How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Mississippi

The importance of dialysis technicians in the medical field cannot be overstated.

These professionals operate dialysis machines, which are critical for patients with kidney issues, ultimately extending and improving lives.

If you’re eager to learn more about this profession, you’re in the right place.

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Mississippi

Dialysis technicians in Mississippi are healthcare experts who primarily serve patients with kidney problems.

Their main tasks can be seen below:

Ensuring Dialysis Machine Functionality

Dialysis techs must guarantee the proper operation of dialysis machines, customizing the settings to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Monitoring Vital Signs

They continuously monitor patients’ vital signs to ensure their safety and well-being during the dialysis procedure.

Assisting Patients

Techs assist patients throughout the dialysis process, ensuring their comfort and addressing any concerns.

Reviewing Medical History

Reviewing patients’ medical histories is crucial to ensure no complications arise during the procedure.

Adjusting Machines

Dialysis machines may require adjustments based on individual patient requirements, which techs handle with precision.

Administering Oxygen and CPR

When necessary, they provide oxygen and perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain patient stability.

These tasks are integral to the role, and on a daily basis, the specifics may vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Mississippi

Mississippi does not impose stringent requirements for dialysis technician training and certification.

As a result, aspiring techs should follow the guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

These guidelines dictate that future dialysis technicians must:

• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Undergo training
• Obtain the necessary credentials
• Adhere to competency standards of practice
• Obtain licensure or certification
• Gain some experience in the field

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of starting employment.

Several national certifications are recognized, including:

• 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

Candidates seeking certification must pass both a written and practical examination.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Mississippi

Dialysis technicians in Mississippi must complete a training program before entering the workforce.

To begin this journey, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.

They should also pay special attention to these subjects during their high school education:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

The formal training commences at post-secondary educational institutions like vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

This phase of training delves into specific topics, including:

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

The duration of these training programs generally spans about one year.

Several institutions offer approved dialysis technician courses for students in Mississippi.

Some of these schools are seen below.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College offers a comprehensive 50-hour training program designed to equip you with the essential skills for a rewarding career as a dialysis technician.

This program provides you with two flexible options for completion:

• Online
• Offline

Mississippi residents have access to the online classes unless they travel to the state where this college is.

Study from the comfort of your own home with the online program.

Tuition for this option is $1,299, which includes the cost of ebooks.

The course must be completed within 6 months.

Auburn University

Auburn University provides a comprehensive and fully online dialysis technician program.

Courses cover:

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

Alabama State University

The online training program offered by ASU helps students to become Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) by pursuing the BONENT exam certification.

The comprehensive program carries a total tuition cost of $4,190, which can be conveniently paid in installments.

Students are granted a 12-month window to complete the program, even while learning at their own pace.

CPR training and certification are included in the course curriculum, presented by the reputable Red Cross.

The program content encompasses a wide array of subjects, including:

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

These topics are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in dialysis technology and patient care.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Mississippi

Understanding the potential income for a career path is crucial.

Dialysis technicians usually begin at an entry-level position, earning an approximate annual salary of $39,200.

For those interested in which Mississippi cities offer higher salaries for this profession, further research or reference to salary tables would be necessary.

Regional Salary in Mississippi

Dialysis Technician by State