Dialysis Technician

 Dialysis Technicians operate machines that remove waste and excess fluids from the blood of patients whose kidneys can no longer carry out those functions. Dialysis technicians are also referred to as renal dialysis technicians, hemodialysis technicians, or nephrology technicians.

They work under the supervision of physicians, primarily in hospitals and clinics. Dialysis technicians must fully understand the operation of the kidney dialysis machines. They are responsible for their operation, cleaning, and sterilization. They must also fully understand their patients' needs. Dialysis technicians carefully monitor and record weight and vital signs before, during, and after the blood cleansing procedures. Additionally, they instruct patients about in-home treatments. Because dialysis technicians work with blood, they must exercise strict safety precautions against infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS.

DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN CREDENTIAL EXAMINATIONS

  NNCC

  The NNCC offers the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) examination. A joint task force of the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT) and the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA) initiated the development of this examination. Technicians are eligible to take the CCHT examination with a suggested minimum of six months experience in nephrology technology. NANT recognizes the CCHT examination as a valid measure of basic competency for hemodialysis patient care technicians.

BONENT  

The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers an examination for Hemodialysis Technician Certification, leading to the Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) designation. Technicians are eligible to take the CHT exam with a minimum of 12 months experience in nephrology technology. NANT recognizes the CHT examination as a valid measure of technical proficiency for all hemodialysis technicians.

  NNCO

The National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO) offers two examinations: Clinical Nephrology Technology, leading to the Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) designation and Biomedical Nephrology Technology, leading to the Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) designation. Technicians are eligible to take the CCNT and CBNT exams with a minimum of 12 months experience in nephrology technology. NANT recognizes the CCNT examination as a valid measure of current competence in the specialized area of practice of patient care hemodialysis technicians.