A Dialysis Technician:
- Sets up and operates hemodialysis machines
- Provide dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure
- Attaches dialyzer and tubing to machine to assemble for use
- Mixes dialysate, according to formula
- Prepares dialyzer with saline or heparinized solution to prepare machine for use
- Transports patient to dialysis room
- Positions patient on lounge chair at hemodialysis machine
- Takes and records patient information including predialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate
- Reviews dialysis procedure and operation of hemodialysis machine to patient before treatment to reduce anxieties.
- Cleans area of access including fistula, graft, or catheter, using antiseptic solution
- Inspects equipment settings, including pressures, conductivity, and temperature to ensure compliance with safety standards
- Starts blood flow pump at prescribed rate
- Inspects venous and arterial pressures to ensure pressures are within established limits
- Calculates fluid removal or replacement for the dialysis procedure
- Monitors patient for adverse reaction
- Checks and monitors hemodialysis machine for malfunction
- Takes and records patient's postdialysis weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate
- Handles and assembles parts, such as cannulas, tubing, catheters, connectors, and fittings
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Salary Information: Dialysis Technician
According to Salary.com, yearly salaries for Dialysis Technicians range from $23,830 to $31,733. The median salary for a Dialysis Technician salary is $27,060.
The Healthcare Career Resource Center reports that salaries can vary from $20,000 to $35,000.
Salaries for a Dialysis Technician can also be affected by work settings, education, experience and geographic location. Dialysis Technicians may earn an average of $30,500 or more in a hospital setting, while those in ambulatory services and physician offices may earn from $26,710 to $27,820.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, Dialysis Technicians with more experience can earn between $10 and $16 per hour.
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Education: Dialysis Technician
To become a Dialysis Technician, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.
Areas of study typically include physiology, anatomy, aseptic techniques, phlebotomy, and dialysis operation. While studying to be a Dialysis Technician, you will also receive supervised clinical training in a hospital, clinic, or home dialysis program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Dialysis Technicians work?
Dialysis Technicians work in hospitals, health organizations, medical facilities or companies that have dialysis units.
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How can I find a good Dialysis Technician school?
Here are some tips to help you locate a Dialysis Technician school:
- Compare programs at different schools and remember that programs vary in length depending on location, cost and course of study.
- Consider visiting one or more schools and request a tour.
- Search online for Dialysis Technician schools in your area using your zip code.
- Consider studying online and completing your studies from home.
- Ask schools for references from other students.
- Do you live or plan to relocate to the New York city area? Consider visiting the Manhattan Institute and learn more about how you can become a Dialysis Technician. Click here to learn more.
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What is the employment outlook for Dialysis Technicians?
The employment outlook is very good through the year 2012. The demand for Dialysis Technician is growing steadily and there is a need for qualified technicians. With additional experience and education, advancement is possible. Dialysis Technicians working in large dialysis units may become chief technicians. With further training, some dialysis technicians become biomedical equipment technicians.
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