Dialysis is the process whereby waste and excess water is removed from the bloodstream, a function performed by the kidneys. Those suffering from kidney failure though must use a dialysis machine in place of their failing kidneys. Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating and monitoring these machines, and must perform the task for patients in four hour sessions, three times a week. Dialysis is a tough process for patients to sit through, but as a technician you can be rewarded knowing that you are helping to perform an essential function that will help improve their quality of life.

Prospective dialysis technicians must sit a dialysis certification exam before they are qualified to work. The US law states that dialysis technicians need to be certified by the state they work in or by a national certification board, such as the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission, the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) and the Nephrology Certification Organization.

Dialysis technicians have a number of responsibilities, namely to run the hemodialysis machines for patients suffering from kidney failure. Among their duties includes preparing and monitoring the dialysis machine, recording vital signs, equipment maintenance and repair, administering local anesthetics, checking water treatment, removing excess water, salt, and waste from a patients’ blood as well as testing blood to ensure that all waste is removed.

Dialysis technicians can work in hospitals, out-patient facilities or home dialysis programs. Job prospects for dialysis technicians will continue to grow, due to the aging baby boomer population. Help contribute to the demand, and look into becoming a dialysis technician today. Your yearly salary could range from $27,909 to $34,201, according to Salary.com. Most importantly, you can help make the difference in the life of a patient.