in affiliated dialysis centers. The curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Hemodialysis, Renal Human Anatomy and Physiology, Hemodialysis Principles Devices & Procedures, and Hemodialysis Patient Care. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the certification exam after working 6 months in the field. More information is available at susla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Delgado Community College is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the state that offers the most comprehensive range of education options and training services in the Greater New Orleans. The college, founded in 1921, provides nearly 110 associate degree, technical diploma, and certificate programs and more than 100 non-credit courses that allow students to reach their educational and professional goals.

Offered by the Allied Health Division at Delgado, the Dialysis Technician degree is a career and technical certificate program that prepares students in administering hemodialysis treatments to patients under the supervision of a health professional. Students in the program also learn the knowledge and skills involved in prescription interpretation, dialysate preparation, dialyzer set up and maintenance, patient preparation, taking vital signs, venipuncture and local anesthesia administration, and professional standards and ethics. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the hemodialysis exam for renal/dialysis technicians through the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing Technology. Access the entire program curriculum at dcc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Renal and Dialysis Technologist Certificate Programs

Certificate programs for renal and dialysis technicians can be earned online or in a classroom-based setting from a number of accredited colleges. A certificate program can be condensed and focused or more comprehensive in nature given the curricular design of the program.

In this field of study, certificates can be earned in five months to two-years depending on your course load and requirements provided by the school. The essential elements of a dialysis program are to teach students the proper care and techniques to help take care of patients whose kidneys no longer function properly.

Students will have compassion for others, exceptional interpersonal skills, and technical skills to managing an array of ever-evolving medical equipment. Renal technicians, dialysis techs, and patient care technicians of all stripes must obtain the proper certification and training prior to entering this field.

Learning Objectives of Dialysis Techs

The overall learning objectives of a dialysis technician include technical and medical classes to help students gain mastery in a few key areas. The primary areas of emphasis include:

  • A solid understanding of physiology and anatomy of the renal system
  • Understanding the medical of renal failure and dialysis
  • Preparing patients with pre and post dialysis procedures
  • Calibrating and preparing dialysis equipment for use
  • Helping to monitor and document a patients treatment plan
  • The dialysis techs role in a hospital or clinic
  • How to properly operate a variety of dialysis devices and equipment
  • Methodologies used to protect techs and patients such as Universal Precautions and Aseptic Technique
  • Other related topics of dialysis, patient care and treatment

Employment in Renal Dialysis

Earning a degree or certificate in renal dialysis will help students garner a set of specialized skills in this medical field.  The key knowledge and skills can be used to be directly hired into a hospital or medical provider's practice.  Alternatively, students may take additional schooling or training to enter similar fields of study.  Examples of such career tracks may include any number of the following: statistical research, biological technician, material scientist, ophthalmic lab tech, chemical technician, veterinary technician, medical assistant, and clinical lab tech.

Where Do Dialysis Techs Work?

Renal and dialysis techs work in a number of medical and healthcare facilities.  The majority of dialysis techs work in three primary types of organizations: medical hospital, surgical hospital, and outpatient care centers.  In fact, nearly 85% of all dialysis technicians work in a hospital or outpatient facility.  The jobs in these organizations account for nearly 92,000 jobs in the field of study.  Other major employers of dialysis techs include working for a physician, Federal government agencies, and various healthcare facilities.

Renal Dialysis Jobs & Career Outlook

Employment growth for renal dialysis techs is expected to be twice the national average. With an expected employment bump of 13% over the next decade, nearly 43,000 new jobs for trained and certified dialysis techs will be created. Combining an in-demand job with a well paying vocation can set up students for long-term success.

National organizations and associations in renal dialysis exist to help professionals connect, invest, and grow. The three associations you should consider researching include the NRRA, National Kidney Foundation (NKF), and the KTDA. By connecting with top-tier national associations, dialysis techs have the ability to join a group of like-minded professionals. Sharing information and best practices lead to improved results along with career opportunities.

How Much to Dialysis Techs Make?

The annual income of a dialysis technician will depend on work experience, geographic location, demand of the job, job responsibilities, and various other factors.  A nationwide survey performed by the BLS indicates a the mean annual wage is $51,770 accounting for some 122,720 jobs.  The top 10% of dialysis techs make $71,290 annually while the bottom ten percent make just under twenty-seven thousand dollars a year.

States Employing the Most Dialysis Techs
California 21,330
Florida 10,600
Texas 8,750
Illinois 7,280
North Carolina 5,100
Top Paying States for Dialysis Techs
Alaska $60,430
Tennessee $58,070
Massachusetts $59,925
Washington $55,990
South Dakota $54,970

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