How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Alaska

Without dialysis machines and people to operate them, the lives of many people would end much faster.

This shows the importance of dialysis technicians in the medical industry.

Manipulating a dialysis machine may not sound glamorous, however, it can be a rewarding occupation for those who want to help others.

If you want to know more about this job, this is the right place to find out as much as possible, so read on!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Alaska

Choosing an occupation without knowing what your duties will be, doesn’t sound wise.

The first thing to know is that these technicians work with patients who have kidney issues.

Their main duty is to ensure the functionality of the dialysis machine and to operate it according to the patient’s needs.

Here are some other responsibilities of this profession:

• Monitor the vital signs of the patients
• Assisting the patients during the procedure
• Ensuring patients are safe and comfortable
• Reviewing their medical history
• To make sure there are no other conditions that need to be taken care of during the procedure
• Adjusting the dialysis machines depending on the needs of the patients
• Administering oxygen – if needed
• Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – if needed

These are some of the most common job duties of a dialysis tech.

On a day-to-day basis, these responsibilities could vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Alaska

In Alaska, Those who want to embark on this journey are under the jurisdiction of the private sector.

Furthermore, those needing treatments can receive them through three different healthcare systems:

• The private sector,
• The military,
• The Alaskan Tribal Health System

There are no strict dialysis technician training and certification requirements in this state, so these techs must follow the instructions set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS says that future dialysis techs need:

• High school diploma or GED
• Training
• Credentialing
• Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification
• 6 months of experience or 1,000 hours of clinical practice.

The certification must be acquired within 18 months of commencing employment.

Through these next tests, candidates will obtain certifications recognized at the national level:

• 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

The few guidelines available in Alaska for this occupation come from the Alaska Board of Nursing.

For instance, candidates have to pass both a written test and a practical one.

Those who become certified will have to:

• Complete some continuing education courses every 2 years
• Pass the recertification exam every 4 years

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Alaska

We already established that dialysis technicians in Alaska must complete a training program before searching for a job.

Their first step is to graduate from high school or to obtain a GED.

In high school, candidates must pay extra attention to these subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the real training starts in post-secondary educational institutions, such as vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

Now, their focus will shift towards 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

It usually takes about a year to complete an appropriate training program.

There are 18 non-profit networks that provide training for those who dream of a career in the medical field, especially as a dialysis technician.

In Alaska, there are currently no schools offering training for dialysis techs.

Candidates can attend online classes offered by out-of-state institutions, like the ones seen below.

Auburn University

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

This fee includes:

• Interactive learning modules
• Learning exercises
• Career resources
• Lab access
• 24/7 mentoring
• Opportunities for national and state certifications
• Self-paced learning

Students are expected to finish their classes within a maximum of 6 months.

Alabama State University

ASU offers an online training program tailored for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam, administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

The program is open to students from various states, but they should verify if it aligns with their state’s specific regulations.

The total tuition for this program amounts to $4,190, which can be paid in convenient installments.

The program encompasses 205 hours of study, and students have a 12-month window to complete it, even when studying at their own pace.

An essential component of the course includes CPR training and certification, delivered by the Red Cross.

The curriculum covers various topics, including:

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

Calhoun Community College

This college provides a 50-hour training program with two available formats:

• Online:
  • This option costs $1,299, which includes ebooks.
  • The program must be completed within 6 months.
• Classroom:
  • The classroom option is priced at $999 and also includes textbooks.
  • Classes are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, starting at 6 p.m.

Please note that you can ask for a refund only for the classes taking place in person.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Alaska

I think it’s important to know your possible income before starting any career path.

Dialysis techs hold an entry-level position and they earn roughly $48,000 annually.

If you want to know in which cities in Alaska salaries are higher, have a look at the table below!

Regional Salary in Alaska

Dialysis Technician by State