Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs

In the past, getting an education once you already had a job and family was nearly impossible.

With all the responsibilities you had, even finding time to sleep or eat could be a problem.

Fortunately, a solution has become available in the way of online learning.

Dialysis technicians are greatly needed today and appear to be a growing demand as our population gets ever older.

Those who follow this career must not only be able to understand what dialysis involves but must also understand how a chronic, life-threatening disease affects the patient.

They must then do their best to provide support, comfort, and care for the individual throughout their journey.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a dialysis technician through online programs.

Benefits of Online Dialysis Technician Programs

Access to the Perfect Training Program for You

With the entire country as your shopping ground, you don’t have to settle for a program that doesn’t meet your needs.

When you take an online dialysis technician course, you literally have the choice of every available program in the country.

Living in more rural areas or smaller towns, your choices are often limited or none.

You miss out or have to travel to another location.

If you study online, you can take the courses you want from the comfort of your own couch.

Adaptability Makes Success More Likely

With online programs, you aren’t forced into attending classes that may not be at a convenient time.

They may interfere with the hours of your regular job, be scheduled at a time when you aren’t at your best mentally or physically, or be in an inconvenient location.

Online dialysis technician programs are created for you to arrange your own study schedule.

You can review your video lessons at 6 AM or midnight.

You get to choose, and that makes it much more likely that you will continue until you complete the course.

You Can Learn on Your Own Terms

Do you focus on lectures better when you are doing something else?

Is the couch a much more comfortable place to sit than a hard classroom chair?

Do you feel like staying in your pajamas all day? Maybe you require frequent breaks to maintain focus.

All of these are possible when you pursue an online dialysis technician program.

You set your own hours, location, and comfort level.

You decide what style of learning is most beneficial for you and can focus more on that.

As long as you pass the tests, there is nobody telling you that you aren’t learning properly.

You Save Money, Time, and Stress

Traveling to and from classes takes a lot of time.

There is the stress of traffic and bad weather.

Your vehicle needs gas and the tires wear out.

All of this can add up to you wondering if getting your education is really worth the effort.

When you take an online dialysis technician program, you don’t have to worry about any of those things.

You can approach your studies fresh and with a clear mind.

The Satisfaction Is Greater When You Do It on Your Own

Taking an online program will require you to be your own motivator.

You will learn to problem-solve on your own, design your own study pattern, and figure out where you need more instruction or what material you processed the first time.

All of these things translate into you being the main reason you accomplish the completion of the online dialysis technician program and that creates a feeling unlike any that you can get when someone else pushes you to complete something.

Drawbacks of Online Dialysis Technician Programs

Feelings of Isolation May Be Overwhelming

Traditional programs allow you to be near others who are pursuing the same goal.

You can see and hear them.

They understand the frustrations and the accomplishments.

When you study online, you may miss this connection if you are an extrovert who treasures the feedback of others.

It is important to find a way to connect if that connection is important to you.

Seek an online support group or student study group.

If one doesn’t exist, create it.

There are bound to be others out there who want the same connection.

Technical Issues May Be a Problem

Access to your classes and resources requires a reliable internet setting and a computer device that can handle the work.

You will need to be able to troubleshoot any problems in this area if you are to continue an online course.

Make sure you have a backup available.

And it won’t hurt if you or a friend are able to work on electronics if things go wrong.

You Don’t Get the Hands-on Experience

Becoming a dialysis technician requires that you can physically do a lot of things like draw blood and set up the machine.

Traditional, in-person programs often have labs you can use and allow practice sessions.

If you are taking an online program, you won’t have that same access and may have to look elsewhere for the chance to get this needed experience.

This is also an issue for people who mainly learn by doing rather than reading.

You Need a Great Deal of Self-Control

If you need external pressure to get started on things or to keep you focused, an online dialysis technician program may not be for you.

You will need to set a schedule and make sure you keep to it.

You will need to be adamant about setting boundaries on your time and space and stick with enforcing them.

You will need to be able to pass up the fun thing that comes up if you have a test that needs to be studied for.

Self-control will be your biggest asset in this type of program.

Access to the Instructor May Be Limited

With an in-person class, you can often raise your hand to ask for clarification of a point and get an answer immediately.

With online classes, nobody is going to see your raised hand.

You will need to message the professor and wait for them to get around to answering, which may be a day or two later.

