How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Oklahoma

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

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

Operating a dialysis machine might not sound glamorous, but it can be a fulfilling profession for those who are dedicated to helping others.

If you’re interested in learning more about this occupation, you’ve come to the right place, so keep reading!

Dialysis Technician Job Description in Oklahoma

Choosing a career without a clear understanding of your responsibilities isn’t a wise move.

To start, it’s essential to know that these professionals primarily work with patients who have kidney issues.

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

Additional responsibilities of this profession include:

• 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

These tasks represent some of the most common duties of a dialysis technician.

However, day-to-day responsibilities can vary.

Dialysis Technician Requirements in Oklahoma

The state does not impose strict training and certification requirements for dialysis technicians, so they must adhere to guidelines provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS outlines the following requirements for aspiring dialysis technicians:

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

Certification must be obtained within 18 months of starting employment.

Several national-level 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.

The Alaska Board of Nursing provides limited guidelines for this profession.

Candidates are typically required to pass both written and practical exams.

Dialysis Technician Training Schools in Oklahoma

Dialysis technicians in Oklahoma must complete a training program before seeking employment.

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

In high school, candidates should focus on subjects like:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

However, the core training takes place in post-secondary educational institutions like:

• Vocational schools
• Community colleges
• Technical institutes

In these institutions, 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 a suitable training program usually takes about a year.

Below are some of the approved institutions offering dialysis technician courses in Oklahoma:

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College provides a comprehensive 50-hour training program designed for aspiring dialysis technicians.

You have two options for program completion:

Online Format

This option comes at a tuition cost of $1,299, which includes e-books.

The program must be successfully completed within a 6-month timeframe.

Classroom Format

The in-person alternative costs $999, and the fee encompasses the cost of textbooks.

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

It’s worth noting that refunds are only applicable for in-person class registrations.

Auburn University

Auburn University offers a fully online dialysis technician program.

The $3,000 tuition fee includes a range of resources:

• 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 expected to complete their classes within a maximum of 6 months.

Alabama State University

Alabama State University provides an online training program tailored for individuals preparing for the Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT) test.

The online format makes it accessible to students from other states, though they must ensure it complies with their state’s regulations.

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

The program consists of 205 hours of coursework, which can be completed at your own pace within 12 months.

CPR training and certification are incorporated into the course and are offered by the Red Cross.

Some of the course topics include:

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

Dialysis Technician Salary in Oklahoma

Understanding your potential income before entering a profession is crucial.

Dialysis technicians typically hold entry-level positions and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,200.

For a breakdown of salaries in different Oklahoma cities, please refer to the table below.

Regional Salary in Oklahoma

Dialysis Technician by State