Dialysis Technician Training in Nevada
Nevada has adopted legislative language that applies to dialysis technician training and certification within the state. According to state law, a dialysis technician may not work at a dialysis clinic unless they meet the qualifications outlined below. In addition to regulations enforced by the state of Nevada, all dialysis technicians must comply with the expectations of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Nevada state requirements include the following:
- Must wear a tag or similar device identifying themselves as a dialysis technician
- May provide care when being trained if supervised by a registered nurse
- May only be a preceptor after obtaining 6 months experience and nurse approval
- Must complete an orientation program
- Must pass a written examination
- Must demonstrate competence to the supervising nurse
Dialysis technicians working in Nevada are not allowed to initiate the provision of education for any patient in the facility; alter any treatment that is ordered for a patient; administer any medication other than normal saline, lidocaine, or heparin; administer blood or blood products to a patient; perform venipuncture other than at the point of access for dialysis; perform arteriopuncture; or accept the order of a physician.
The federal government has also adopted dialysis technician requirements for those who work in facilities that receive federal funding. Because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cover approximately eighty percent of the costs associated with dialysis care, all patient care technician training and certification requirements are expected to comply with new government regulations. CMS requirements include the following:
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4)
- Meet all state requirements for:
- Education
- Training
- Credentialing
- Competency
- Standards of practice
- Certification
- Licensure
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Complete an approved program that includes the following:
- 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
Individuals who are considering a career as a dialysis technician should make an effort to understand the options they have when it comes to completing the certification process. In general, both state and federal regulatory agencies will accept completion of either a state approved or national certification examination. Technicians are encouraged to contact local dialysis employers about requirement variations in their area. Some employers allow technicians to select whichever exam they wish while others require a specific exam.
The most commonly recognized national exams include the following:
- 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 1978, Congress created 18 non-profit networks that were tasked with overseeing the quality of dialysis treatment being provided across the United States. Each network has jurisdiction over one to six states where they are responsible for gathering and analyzing data, promoting therapy, and acting as a resource for patients and facility personnel. Nevada is a member of Network 15 along with Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
Nevada Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Davita
- Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Red Moon Dialysis
- University of Utah Dialysis Program
State Contact Information
Phone: (702) 486-5800
Fax: (702) 486-5803
Email: nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us
4220 S Maryland Pkwy, Bldg B Ste 300 Las Vegas, NV 89119
Web Site: Nevada Board of Nursing
National Network: Network 15
I would like to know where in Las Vegas I can get the training to become a dialysis tech. Thank you!
Miss,
We do not maintain a list of current and active dialysis tech training programs and we would encourage you to contact treatment facilities in your area to find out if they offer training in-house or can refer you to a local program that has been approved. You can also learn more about the certification process on our dialysis technician certification page.
I am 51 years old interesting to be trained and came a dialysis certificate technician , I been a cna for 20 years working in UCLA (Santa Monica for 6 years telemetriy Department also in Saint Johns Hospital Oncology for 2 1/2 year and 6 month Maternity Department) here in Las Vegas I been working at Herizon Specialty hospital for 2 years and Complexs Care Hospital for 9 years love helping others working extra hrs I got RN to know the hard worker I am . Well hope you give me the opportunity for new exitement corrier to work for . Thanks in advance .
I’m interested in completing the Dialysis Technician Training in Las Vegas, Nevada. What are the requirements? I’m a Medical Secretarial Science graduate from the Philippines with a Diploma and transcript of records. Do I still need to provide my high school diploma? Can you please give me a training school? How long would the training last? I want to work here in the US as a Dialysis Technician. Thank you!
Julieta,
Due to the fragmented nature of dialysis technician education and training, we would recommend contacting local clinics to find out if they offer an in-house training program or if they can refer you to an approved independent educational institution in the area. We’ve provided links to some of the largest dialysis organizations operating in the state of Nevada above this comment section.
Hi Auntie,
Most units will train you with a Preceptor for a couple of weeks. 6 mo. after you need to schedule and pay for your CCHT exam. You have plenty of clinics in Vegas. Just apply.
I wanted to go to school to become a Dialysis Technician. Do you know of any place where they offer training in Las Vegas? Thanks!
Jessie,
We do not maintain an active database of training programs. Most technicians obtain the knowledge and skills they need through either an in-house training program offered by their employer or through an independent educational institution such as a vocational school or community college. We would recommend contacting potential employers in your area to find out if they offer such programs or if they can refer you to a training facility. We have provided links to major employers operating in Nevada above this comment section.
I’m interested in a career as a Dialysis Technician. If I get certified in another state can I use it in Nevada? I’m also wondering what training and certifications make me more employable? I’ve never worked in the medical field and want to be successful. I’m from Las Vegas and would like to know if there’s a need for Dialysis Technicians there. Any and all information will be helpful when figuring if this is the field for me.
Thank You,
Sharolyn Adkison
Sharolyn,
The dialysis technician career path is an excellent entry-level allied health profession. An increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease over the past several years has resulted in strong job growth for dialysis technicians working in every state. We always advise individuals to contact potential employers directly to find out about training and certification opportunities that are available as well as any independent programs that they have approved. Several facilities offer in-house training for those who have not worked in healthcare before. Most technicians take one of the national certification exams that comply with the federal regulations requiring technicians to become licensed within 18 months of hire. Since these exams are nationally recognized, they are accepted by employers operating in every state and it should not matter which state you live in when you take the exam. In general, you should plan on completing a training program that has been approved by the employer prior to scheduling an exam date. Again, it is critical that you communicate with potential employers before enrolling in a training program or scheduling an exam date. You can learn more about the national dialysis technician certification options on our certification page.