What Do Dialysis Technicians Do?
Dialysis technicians operate dialysis machines that help sustain patients who have damaged kidneys. The machines remove waste and excess fluids from the blood of patients whose kidneys can no longer carry out those functions. Dialysis patients generally use a dialysis machine for about four hours, three times a week.
Dialysis technicians are also referred to as renal dialysis technicians, hemodialysis technicians, and nephrology technicians. These technicians prepare patients for dialysis, monitor them and the machine during dialysis, and perform required procedures when dialysis is completed. Dialysis technicians also carefully monitor and record the weight and vital signs of patients before, during, and after the blood cleansing procedures. In addition, dialysis technicians may instruct patients about in-home treatments.
Where Do Dialysis Technicians Work?
Dialysis technicians work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians and are employed in dialysis facilities located in hospitals, out-patient facilities, assisted living and nursing homes, and home dialysis programs. Technicians generally work around 40 hours a week.
What Do Dialysis Technicians Earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish employment and earnings data for dialysis technicians. According to salary.com, the median salary for dialysis technicians in the United States is approximately $43,500, slightly lower than the median salary of $46,400 in New York State. In NYS, dialysis technicians in the 25th percentile make approximately $41,600 while those in the 75th percentile make approximately $52,000.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Supply and Demand
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 26 million American adults have kidney disease and millions of others are at increased risk. High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension, and family history of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.
A trend toward replacing nephrology nurses with dialysis technicians wherever possible will increase the number of jobs available for dialysis technicians. In addition, as treatments for kidney disease improve, patients live longer and consequently require dialysis for longer periods of time. All these factors point to a strong job market for dialysis technicians.
Educational/Licensure Requirements
Dialysis technicians must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and then must complete an approved training program. Many of these programs are available through technical and vocational schools and community colleges as part of an associate degree in nephrology or medical technology.
New York does not require licensure for dialysis technicians, however the state requires the completion of a state-approved program from a state college, vocational school, or a health care provider. Such programs generally educate dialysis technicians regarding first aid, safety skills, hygiene, and dialysis equipment maintenance.
Education Programs in New York (subject to change)
| Dialysis 4 Career 50 Clinton Street, Suite 606 Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 292-2966 |
NY Medical Career Training Center 50 36-09 Main Street 5th Floor Flushing NY 11354 (718)-460-1717 |
| New Age Training 145 West 30th Street New York, NY 10001 (212) 947-7940 |
Dialysis Training Institute of Excellence 831 Merrick Road Baldwin, NY 11510 (516) 705-4637 |
Additional Web Links
For more information on dialysis technicians, go to
The American Society of Nephrology: http://www.asn-online.org/
The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT): http://www.bonent.org/
National Nephrology Certification Organization: https://www.nncc-exam.org/
The National Kidney Foundation: http://www.kidney.org/
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