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Dialysis Technician Program

Dialysis Technician Dialysis Technicians, also called Hemodialysis or Renal Dialysis Technicians, operate kidney dialysis machines, which filter normal waste products and excess fluids from the blood of patients whose kidneys can no longer perform this function. Dialysis Technicians are responsible for direct patient care. While it is troubling that kidney failure is a growing national health problem, kidney disease continues to drive the growing demand for Dialysis Technicians. As a Dialysis Technician, you are the person providing direct patient care within the dialysis unit. Under the direction of senior technicians, nurses and doctors, Dialysis Technicians play a vital role as part of the dialysis team. Dialysis Technicians initiate, monitor, and discontinue dialysis treatments for the renal failure patient. Dialysis Technicians – Employment & Education Dialysis Technicians are employed in hospitals, out patient clinics and other medial facilities. The demand for Dialysis Technicians continues to grow and is expected to grow at a steady pace over the next several years. This high demand is on the increase due to an aging population resulting in an increase in kidney disease. While historically, this position was trained on the job, today’ s employers are seeking well trained individuals that possess knowledge in the field of dialysis. Educational Requirements Students should have a high school diploma or GED. There is no national or state certification objective and or outcome associated with this program. Additionally, there is no clinical externship arranged or offered as part of this program. Dialysis Technician Program This 50-hour Dialysis Technician Program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of Dialysis Technicians. This introduction to the field of hemodialysis will provide the necessary introduction to dialysis which is required for all aspiring Dialysis Technicians. This program will provide you with a foundation to pursue a career in the field of hemodialysis.

Detailed Course Information: Knowledge and use of aseptic techniques and standard precautions Renal physiology and the pathology of renal failure Perform, and record physical measurements including weight and vital signs both pre, intra and post treatment Evaluate and perform vascular access to circulation Principles of hemodialysis Hematological aspects Dialyzer reuse preparation Basic body chemistry, fluid and electrolyte balance Dialyzers, dialysate and the delivery systems Clinical manifestations of end stage renal disease Routine aspects of hemodialysis Dietary regulation Medication problems and dialysis Acute renal failure and dialysis Kidney transplantation Peritoneal dialysis Diabetes and hemodialysis Psychological aspects of dialysis therapy Pediatric hemodialysis End stage renal disease in the elderly Management of quality in dialysis care Laboratory date: analysis and interpretation Understand composition of dialysate solution Anticoagulation and heparin administration Knowledge of the components of blood that are important in hemodialysis Handling of hazardous materials

 

Learning Objectives & Outcomes
Dialysis Technician Program – 50 Hours

Lecture Topics	Detailed Overview
Basic Dialysis Theory	Excretory Functions of the Normal Kidney, Maintain fluid Balance, Maintain Electrolyte Balance, Maintain Acid-Base Balance, Eliminating Toxins, Maintaining Fluid Balance in Hemodialysis, Maintaining Electrolyte Balance and Removing Toxins in Hemodialysis, Maintaining Acid - Base Balance in Hemodialysis, Replacement of Normal Kidney Function with Hemodialysis
The Patient	Anatomy of the Urinary System, Blood Supply, Nerve Supply, Lymphatic Flow, Microscopic Structure of the Kidney, Renal Tubules, Function  of the Nephron, Regulations of Acid-Base Balance, Hormone Secretions by the Kidney and Other Functions, Confidentiality/HIPAA
Overview and Cause of Renal Failure	Acute Renal Failure, Chronic Renal Failure, Infections, Autoimmune Disorders, Renovascular Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, Renal Carcinomas, Obstructive and Congenital Disorders
Vascular Access	Internal Accesses, External Accesses, Understanding Ports in  Dialysis Therapy
Dialyzers	Coil Dialyzers, Parallel Plate Dialyzer, Hollow-fiber Artificial Kidney, Hemodialysis Membrane Material, Membrane Characteristics, Membrane Permeability Descriptions, Solute Removal, Ultrafiltration Rates, Conventional Dialyzers, High Efficiency Dialyzers, High Flux Dialyzers
Initiation of Dialysis	Pre-Dialysis Safety Checks, Initiation of Dialysis, Drawing Blood work, Calculate TMP, Setting Machine Parameters, Charting
Monitoring During Treatment	Blood Related Complications, Patient Related Complications, Dialysate Related Complications, Pressures in the Extracorporeal Circuit, Treatment Factors and their impact on Dialyzer Clearance
Discontinuing of Dialysis	Termination of Treatment, Removing the Needles, Maintaining Catheter Patency, Post-Assessment of the Patient, Documentations, Dismantling the Delivery System
Therapeutic Renal Nutrition	Role of the Renal Dietician, Renal Diet Considerations, Adequacy of Dialysis
Water Treatment System	Purpose of the Water Treatment System, Contaminates Found in Water, Signs and Symptoms Resulting from Improperly Treated Water Used for Dialysis, Essential Components of the Water Treatment System
Lab Skills	Accessing the Hemodialysis Graft

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