Medical Assisting Career
— and Related Allied Health Care Professional Disciplines

Hemodialysis Technician's Career Choices

Hemodialysis Technician

In recent years, the Medical Assisting profession has become indispensable to many areas in the healthcare field. Not only have physicians become more reliant on medical assistants, but their services are also being requested by hospitals, clinics, medical reference laboratories, nursing homes and renal dialysis centers. Hemodialysis technicians receive patient into treatment area, weigh them, take their temperature and blood pressure before and after the dialysis process. Hemodialysis technicians review dialysis orders and document general physical and mental condition of the patients through observation and interview, review lab work and obtain blood samples and culture specimens.

Hemodialysis Technician's Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of a RN the hemodialysis technician sets up and monitors dialysis machines and systems for correct functioning, responds to visual and audible alarms during the dialysis treatment and dismantles, cleans and disinfects dialysis machines and equipment after the procedure.

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Training: Classroom instruction typically includes principles of dialysis, anatomy and physiology of the kidney, fluid and electrolyte balance, hematologic aspects, infectious diseases, dialysis systems and equipment, vascular access to circulation, routine aspects of hemodialysis, dietary regulation, blood chemistries, complications of renal failure, psychosocial aspects and an overview of the peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation.

There are three credentialing programs for hemodialysis technicians.

Externship: An externship usually concludes the training. It includes instruction and hands-on experience in the preparation of artificial kidneys, physical assessments, universal precautions, fluid management, initiating and concluding dialysis, access to circulation, patient equipment monitoring and the treatment of routine hemodialysis problems: National Hemodialysis Certification Prep-Test.

Education: High School, moderate-term on-the-job training, postsecondary vocational award (diploma), CPR certification.

Projected Growth: %

Earnings: $45,000-$75,000 depending on experience

More Information: U.S. Department of Labor

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