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Dialysis Technician Training in Indiana

There are no current state requirements for dialysis technician training and certification in Indiana. If such regulations did exist, they would fall under the jurisdiction of the Indiana State Department of Health. Similar to some other states, Indiana defaults to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ requirements as the standard for facility compliance expectations. Formal technician training is usually offered by dialysis clinics in order to give technicians the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for reimbursing dialysis facilities for around 80% of the costs incurred by dialysis treatment. Since the CMS covers such a large portion of dialysis costs, nearly every clinic across the United States is required to comply with their regulations in order to continue receiving federal funds. While technician training and certification requirements do create additional administrative costs and make it harder for individuals to enter the profession, they still represent a relatively insignificant hurdle compared to practice regulations affecting many other areas of healthcare.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) require that the patient care technician training and certification requirements meet these guidelines:

1. Meet all applicable state requirements for:
   • Education
   • Training
   • Credentialing
   • Competency
   • Standards of practice
   • Certification
   • Licensure
2. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency
3. 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
4. Certification by a State or National Program within 18 months of employment

Individuals who plan to enter the dialysis profession should try to understand the training and certification process. In most states, employers design their own training programs that comply with all regulations. The training process consists of 30 to 90 days of clinical instruction followed by a certification exam. Clinic administrators are required to supply information about technician training and certification to the Health Department in states that regulate the industry.

The following are nationally recognized certification organizations:

1. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
   • Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam
2. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
   • Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam
3. The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
   • Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam
   • Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam

In an effort to ensure high quality dialysis therapy across the United States, Congress formed 18 non-profit networks that are responsible for overseeing one to six states. These renal networks work to encourage comprehensive care, monitor treatment effectiveness, analyze statistics, and act as an informational resource for both patients and dialysis professionals of all types. The state of Indiana is included in Network 9 along with Kentucky and Ohio.

Indiana Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Davita
2. Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
3. Dialysis Newco, Inc.
4. Fresenius Medical Care
5. Indiana University Health

State Contact Information

Phone:          (317) 233-7289
Fax:               (317) 233-7322
Email:           krhoades@isdh.in.gov

2 North Meridian Street     Indianapolis, IN 46204

Web Site:     Indiana State Department of Health

National Network:   Network 9