Dialysis Technician Training in Alabama
States differ in their regulations relating to the renal industry. The dialysis technician training and certification requirements in Alabama are subject to few regulations and the companies that operate facilities within the state are given a lot of freedom to train employees how they see fit. While the state has not passed laws that address technician training requirements, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does have a few general expectations.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements in Alabama must meet these guidelines:
- 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
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has established dialysis technician training requirements for dialysis center directors. According to Chapter 420-5-5 of the Rules of the Alabama State Board of Health, Dialysis Facilities must establish an effective program for the training of all personnel. The facility must keep a record of training, performance, and acceptable completion of the program.
Now that the CMS regulations require all dialysis technicians to be certified in order for dialysis facilities to receive reimbursement, it is important for individuals to understand their certification options. Dialysis technicians should inquire with the director of their facility about specific requirements prior to seeking certification. In general, technicians are required to work as a dialysis technician for a period of time prior to seeking certification.
Nationally recognized certification options 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 established 18 non-profit networks that are responsible for tracking the quality of dialysis care in the United States. These regional networks each have jurisdiction over one to six states where they promote rehabilitation, collect data, process patient complaints, resolve conflicts, and act as a resource. Alabama is part of Network 8 along with Mississippi and Tennessee. It is here that you can find information about the Local Dialysis Facilities where a technician can receive training.
Alabama Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Davita
- Physicians Choice Dialysis
- DSI Renal
- Children’s Hospital of Alabama
- Nephrology of the Valley
State Contact Information
Phone: (334) 206-5175
Toll-Free: (800) 252-1818
Email: wt.geary@adph.state.al.us
201 Monroe St P.O. Box 303017 Montgomery, AL 36130-3017
Web Site: Alabama Department of Public Health
National Network: Network 8, Inc.
I like to be training in dialysis
Please send me some information on training and schooling for the program please.
Candice,
We do not maintain an active database of current dialysis technician training programs or schools. Our best advice is to contact dialysis treatment facilities in your area to find out if they offer training opportunities or can refer you to independent programs or schools that they have already approved.
Hi I’m Vickie, I have years of experience in the healthcare field but I work in a hospital and would like to know if dialysis centers will hire someone without a clue of the dialysis process?
Vickie,
Some dialysis centers have their own in-house training programs that are designed to give individuals the knowledge and skills they need to provide care in the clinical setting. Program directors may also be able to refer you to independent educational opportunities in the community. The best way to find out about these options is to contact local treatment facilities.
I was thinking about enrolling in a dialysis technician program at a local college. Would that be a good idea?
Montrease,
Since many dialysis facilities offer their own in-house training programs, we typically recommend that individuals contact employers before enrolling in programs offered through local colleges and vocational schools to find out if the program has been approved. If the employer has not approved the program then it may be necessary to consider other options.
My name is Adrianne, I live in the Birmingham area. I would like to know if there are any dialysis centers that would be willing to train me on site?
Adrianne,
The best approach for finding a local training program is to contact potential employers directly. Several facilities train their own technicians and assist with the certification process. Above, you will find links to the largest dialysis companies operating in Alabama.