You will need to learn patience or learn how to seek out answers for yourself.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs – Summary Table

Benefits of Online Dialysis Technician Programs	Drawbacks of Online Dialysis Technician Programs
Access to the Perfect Training Program for You	Feelings of Isolation May Be Overwhelming
Adaptability Makes Success More Likely	Technical Issues May Be a Problem
You Can Learn on Your Own Terms	You Don't Get the Hands-on Experience
You Save Money, Time, and Stress	You Need a Great Deal of Self-Control
The Satisfaction Is Greater When You Do It on Your Own	Access to the Instructor May Be Limited

What Courses Are in an Online Dialysis Technician Program?

There are several key classes that you will need to get through in an online dialysis technician program.

You will get an intro class into medical terminology and the general anatomy of the renal system.

This will also include information on HIPAA compliance and how to draw blood.

An in-depth kidney class will also be included.

This class will cover what diseases kidneys are subject to.

It will cover the stages of kidney disease, the history of dialysis, and the mental health care of a dialysis patient.

It may also include the nutritional needs of dialysis patients and how to comfort the patient’s fears and answer their questions.

You will undergo training on the set-up and troubleshooting of the dialysis equipment.

There will be a course on test preparation to help you prepare for your certification exam.

Can You Earn a Dialysis Technician Certification Completely Online?

You can take the initial courses for dialysis technicians online and can even take the certification test online.

However, you will need to have hands-on experience in order to get your license and will need to find a way to get those experience hours in at a local hospital or clinic.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dialysis Technician Certification Online?

The typical online dialysis technician takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

While there are programs that promise you can complete it sooner, they may not be programs that are recognized as legitimate.

How Much Does an Online Dialysis Technician Program Certification Cost?

The cost will vary between programs and can run anywhere from $1300 to #3000.

On average, the entire course normally costs approximately $2500 plus the cost of books.

Types of Dialysis Technician Certifications

There are two different licenses you can get once you finish an online dialysis technician program.

The one you get will depend upon the test you take.

The two certifications are:

• CHT or Certified Hemodialysis Technician
• CCNT or Certified Clinical Nephrology Technician

Other experience may enable you to take these tests, but these are the two that are nationally recognized and sought by medical facilities.

4 Self-Study Tips for Dialysis Technician Online Programs

1. Create goals and rewards to keep yourself motivated.

Set up places such as the end of a unit, a test, or even so many days of sticking to your study schedule, and give yourself a reward.

It can be as simple as your favorite snack, watching a special movie, or going to lunch with a friend.

2. Set aside a quiet study time and place.

Having one special place set aside for studying will allow your brain to make the connection that when you are there, you must learn.

Make sure to turn off your phone and let others know you can’t be bothered when you are there.

3. Connect with other students whenever possible.

Seek out other students who are studying online and create a support system of like-minded individuals who understand what you are doing.

4. Be consistent in your studying.

Set a schedule and stick with it. Maybe you want to do it all in one day a week or spread it out daily or every other day.

The point is to make it consistent so your mind and body become prepared to learn at that time.

Schools Offering Online Dialysis Technician Training Programs

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a career that allows you to feel like you truly make a difference, becoming a dialysis technician may be perfect for you.

Taking an online course will allow you to pursue your training while still having time to take care of life’s obligations such as a current job and family and pet care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dialysis technicians truly in demand?

There are over 700,000 people on dialysis in the United States.

Our population is consistently getting older.

This means that the numbers will continue to rise.

This is definitely a field that will only grow.

What are the steps to becoming a dialysis technician?

Once you get a GED or high school diploma, you will need to complete a dialysis technician program at a state-approved school.

You will then need to take a test and pass it to earn your national certification and undergo an internship or other experience.

Where do I get the licensing test to become a dialysis technician?

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) is a nationally recognized organization that gives certification tests for dialysis technicians.

They administer both the CHT and the CHBT.

It is important to check both their requirements to enable you to sit for a test and to also check your state regulations.

You will be allowed to take the test online and most online dialysis technician programs include one paid test voucher at the completion of their program.

Are online dialysis technician programs eligible for financial aid?

Unfortunately, many dialysis technician programs are not for credit.

This means they are not eligible for most financial aid programs.

There are other alternatives, however, so don’t let this deter you.

Some local social service agencies work with low-income people to help them get trained and will cover the cost of a program.

If you work in a medical setting, the hospital or organization may be willing to pay for further training.

Finally, most online dialysis technician programs will allow you to set up a payment plan that will make paying easier.