A dialysis technician is a professional who is always needed since kidney issues are rising by the day.
These professionals operate dialysis machines that help to save the lives of so many patients with kidney troubles.
While dialysis technicians aren’t always in the spotlight like doctors or nurses, their contributions are also significant.
If you are someone who wants to get into the medical field but doesn’t wish to become a doctor or a nurse, being a dialysis technician may be the right job for you.
The state of Washington has certain procedures that you need to follow if you want to go into this line of work.
After you have read this article, you will be acquainted with the process of becoming a dialysis professional in Washington.
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Steps to Become a Dialysis Technician in Washington: Step-by-Step
There are no rigid certification or training requirements imposed by the state of Washington.
That said, they do have to follow the guidelines as stated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Let us take a look at the steps you need to follow to become a dialysis technician in Washington.
Step 1: Get Your Education
Whether you prefer it or not, you cannot proceed further in this line of work if you do not have a minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
Without a basic high school degree, employers won’t hire you for the job.
It is only after completing your high school diploma that you can go on to get formal training in dialysis machine operation.
Many schools in Washington can formally train you in this line of work.
These training programs will teach you about dialysis principles, how to care for kidney patients, dialysis complications, dialysate preparation, and infection control.
These programs usually take about a year to finish.
Step 2: Work Experience
Work experience is also encouraged when you are trying to become a dialysis technician in Washington.
Although not all employers seek experience in candidates, a candidate with relevant work experience will always be the first choice.
Hence, gain some experience under your belt.
You don’t necessarily have to work as a dialysis technician; you can also gain experience as a medical assistant or other medical sub-fields.
Once you enroll in schools to get formal training, you will also get the necessary experience since they equip you with the practical knowledge that employers demand.
This way, it will be easier for you to get the dream job you want.
Step 3: Get Certification
The state of Washington doesn’t have any mandate requiring you to get certified in Dialysis technology.
However, CMS requires you to get national certifications.
Plus, it also increases your job opportunities.
There are different certifications you can avail of.
Firstly, there is the:
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC): Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam.
- Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT): Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam.
- National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO): Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam and Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam.
Once you pass these exams, you will get the relevant certification and it will improve your chances of getting a job.
Dialysis Technician Schools in Washington
If you are looking to get formal training in dialysis technology, many schools in Washington can teach you the basics of this line of work and prepare you for the practical and theory exams.
Let us go through what options you have.
Clover Park Technical College
The first option you have is Clover Park Technical College which trains you in a hemodialysis program where you can learn to operate kidney dialysis machines.
You will learn to provide basic renal care for patients under the supervision of a physician or nurse.
Located in Lakewood, Washington, this college can provide you with the necessary skills to get into this field.
Lower Columbia College
Located in Longview, Washington, Lower Columbia College is a public university that can teach you to be a renal technologist.
Here, you can learn how to operate dialysis machines in outpatient settings and how to take proper care of renal patients.
Top 2 Schools in Washington
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Clover Park Technical College | 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, United States |
| Lower Columbia College | 1600 Maple St, Longview, WA 98632, United States |
Dialysis Technician Salary in Washington
A dialysis technician is always in demand especially considering that renal problems are becoming more common.
That said, the salary for a dialysis technician also depends on factors such as experience, region, and the setting.
The annual salary of dialysis technicians in the state of Washington is $54,800, on average.
When you have more experience, your salary increases.
Plus, there are regional differences too.
For instance, the average salary in Sammamish is $56,200 whereas the average salary in Aberdeen is $52,700.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dialysis Technicians in Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $41,377 |
| Spokane | $36,915 |
| Tacoma | $40,328 |
| Vancouver | $38,968 |
| Bellevue | $41,377 |
| Everett | $40,635 |
| Federal Way | $40,328 |
| Kent | $40,248 |
| Yakima | $37,837 |
| Bellingham | $38,542 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 170 | $67,060 | $32.24 | $97,110 | $40,670 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 100 | $64,370 | $30.95 | $102,820 | $43,910 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 290 | $63,460 | $30.51 | $94,850 | $39,210 |
| Longview, WA | 80 | $63,130 | $30.35 | $99,210 | $36,430 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 100 | $68,560 | $32.96 | $99,610 | $44,140 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 190 | $65,290 | $31.39 | $101,150 | $40,600 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 4,970 | $73,830 | $35.5 | $107,840 | $46,500 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 810 | $64,370 | $30.95 | $98,400 | $38,940 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 70 | $63,040 | $30.31 | $95,330 | $39,510 |
| Yakima, WA | 90 | $67,520 | $32.46 | $95,840 | $39,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Necessary To Get Formal Training in Dialysis Operation in Washington?
Yes, getting formal training is required to get a job as a dialysis professional in Washington.
Even though it is not mandatory, it can help you with getting certification and ultimately, with landing a high-paying job.
How Can I Get Work Experience Before Becoming a Dialysis Technician in Washington?
Work experience is always preferred in most roles, including a dialysis technician.
To get the necessary experience, one thing that can be done is enroll in a school or internship program where you can get practical knowledge and experience hours.
Other than that, you can reach out to hospitals and clinics to see if they are hiring at the moment.
You just need relevant work hours in a medical sub-field to count it as experience.
Is It Difficult To Become a Dialysis Technician in Washington?
The answer is both yes and no.
It can be time-consuming since you need to get the appropriate training and certifications to become a dialysis professional.
That said, it is not impossible and with the right expertise, you can easily break into this field.
