How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Ohio

Dialysis machines are operated by dialysis technicians, who play a crucial part in the field of medicine.

If you’re eager to explore this profession further in Ohio, you’ve come to the right place, so check out the article below!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Ohio

Dialysis technicians primarily work with patients who are dealing with kidney-related issues.

Their primary duty is to ensure the proper functioning of dialysis machines and to operate them in accordance with each patient’s specific needs.

There are other responsibilities associated with this job that aren’t obvious from the start.

Here are a few of them:

• Monitoring the vital signs of patients
• Assisting patients throughout the dialysis procedure
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients
• Reviewing patients’ medical history to identify potential concerns during the procedure
• Adjusting dialysis machines to suit individual patient needs
• Administering oxygen when necessary
• Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if required

In most facilities, the day-to-day duties vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Ohio

While Ohio does not impose strict training and certification requirements on dialysis technicians, they must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS outlines the prerequisites for prospective dialysis technicians, which include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Training
• Credentialing
• Competency Standards of Practice
• Licensure or certification
• Gaining work experience

Certification must be obtained within 18 months from the commencement of employment.

Aspiring dialysis technicians usually choose certification examinations recognized at the national level, like the ones below:

• 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.

Certification renewal depends on the regulations in Ohio but also on each organization offering this credential.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Ohio

Aspiring dialysis technicians in Ohio must complete formal training programs to prepare for their careers.

The journey begins with a high school diploma or GED.

In high school, prospective candidates should pay particular attention to subjects like:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

The core of the training takes place at post-secondary educational institutions such as vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes.

At these institutions, the focus shifts to more specialized areas:

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

A comprehensive training program typically spans about a year, providing students with in-depth preparation for their roles as dialysis technicians.

Below, you can find a list of institutions in Ohio that offer approved courses for this field.

Calhoun Community College

It provides a comprehensive 50-hour training program, offering two flexible modes of completion: online and in a classroom setting.

For the online option, the tuition fee is $1,299, which includes access to e-books.

This program has a six-month timeframe for completion.

On the other hand, the classroom option is available at a cost of $999, inclusive of textbooks.

Classroom sessions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, commencing at 6 p.m.

Auburn University

Auburn University extends an entirely online dialysis technician program with a tuition fee of $3,000.

This fee covers a range of resources, including:

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

Students are encouraged to complete the program within a flexible six-month duration.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University offers an online training program designed to prepare students for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) exam.

This program is open to students from various states, with the caveat that they should verify its alignment with their respective state regulations.

The full tuition cost for this program is $4,190 and can be conveniently paid in installments.

The program entails a total of 205 hours of coursework to be completed over a 12-month period, accommodating students at their own pace.

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

Some of the course modules include:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Ohio

Before embarking on a career path, it’s wise to gain insight into the potential income associated with that profession.

Dialysis technicians, typically occupying an entry-level position, earn an average annual salary of $50,100 in Ohio.

If you’re curious about which cities in Ohio offer higher salaries for dialysis technicians, consult the table below for more information.

Regional Salary in Ohio

Dialysis Technician by State