Dialysis Technician

Overview

The Dialysis Technician program at the Medical Training Institute of New York provides students with the opportunity to study the principles of dialysis and the anatomy and physiology of the kidney. We also cover fluid and electrolyte balance, hematologic aspects, infectious diseases, dialysis systems and equipment, vascular access to the circulation, dietary regulation, blood chemistries, complications of renal failure, psychosocial aspects, and an overview of peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation.

The program prepares students to work under the supervision of other medical professionals, such as physicians and registered nurses. If you are interested in becoming a dialysis technician, our program could be right for you.

What is Dialysis

Dialysis is the process of removing toxins, excess water, and solutes from the blood in individuals with kidneys that cannot perform this function on their own. Complicated medical processes like this require a specialized professional to administer treatment.

Two Types of Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys have already failed due to disease complications. The two major types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, an artificial kidney is used to remove waste and extra chemicals and fluid from a person’s blood. In peritoneal dialysis, blood is cleaned inside the body through a catheter placed into the abdomen, which will then be slowly filled with dialysate. Dialysis technicians can make sure that you undergo a safe procedure.

What does a dialysis technician do?

A dialysis technician is a medical professional who administers the dialysis procedure. Technicians work under the supervision of a nurse or physician who accompanies the patient during treatment.

Dialysis technician responsibilities

A dialysis technician works closely with patients and other medical professionals and is responsible for a wide variety of duties, some of which include:

Assembling the dialysis machine
Maintaining a sterile treatment environment
Ensuring dialysis machines work properly before treatment begins
Observing patients during treatment to monitor for signs of medical emergencies
Making alterations to treatment to maintain safe application
Working with nurses and doctors to administer the correct treatment for each individual
Explaining the dialysis process to patients and their families
Teaching patients about additional health care to enhance positive dialysis results
Prep patients and give local anesthesia
Create written reports on patient progress for doctors

Skills required for dialysis technicians

In addition to the skills needed to properly operate complicated medical technology, a dialysis technician requires a range of soft skills to successfully perform the job. The most common skills include:

Attention to detail

Medical roles require a keen eye to notice details and prevent potential errors that could be life-threatening. Dialysis treatment requires technicians to follow a specific set of instructions. They make adjustments based on their recognition of physical changes in the patient and directions from their supervisor.

Multitasking

During treatment, a dialysis technician monitors multiple details including the patient's well-being and functions of the dialysis machine. They also must be mindful of other responsibilities that require their attention, such as writing reports and speaking with staff and the patient's family members.

Teamwork

A dialysis technician is part of a larger group of medical staff. Each professional in this group must work together effectively and orderly to provide the best medical care possible to every dialysis patient.

Compassion Working with those who are ill requires meaningful empathy skills. Dialysis technicians are closely involved with patients in often difficult times and need to connect with them, provide reassurance and respond to their needs in a caring manner.

Communication

Dialysis technicians must have exceptional communication skills. Before treatment, they will walk patients through the process and need to clearly explain how it works. They also need to communicate with the patient during treatment when adjustments are made and be able to answer patient questions thoroughly.

Communication is also important between dialysis technicians and other medical staff to report on the progress and current physical condition of the patient, both verbally and in written reports.

Program Summary

Course Overview

Course overview

This course prepares students for an entry-level position as a Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) with the required skills, knowledge, and values to function as members of the clinical care team in both chronic (outpatient) and hospital (acute) settings. The course content includes but is not limited to defined CHT skills, interpersonal skills, legal and ethical considerations in healthcare, and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Our Dialysis Technician program provides students with the opportunity to study the principles of dialysis and the anatomy and physiology of the kidney. We also cover fluid and electrolyte balance, hematologic aspects, infectious diseases, dialysis systems and equipment, vascular access to the circulation, dietary regulation, blood chemistries, complications of renal failure, psychosocial aspects, and an overview of peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation.

Program Schedule Guidelines