How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Florida

Do you want to work in the healthcare industry and help patients with kidney disease?

Becoming a dialysis technician in Florida can be an excellent career choice.

Dialysis technicians work under the supervision of nurses and nephrologists to perform dialysis and help patients through their treatments.

If you have patience and compassion and want to make a difference in people’s lives, read on;

I’ll take you through the steps needed to work as a dialysis tech in Florida.

Duties of a Dialysis Technician in Florida

Here are some of the common job duties and responsibilities of a dialysis technician:

• Operate and monitor dialysis machines to clean patients’ blood and remove waste products. This includes setting up the equipment, connecting the patient, and monitoring throughout treatment.
• Cannulate patients by inserting catheters or needles into blood vessels to access the bloodstream for dialysis.
• Mix dialysate solution, a liquid used in the dialysis process to draw out toxins.
• Take vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse before, during, and after treatment.
• Observe the patient and monitor for any complications during dialysis, like low blood pressure.
• Inform the nurse of any issues and follow instructions to address them.
• Perform vascular access care, like dressing changes on fistulas and grafts.
• Clean and disinfect dialysis stations and equipment following each treatment.
• Record treatment data such as fluid removed, medications administered, and the patient’s condition.
• Educate patients on home dialysis procedures and how to manage their care.
• Assist patients with mobility issues before, during, and after treatment.
• Order and stock supplies, and ensure adequate inventory levels.
• Perform general patient care duties like taking blood samples and helping with meals.
• Communicate effectively with the healthcare team members and coordinate care.
• Uphold safety, infection control, and HIPAA standards in patient interactions.

How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Florida Step by Step

There are some basic requirements to become a dialysis tech in the state of Florida:

• High school diploma, or GED: Employers prefer candidates with a strong science background from high school.
• 18 years of age: You must be 18 to work as a dialysis technician.
• CCHT/CHT certification from the BONENT or NKCC exam within 18 months of the hire date. More on certification exams is below.

Although it is not required by law, the majority of Florida employers prefer that technicians finish a training course before starting work.

Let’s look at training and certification in more detail.

Complete a Training Program

Many facilities in Florida provide on-the-job training for new technicians.

These programs usually take 3–6 months to complete.

You’ll learn about kidney function, dialysis procedures and equipment, potential complications, and how to safely care for patients.

There are also independent training programs available throughout Florida that are approved to prepare students for certification exams.

Pass a Certification Exam

To become certified, dialysis technicians in Florida must pass either the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) exam from the NKCC or the Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) exam from BONENT.

These national exams test your knowledge of dialysis principles, safety, and infection control.

Employers require new hires to pass a certification exam within 18 months.

Having certification shows patients and medical staff that you have the skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and effectively.

Once certified, many techs choose to maintain their certification with continuing education credits.

Dialysis Technician Schools in Florida

Each program is intended to provide the education needed to become a licensed dialysis technician.

The length, delivery method, costs, and additional support services vary between certificates, associate, and online bachelor’s degree-level programs.

Calhoun Community College

Offers an online 50-hour training program for $1,299, which includes e-books. Students have six months to complete the program at their own pace.

They also offer classroom-based instruction for $999, including textbooks.

Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Refunds are only available for the in-person option.

Utopia Health Career Center

Has a 23-week certificate program accredited by BONENT.

The total cost is $3,575, which can be paid in installments—this includes a $200 non-refundable registration fee and $500 down payment—then $125 per week for the remaining 23 weeks.

Discounts are available for upfront payments.

Alabama State University

Provides a 205-hour online course that is intended to prepare students for the BONENT CHT exam.

Tuition is $4,190, which can be paid in installments.

Students have 12 months to complete the program independently.

CPR certification through the Red Cross is included.

Coursework covers body systems, infection control, and dialysis principles.

Dialysis Technician Salary in Florida

The average salary for dialysis technicians in Florida is $50,000 per year, though it can range from $38,000 for entry-level technicians to over $64,000 for experienced technicians or those with supervisory roles.

The salary depends on factors like level of education, certifications obtained, and location within the state.

Working full-time provides health benefits along with the wage.

Regional Salary in Florida