How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Maryland

Without dialysis machines and the skilled professionals to operate them, the lives of many individuals would be significantly shortened.

This underscores the vital role of dialysis technicians in the healthcare industry.

While operating a dialysis machine may not seem glamorous, it is a highly rewarding occupation for those dedicated to assisting others in need.

If you are eager to learn more about this profession, you’ve come to the right place.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Maryland

Before pursuing any career, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the associated responsibilities.

Dialysis technicians in Maryland play a crucial role in caring for patients with kidney-related issues.

Their primary duty is to ensure the proper operation of dialysis machines and tailor their function to meet each patient’s specific requirements.

Here are some key responsibilities within this profession:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients
• Reviewing patients’ medical histories to see if they also have other conditions requiring special attention
• Adjusting dialysis machines as necessary to accommodate patients’ needs
• Administering oxygen if it’s required
• Providing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergencies

These represent some of the core duties that dialysis technicians typically perform.

It’s important to note that day-to-day responsibilities may vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Maryland

In this state, there aren’t rigid training and certification prerequisites for dialysis technicians. Instead, technicians must adhere to the guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

These guidelines stipulate the following requirements:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program
• Credentialing
• Adherence to Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of commencing employment in this profession.

A variety of national-level certifications are available through examinations offered by reputable bodies 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

Maryland’s specific regulations and guidelines for dialysis technicians are provided through the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Candidates must successfully complete both a written and practical examination.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Maryland

For prospective dialysis technicians in Maryland, embarking on this career path typically requires formal training.

The educational journey begins with the completion of high school or getting a GED.

During high school, students are encouraged to focus on subjects such as:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the core training for this profession unfolds in post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

Some of the topics covered at this stage are:

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

Some of these are listed below.

Auburn University

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

This cost encompasses access to:

• Interactive learning modules,
• Various learning exercises,
• Access to career resources,
• Round-the-clock mentoring support,
• Opportunities for national and state certifications,
• Self-paced learning.

This program is designed for self-paced learning, with students expected to fulfill their course requirements within a 6-month period.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College presents a comprehensive 50-hour training program with two flexible completion options: online and in a classroom setting.

For the online program, tuition amounts to $1,299, which includes the cost of ebooks.

This course should be successfully concluded in 6 months.

The classroom-based alternative is available for $999, covering both tuition and textbooks.

Please note that refunds apply exclusively to in-person classes.

Alabama State University

This institution provides an online training program designed to prepare students for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians exam.

The test is offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT).

This online program is accessible to students residing in other states, with the caveat that they must ensure the program aligns with their respective state’s regulations.

The full tuition for this program totals $4,190, offering an option for payment in installments.

The program spans 205 hours and can be completed within a 12-month period, even when proceeding at a self-determined pace.

CPR training and certification are integral components of the course, facilitated by the Red Cross.

Course content encompasses topics such as:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Maryland

When planning your career path, understanding the earning potential is essential.

Dialysis technicians in Maryland occupy entry-level positions in healthcare and can anticipate an annual salary averaging around $45,400.

For more detailed information on cities in Maryland where dialysis technician salaries may be higher, please refer to the salary table below.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Dialysis Technician by State