Dialysis Technician
DT-11013
600 Clock Hours
| Theory |
385 Hours |
| Lab |
95 Hours |
| Externship |
120 Hours |
| Total |
600 Hours |
Program Objective
The Dialysis Technician program is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to the field of hemodialysis and the skills required for entry-level employment as a Dialysis Technician. Classroom instruction 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, dietary regulation, blood chemistries, complications of renal failure, psychosocial aspects, and an overview of peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation.
Upon completion of the Dialysis Technician program, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam of the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to become Certified Dialysis Technician.
Occupational Information
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 and operate the kidney dialysis machines. Dialysis technicians carefully monitor and record weight and vital signs before, during, and after the blood cleansing procedures. Because dialysis technicians work with blood, they must exercise strict safety precautions against infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS.
Course Descriptions
Students learn theory, practice skills in a lab setting, and participate in a clinic experience. Students complete a separate course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - heart saver level in order to graduate.
| Course Number |
Program Breakdown By Course |
Theory |
Lab |
Clock Hours |
| FEI 100 |
Introduction to today’s Health Care Environment |
90 |
0 |
90 |
| Occupational Completion point HSC0003 |
|
|
90 |
| DT 100 |
Patient communication in Dialysis setting |
30 |
0 |
30 |
| FEI 170 |
Employability Skill and Basic Keyboard |
15 |
10 |
25 |
| DT 110 |
IIntroduction to Hemodialysis |
60 |
0 |
60 |
| DT 120 |
Renal Anatomy & Physiology |
60 |
0 |
60 |
| DT 130 |
Hemodialysis Principles Devices & Procedures |
40 |
40 |
80 |
| Occupational Completion Point MLT0368 |
|
|
255 |
| DT 200 |
Hemodialysis Practicum |
0 |
40 |
40 |
| DT 210 |
Dialyzer Reprocessing |
15 |
20 |
35 |
| DT 220 |
Water Treatment |
20 |
15 |
35 |
| DT 230 |
Laboratory Procedures |
20 |
10 |
30 |
| DT 240 |
Quality Assurance And Safety |
35 |
0 |
35 |
| DT 300 |
Externship |
0 |
80 |
80 |
| Occupational Completion Point MLT0369 |
|
|
280 |
| Total |
600 |
Prerequisite
Introduction to Today's Health Care Environment; or prior completion of ninety (90) hours Health Science Core is required.
Award
Diploma
Externship
The externship 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 in accordance with dialysis procedures.
