What does a Dialysis Technician do?
Kidney dialysis is the process of filtering wastes and toxins from the blood. It’s a common treatment for patients experiencing kidney failure or suffering from end-stage renal disease. Dialysis Technicians’ work can help extend patients’ lives and allow them to enjoy a higher quality of life.
When they perform the duties specified in a Hemodialysis Technician job description, they promote patient satisfaction rates and reduce medical errors. As a result, Dialysis Technicians contribute to the overall success of the hospitals, clinics, home health care providers and private practices that employ them.
Dialysis Technician skills and qualifications
Carrying out the duties established in a Dialysis Technician job description requires certain skills and qualifications, such as:
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Understanding of urinary system anatomy and the symptoms and causes of kidney failure and kidney disease
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Interpersonal skills to foster trust and interact with patients and coworkers positively
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Familiarity with the operation, cleaning and maintenance of kidney dialysis machines
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Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot dialysis machines
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Observational skills to monitor patients and identify potential risks to patient safety
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Multitasking and organizational skills to care for multiple patients
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Ability to move heavy equipment and transfer patients to and from chairs, recliners or beds
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Computer skills to use email, medical records management and other software programs
Dialysis Technician experience requirements
How much experience a Dialysis Technician needs to succeed in your open position depends largely on the working environment and conditions. If your new hire joins an established team, they may not need experience beyond their clinical education. If you’re short-staffed or care for a high volume of patients, a Technician may benefit from several years of work experience. You may wish to make several years of relevant work history a requirement or preference in your Hemodialysis Technician job description if your position involves administering dialysis care independently in patients’ homes.
Dialysis Technician education and training requirements
The minimum education necessary for a Dialysis Technician is typically a post-secondary certificate. You may prefer to hire candidates who have earned voluntary certification, such as the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT) designation awarded by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) or the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) credential granted by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). To ensure they can respond to medical emergencies, Hemodialysis Technicians also benefit from having Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or another organization.
Dialysis Technician salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dialysis Technician is $62,743 per year. However, a Technician’s salary may depend on their location, education, work experience and certification status.
Dialysis Technician salary expectations
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Common salary:
27.42 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
12.30 -48.30 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Dialysis Technician job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a Dialysis Technician and a Dialysis Nurse?
Dialysis Nurses and Technicians care for dialysis patients. However, Dialysis Nurses generally have more training and education. They may supervise the Dialysis Technicians who administer dialysis treatments. In addition, Nurses’ duties often include working with Physicians to develop patient treatment plans and educating patients on care between dialysis sessions.
How can I make my Hemodialysis Technician job description stand out?
To attract candidates to your Dialysis Technician job description, consider summarizing the key benefits of working for your organization in a bulleted list. Mention perks, such as flexible working hours, continuing education stipends and health, dental and vision insurance.
What qualities make for a good Dialysis Technician?
A good Dialysis Technician may enjoy helping others. Empathy and patience can help ensure positive patient interactions, and the ability to remain calm is beneficial when medical emergencies arise.
What’s the difference between a Dialysis Technician and a Home Health Aide?
While both positions involve patient care, Home Health Aides offer more generalized personal care to support patients’ daily needs.
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