A dialysis technician is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in the treatment of patients with kidney-related diseases.
The demand for dialysis technicians in Pennsylvania is high since they work closely with other healthcare providers in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and rehabilitation centers.
You will never go wrong if you choose a career as a dialysis technician.
This post explains everything you need to know about the process of obtaining dialysis certification in Pennsylvania.
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How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Pennsylvania: Step-by-Step Approach
Pennsylvania has no official laws that prescribe the requirements for dialysis technician training and certification.
However, all aspiring dialysis technicians should know that they need to acquire theoretical knowledge and clinical experience first before writing and passing a certification examination.
Classroom instruction usually takes between 30 and 90 days.
Prospective dialysis technicians should work for 6 to 18 months before taking their certification exam.
If you want to become a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania, you should
Education
You should have a high school diploma or GED to be able to pursue a career as a dialysis technician.
All prospective candidates must complete an educational program including theoretical coursework offered by registered institutions in Pennsylvania.
Various institutions such as community colleges, vocational colleges, technical colleges, or universities offer certificate programs to individuals interested in becoming dialysis technicians.
The program helps equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills required to care for kidney patients and provide dialysis treatment.
Training
Prospective dialysis technicians should also complete clinical training programs that can last for six to 12 months.
These programs must be approved by the Pennsylvanian Department of Health and often include the following:
- Principles of dialysis
- Safety
- Infection control
- Possible complications of dialysis and how to address them
- Caring for patients suffering from kidney failure
- Dialysate preparation and water treatment
Clinical experience is vital since it allows prospective dialysis technicians to gain hands-on experience in a real healthcare setting.
This will allow you to use the theoretical knowledge you have acquired to gain the practical experience required in a clinical setup.
Certification
You need to obtain certification once you complete your clinical training.
Certification is crucial since it demonstrates your competence in the provision of dialysis treatment and patient care.
To get certification, you need to write a certification examination.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing administers the exam, which usually consists of practical skills assessment and multiple choice questions.
Once you pass the exam, you can get certification from any of the following national certification organizations:
- The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers a certificate for you to become a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT).The
- The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT). The National Nephrology Certification
- The organization (NNCO) offers the certification in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT).
All prospective dialysis technicians must undergo criminal background checks before starting their jobs.
It is important to maintain your certification by performing different activities such as attending workshops, continuing education, or completing specific hours.
Dialysis Technician Schools in Pennsylvania
Different institutions including community colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges, or universities offer dialysis technician education.
The following are some of the institutions you can consider if you want to become a dialysis technician.
Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia offers both online and in-class learning to people who intend to become dialysis technicians.
Online learning takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while in-class activities take place on Thursdays.
The course costs $1,999, and it can be completed in 100 hours.
When you complete the course, you will get a certificate.
Northampton Community College
Northampton Community College offers online learning.
For $1 399, you can complete a certificate program that leads to the attainment of certification for one to become a dialysis technician.
The program can take up to six months.
Northwest Phlebotomy School Philadelphia
Northwest Phlebotomy School Philadelphia offers certificate programs that can take up to six months to complete.
Details about the cost of the program are available when you submit your application.
Philadelphia Technician Training Institute
If you want to obtain a dialysis technician certificate, you can consider joining the Philadelphia Technician Training Institute.
The course will cost you around $2000 depending on the time you will take to complete it.
Top 4 Schools in Pennsylvania
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia | 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States |
| Northampton Community College | 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020, United States |
| Northwest Phlebotomy School Philadelphia | 21 S 11th St floor 2, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States |
| Philadelphia Technician Training Institute | 7446 Ogontz Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138, United States |
Salary for Dialysis Technicians in Pennsylvania
A dialysis technician earns an average salary of $37,425 in Pennsylvania.
The salary range for hemodialysis technicians ranges between $34 136 and $41,781 in this state.
Different factors contribute to the salaries of dialysis technicians offered, such as location, certifications, education, experience, and skills.
Highly skilled and experienced technicians earn more than their junior counterparts.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dialysis Technicians in Pennsylvania
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $39,795 |
| Pittsburgh | $36,937 |
| Allentown | $37,792 |
| Erie | $34,638 |
| Doylestown | $40,776 |
| Reading | $37,303 |
| Scranton | $34,808 |
| Bethlehem | $37,792 |
| Lebanon | $36,596 |
| Harrisburg | $36,475 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 1,190 | $56,560 | $27.19 | $77,690 | $36,950 |
| Altoona, PA | 140 | $54,490 | $26.2 | $79,030 | $30,200 |
| Erie, PA | 240 | $51,410 | $24.72 | $74,480 | $31,640 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 630 | $57,370 | $27.58 | $78,660 | $36,320 |
| Johnstown, PA | 160 | $48,430 | $23.28 | $62,150 | $33,020 |
| Lancaster, PA | 380 | $56,820 | $27.32 | $77,900 | $36,040 |
| Lebanon, PA | 80 | $60,240 | $28.96 | $92,980 | $36,330 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 5,760 | $61,890 | $29.76 | $83,290 | $39,990 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 3,040 | $54,860 | $26.38 | $76,760 | $37,150 |
| Reading, PA | 230 | $56,050 | $26.95 | $78,100 | $35,210 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 530 | $50,430 | $24.25 | $77,000 | $34,500 |
| State College, PA | 70 | $53,040 | $25.5 | $76,700 | $34,880 |
| Williamsport, PA | 100 | $59,050 | $28.39 | $76,480 | $35,740 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 310 | $57,200 | $27.5 | $75,960 | $35,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in providing support and care to patients suffering from kidney problems, becoming a dialysis technician can be a perfect career to consider.
You need to first obtain theoretical knowledge and clinical experience from recognized institutions in Pennsylvania to become a dialysis technician.
It usually takes up to six months to complete the training, but you still need to write an exam to get certification.
Dialysis technicians do not require licensing.
With this profession, you can make a difference in other people’s lives, and it comes with several opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania?
If you want to become a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania, ensure you are over 18 years old, and you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You will need to receive in-class theoretical knowledge and clinical experience, which can take between 30 and 90 days.
The last stage is to write a national examination, and you will be awarded certification from national organizations once you pass.
Do I need to be licensed to practice as a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania?
No.
You only need to get certification recognized at the national level to practice as a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania.
Where can I find work as a dialysis technician in Pennsylvania?
Dialysis technicians in Pennsylvania can find employment in different health settings including the following:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Dialysis centers
- Home healthcare agencies
