Ad astra per aspera—is the motto for Kansas, which directly translates to “to the stars through difficulty.”
This roughly means something along the lines of “success requires overcoming obstacles”, and what better way to embody that than becoming a dialysis technician and helping other people achieve that?
A dialysis technician is an integral part of the healthcare system and cares for patients during dialysis treatment.
Dialysis helps remove extra fluid and waste products from the blood when a patient’s kidney cannot do it naturally.
This medical role would see the professional operating and maintaining equipment for dialysis and monitoring patients during dialysis treatment.
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How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Kansas: A Step-by-Step Guide
Our step-by-step guide will put you on the path to success in becoming a dialysis technician in Kansas.
Whether you’ve decided to become a dialysis technician as early as high school, or you’re looking to make a career change — we are here to guide you through the education process.
Before you even think about post-secondary education options and certification examinations, high school preparation comes first.
If you’ve decided as early on as high school to become a dialysis technician, this can be a huge advantage when it comes to later study and finding jobs.
Take classes that are beneficial for building a foundation in the healthcare field, such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
It’s also invaluable to join science or healthcare-related clubs, and volunteer at local hospitals, clinics, or aged care homes for hands-on experience.
Completion of an accredited training program is required to become a certified dialysis technician in Kansas.
These training programs can last anywhere between 6 to 24 months long.
They will provide you with the required knowledge, hands-on skills, and classroom instruction for you to become a full-fledged dialysis technician.
Tuition can range anywhere from $2000 to $5000 in the state, with additional charges for books, online learning modules, uniforms, and screening (such as background checks).
After completing your high school diploma as well as obtaining a formal qualification for being a dialysis technician, you can also become certified.
While it isn’t a mandatory process in Kansas, becoming certified through the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) and passing their Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) examination can improve job opportunities.
This examination evaluates your dialysis technician knowledge and abilities, such as machine setup, patient care, patient monitoring, and infection control.
After obtaining the certification, you will also need to renew your certification to keep it valid and stay up-to-date with the latest information and practices in the field.
Now it’s time for job hunting!
Put together your resume and start looking for dialysis technician jobs in the state of Kansas.
Also, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they estimate an above-average increase of dialysis technician jobs from 2020 to 2030—so you’re in luck!
Healthcare is a field that’s always hiring, so it’s easy to get your foot into an entry-level role, and if you did volunteer during high school, you could ask at previous hospitals or healthcare facilities you’ve assisted at.
Top Dialysis Technician Schools in Kansas
In Kansas, it is required to have completed your high school diploma (or equivalent) to study an accredited dialysis technician training program.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
The Kansas City Kansas Community College offers a self-paced 12-month program to pursue a career as a dialysis technician.
This course will prepare you for the BONENT Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) certification.
The course costs $4,190 and is completely online.
*This course does meet state requirements for various states outside of Kansas*
Auburn University
Auburn University offers a completely online and accredited dialysis technician course.
They offer mentoring support, self-paced learning, opportunities for national and state certificates, as well as interactive learning modules.
Cost: $3000
Alabama State University
The Alabama State University offers online training programs if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a dialysis technician.
This program will prepare you for the Certified Hemodialysis Technician exam, offered by BONENT.
Students have 12 months to complete the 205-hour program, and CPR training as well as certification is also included in the course.
*While this program is accessible from other states outside of Alabama, it’s important to research to ensure it meets the Kansas state regulations.*
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for in-person study options, Kansas lacks dialysis technician courses compared to other states.
Your options for studying dialysis technician programs are mostly limited to online-only courses and colleges from other states.
However, it is still worth checking in with healthcare institutions near you, and vocational schools and asking if there’s anything they offer.
It’s also possible to pursue a career as a dialysis technician by undertaking specialized healthcare training courses or pursuing an associate degree in a healthcare-related field.
Top 3 Schools in Kansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | 7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, United States |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL 36849, United States |
| Alabama State University | 915 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States |
Dialysis Technician Salary in Kansas
The average salary of a dialysis technician in Kansas is $35,707.
Keep in mind, that this figure can range higher or lower depending on the person’s qualifications, certifications, and experience.
If you’ve spent years in the profession, you can expect to earn a higher rate.
The range can be as low as $32,569 to $39,864.
This is lower than the national average salary for dialysis technicians in the US.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dialysis Technicians in Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $35,362 |
| Overland Park | $36,660 |
| Kansas City | $36,768 |
| Topeka | $34,683 |
| Olathe | $36,560 |
| Lawrence | $35,422 |
| Shawnee | $36,660 |
| Salina | $34,987 |
| Manhattan | $34,308 |
| Hutchinson | $34,987 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 70 | $59,180 | $28.45 | $77,140 | $35,670 |
| Manhattan, KS | 90 | $53,470 | $25.71 | $76,980 | $33,200 |
| Topeka, KS | 230 | $56,540 | $27.18 | $85,430 | $33,180 |
| Wichita, KS | 420 | $52,790 | $25.38 | $72,300 | $33,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hemodialysis and dialysis technicians the same?
Dialysis technicians cover hemodialysis, which is the most common, and peritoneal dialysis.
So, hemodialysis technicians do fall under dialysis technicians, and the terms are typically used interchangeably.
The other type of dialysis is peritoneal dialysis.
Is it worth obtaining a certification if you’re already working as a dialysis technician in the state?
It’s still worth getting properly certified as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT).
The certification is administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
It is the most widely recognized certification for dialysis technicians in the United States.
While it isn’t mandatory to work as one in Kansas, it can help with job prospects, as well as increasing your pay.
What is the future of the job industry looking like for dialysis technicians?
The last thing you want to do is start studying for a new career path and learning that the money could potentially be going to waste…
Don’t worry!
The job opportunities for dialysis technicians are expected to grow, as the population ages and more people will require dialysis care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an increase of 11% across the medical and clinical laboratory technician occupations within the next decade, which includes dialysis technicians.
