Dialysis Technician Training in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health is responsible for dialysis technician training and certification requirements in the state of Wyoming. According to the state rules and regulations, a dialysis technician is someone who has completed a training program that includes both didactic and clinical classes in end stage renal failure, principles of dialysis, dialysis treatment devices and procedures, dialyzer reprocessing, water treatment, and infection control.
Most of the regulations affecting dialysis technicians in Wyoming have been established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS is a branch of the federal government that is responsible for covering approximately 80% of the expense associated with delivery of dialysis treatment. In the past, few end stage renal disease patients could afford to pay for dialysis treatment because of the tremendous costs incurred through multiple clinic visits each week. Today, these patients typically qualify for Medicare because of their condition and are able to receive the care that they need. Because nearly all dialysis facilities in the United States depend on CMS reimbursement, they are compelled to ensure that technicians have met national regulations.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) establish that the patient care technician training and certification requirements need to comply with federal standards…
- Meet all applicable state requirements for:
- Education
- Training
- Credentialing
- Competency
- Standards of practice
- Certification
- Licensure
- Have a High School Diploma or equivalency
- Complete an approved training program that includes the following subjects:
- Principles of dialysis
- Care of patients with kidney failure
- Possible complications of dialysis
- Water treatment and dialysate preparation
- Infection control
- Safety
- Dialyzer reprocessing
- Certification by a State or National Program within 18 months of employment
New dialysis technicians typically receive the training they need within the facility that has hired them. Clinic managers develop their own training protocol that usually lasts between 30 and 90 days. During the training process, technicians will learn about their job responsibilities through classroom instruction and clinic experience. Facilities are required to include topics that are considered commonly accepted standards of practice. Once the training process is complete, most technicians will work for 6 to 18 months before taking a certification exam. Aspiring technicians are encouraged to explore their certification options prior to seeking employment.
National Certification Organizations and Exams:
- The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam
- The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
- Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam
- The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
- Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam
- Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam
In the United States, there are 18 non-profit renal networks that monitor the quality of care being delivered by dialysis facilities across the country. These networks were established by Congress in 1978 with the sole purposes of gathering data, constructing reports, promoting quality care, and acting as a valued resource for patients and facility personnel. Each network has jurisdiction over one to six states. Wyoming is a member of Network 15 along with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Wyoming Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Billings Clinic
- Campbell County Memorial Hospital
- Evanston Regional Hospital
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Innovative Dialysis Systems
- Ivinson Memorial Hospital
- Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater
State Contact Information
Phone: (307) 777-7123
Fax: (307) 777-7127
Email: wdh-ohls@wyo.gov
6101 Yellowstone Rd, Ste 186C Cheyenne, WY 82002
Web Site: Wyoming Department of Health
National Network: Network 15