Have you ever watched someone battle a serious illness and wanted to help save lives?
As a dialysis technician in Colorado, your work would directly support kidney patients through their treatment and recovery.
This growing field needs compassionate professionals to operate lifesaving equipment and provide comfort to people during vulnerable times.
In this article, I will explain how to start down the rewarding path of becoming a dialysis tech.
Plus, I will discuss the required education and certification to get your first job in the industry.
Discover how you can make a difference for others through this essential healthcare role.
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How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Colorado – Step-by-Step
Dialysis technicians perform a vital role in supporting patients with kidney failure by removing waste, salts, and excess fluids from the body until transplantation, as dialysis replicates healthy kidneys’ filtering function.
Their responsibilities include directly caring for patients by answering questions, setting up and breaking down hemodialysis machines, and closely observing patients during multiple weekly treatments to record medical information and alert nurses of any abnormalities, thereby significantly contributing to managing end-stage renal disease through hands-on assistance, machinery operation, and safety monitoring.
High School
There are some important steps to becoming a dialysis technician in Colorado.
First, you need to finish high school or earn your GED.
It helps to take classes like biology, chemistry, medical terms, body structure, and how the body works.
These subjects will help you a lot later on.
After high school, go to a vocational school, community college, or technical program and acquire the required supervised clinical experience.
Training Programs
Complete an approved training program that includes the following:
- How dialysis works to take over what the kidneys normally do in the body
- Taking care of people whose kidneys have stopped working and they need dialysis
- Things that could possibly go wrong during dialysis treatments
- Cleaning the water and getting it ready to use in the dialysis machines
- Steps to prevent germs from spreading between patients and equipment
- Making sure dialysis treatments are done safely for patients and the people helping them
- Getting more use out of dialyzers by cleaning and preparing them to be used again
These classes will help you understand how the kidneys work and what happens when they don’t.
You’ll also learn about diseases and treatments.
But the best part is practicing on real machines with patients.
As a student, you get to practice running dialysis under the guidance of a teacher.
They watch to help you get better at all the tasks.
When you finish the program, you’ll know all about how to help dialysis patients.
Exams
Not every state requires dialysis technicians to hold certification or become licensed.
Although credentials show hiring managers that you have the skills and knowledge to excel at a role, However, all dialysis technicians are required to complete a state-approved exam.
Students can pursue nationally recognized certifications through exams such as:
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
- Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
- National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT)
Each of these exams offers the following certifications:
- Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) by BONENT
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) by NNCC
- Certified Nephrology Technologist (CNT) by NANT
The benefits of certification include:
- Demonstrating your knowledge and skills in patient treatment, equipment operation, and renal disease
- Meeting requirements to work as a dialysis technician
- Allowing you to pursue a rewarding career helping kidney patients
Dialysis Technician Schools in Colorado
Colorado boasts two great schools offering dialysis technician programs.
Fresenius Medical Care
This school is one pathway for dialysis technician training.
They provide a patient care technician program with hands-on clinical instruction.
The program begins with a 90-day PREP training combining classroom and practical experience.
For 3 months, trainees learn through various methods.
In the classroom, they gain knowledge on topics like treatment protocols, anatomy, and machine operation.
Trainees also spend time in clinical settings for valuable first-hand experience.
Under the guidance of experienced technicians, they learn patient care, how to assist with procedures, monitor vitals, and operate equipment.
This well-rounded PREP program prepares candidates to eventually work independently.
Fresenius also assigns mentors who provide ongoing guidance and support as skills develop further.
Upon completion, graduates are ready to begin careers as patient care technicians with Fresenius.
Their comprehensive training model emphasizes both didactic and hands-on learning to ensure technicians can safely and effectively care for patients on their own.
Southern University at Shreveport
The university offers an 8-month certification program for aspiring dialysis technicians.
The curriculum covers all aspects of training through classroom and hands-on experience.
Over the course of 8 months, students gain both academic and practical skills.
In the classroom, they study topics related to renal care and dialysis.
Lab sessions provide a controlled setting to practice essential techniques.
A significant part of the training involves clinical rotations at affiliated dialysis centers.
Working directly under experienced technicians, students gain experience in all facets of patient care and machine operation.
This well-rounded program is designed to fully prepare graduates to start working directly in dialysis facilities with only minimal additional orientation.
Through academic, lab, and clinical components, students learn the skills and knowledge needed for independent patient care.
Southern University’s collaborative certification pathway works with area dialysis centers.
This provides real-world experience and connections that help students transition seamlessly into dialysis technician roles after graduation.
Top 2 Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fresenius Medical Care | 3326 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, United States |
| Southern University at Shreveport | 3050 Dr Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA 71107, United States |
Salary
The salary for dialysis technicians in Colorado varies based on experience, education, and location.
On average, technicians can expect to earn between $47,000 and $82,000 annually.
Metro areas like Denver often offer higher pay scales due to the increased demand for healthcare services.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dialysis Technicians in Colorado
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $38,111 |
| Colorado Springs | $37,323 |
| Aurora | $38,086 |
| Loveland | $36,730 |
| Fort Collins | $36,780 |
| Arvada | $38,111 |
| Pueblo | $35,190 |
| Westminster | $38,111 |
| Boulder | $38,452 |
| Broomfield | $38,169 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 360 | $64,510 | $31.01 | $85,320 | $41,590 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 590 | $62,280 | $29.94 | $83,700 | $35,750 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,070 | $64,570 | $31.05 | $92,790 | $37,860 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 390 | $63,300 | $30.43 | $86,240 | $38,270 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 100 | $59,540 | $28.63 | $101,640 | $30,990 |
| Greeley, CO | 130 | $57,700 | $27.74 | $87,660 | $35,580 |
| Pueblo, CO | 180 | $58,540 | $28.15 | $92,090 | $36,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to become a dialysis technician in Colorado?
The quickest route is through a dedicated dialysis technician program, which can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
Are there online programs available for becoming a dialysis technician in Colorado?
Yes, some institutions offer online courses, but hands-on clinical experience is indispensable.
What are the career prospects for dialysis technicians in Colorado?
With an aging population and increased prevalence of kidney diseases, the demand for dialysis technicians in Colorado is expected to grow, offering strong job security.
