How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Arizona

Without dialysis machines and skilled operators, many lives would face a significantly shortened lifespan.

This underscores the vital role of dialysis technicians within the healthcare field.

While operating a dialysis machine may not appear glamorous, it can be a fulfilling profession for those who aspire to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

For those interested in learning more about this occupation, you’ve come to the right place, so read on!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Arizona

Choosing a profession without understanding your responsibilities isn’t a wise decision.

To begin with, dialysis technicians in Arizona work with patients who are dealing with kidney-related problems.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines and operate them according to each patient’s specific needs.

Here are some additional duties associated with this profession:

• Monitoring patients’ vital signs.
• Assisting patients during the dialysis procedure.
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients.
• Reviewing patients’ medical histories to identify any additional conditions that require attention during the procedure.
• Adjusting dialysis machines based on individual patient requirements.
• Administering oxygen if necessary.
• Providing basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if needed.

These represent some of the most common responsibilities of dialysis technicians, though their day-to-day tasks may vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Arizona

In Arizona, individuals pursuing a career as dialysis technicians fall under the purview of the private sector.

While there are no rigid training and certification prerequisites for dialysis technicians in the state, these professionals must adhere to guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

According to the CMS, prospective dialysis technicians in Arizona should have:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Training.
• Credentials
• Competency standards.
• Licensure or certification.

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment.

Candidates can pursue nationally recognized certifications through examinations such as:

• 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 regulations pertaining to this occupation in Arizona originate from the Arizona Board of Nursing, which includes passing both a written and practical examination.

Certified professionals must also complete continuing education courses every two years and pass a recertification exam every four years.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Arizona

Dialysis technicians in Arizona must undergo training before entering the workforce.

The first step is obtaining a high school diploma or GED, with a focus on subjects such as biology, chemistry, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

The formal training occurs in post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

During this training, students delve into 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

Completing an appropriate training program typically takes around one year.

Below, you can find a list of approved institutions offering dialysis technician courses in Arizona.

Phoenix College Downtown

The dialysis technician training course offered by the Phoenix College Downtown has a duration of 62 hours.

The program is a good start for several positions in the healthcare system, such as registered nurses, phlebotomists, patient care technicians, and others.

The tuition for the class is $999 and you’ll receive the books and some materials.

Those who want to enroll in this course will need to:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have prior patient care experience

Auburn University

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

This comprehensive program encompasses interactive learning modules, learning exercises, access to career resources, laboratory components, 24/7 mentoring, and the potential for national and state certification.

Students are expected to complete their coursework within a 6-month timeframe.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University presents an online training program designed to prepare students for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

This program is accessible to students from various states, contingent upon compliance with their respective state regulations.

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

Students have 12 months to complete the 205-hour program, even when progressing at their own pace.

Additionally, CPR training and certification, provided by the Red Cross, are included in the curriculum.

Course subjects encompass the cardiovascular system, urinary system, endocrine system, reproductive system, infection control, and principles of hemodialysis.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Arizona

Understanding your potential income is crucial when considering a career path.

Dialysis technicians typically begin at an entry-level position with an average annual salary of approximately $43,100 in Arizona.

If you’re interested in knowing which cities in Arizona offer higher salaries, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Dialysis Technician by State