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Dialysis Technician Training in Ohio

The Ohio Board of Nursing is responsible for establishing dialysis technician training and certification requirements in the state of Ohio. According to the laws and rules, an individual will only be allowed to practice as a technician in Ohio once a certificate has been provided by the state Board. Some state requirements may be less stringent than federal law and are superseded by the more stringent requirement. A certification exam must be completed within 18 months of hire as outlined in federal regulations.

An applicant for a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician must:

1. Submit an application and associated fee
2. Submit the name and address for each training program enrolled in
3. Demonstrate competency to practice by either:
   1. Successfully completing an approved dialysis training program in Ohio
      • Has performed care for not less than 12 months
      • Has passed a certification exam within 18 months of program completion
   2. Having a testing organization submit evidence of passing an exam in another state, providing evidence of dialysis care in another jurisdiction for not less than 12 months, and completing at least two hours of education relating to Ohio regulations.
4. Submit criminal records check

In addition to the state requirements listed here, dialysis technicians are responsible for compliance with federal laws adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS is a branch of the federal government that is responsible for reimbursing dialysis facilities for around 80% of the costs associated with delivery of care. The CMS took over dialysis treatment reimbursement because of the tremendous financial burden that it places on dialysis patients. Individuals who develop end stage renal failure will typically qualify for Medicare benefits because of their condition.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) stipulate that the patient care technician training and certification requirements need to include the following expectations:

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

Most dialysis facilities provide all of the training necessary for new technicians to become competent in providing dialysis therapy. Individuals who are interested in pursuing this career path are encouraged to contact local dialysis employers to inquire about the details involved in the training process. In addition, new technicians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the certification options available to them. The state of Ohio recognizes these three national 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

Congress started to monitor the quality of care offered in dialysis facilities across the United States in 1978. In an effort to provide oversight for the large number of dialysis clinics, Congress created 18 non-profit renal networks that were each responsible for one to six states. Within their jurisdictions, networks collect data, evaluate statistics, create reports, encourage comprehensive care, and act as an informational resource. Ohio is a member of Network 9 along with Indiana and Kentucky.

Ohio Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Adena Health System
2. American Renal Associates
3. Atrium Medical Center
4. Aultman Hospital
5. Blanchard Valley Health System
6. Centers for Dialysis Care
7. Children’s Hospital
8. Christ Hospital
9. Cleveland Clinic
10. Davita
11. Dialysis Centers of Dayton
12. Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
13. Firelands Medical Center
14. Fresenius Medical Care
15. Good Samaritan Hospital
16. Innovative Dialysis Systems
17. Kidney Centers of West Central Ohio
18. Lima Memorial Health System
19. Mercy St. Vincent
20. Miami Valley Hospital
21. ProMedica
22. University Hospitals
23. US Renal Care

State Contact Information

Phone:          (614) 466-6966
Fax:               (614) 466-0388
Email:           dialysis@nursing.ohio.gov

17 S High St, Ste 400     Columbus, OH 43215-7410

Web Site:     Ohio Board of Nursing

National Network:   Network 9