Instant Access to the Dialysis Technician Salary Details You Need to Advance Your Career.

Dialysis Technician Training in Arizona

A dialysis technician is subject to different legislative rules and regulations depending on the state in which they work. Many states have no government regulations that define how a dialysis facility is expected to train or certify its staff; however, dialysis technician training and certification requirements in Arizona are addressed in exact detail in the legislative code. According to ARS-36-423, the basic minimum requirements for a dialysis technician include:

1. National certification within two years of employment
2. A personnel file containing verification of certification

In addition, R9-10-11 states that:

1. An experienced hemodialysis technician may:
   • Perform hemodialysis after passing all didactic, skills, and competency exams
   • Provide trainee observation after completing a preceptor course
2. An inexperienced hemodialysis technician may:
   • Access a patient’s central line catheter
   • Respond to a hemodialysis machine alarm
   • Draw blood
   • Perform a water-contaminant test
   • Inspect a dialyzer
   • Set up a hemodialysis machine
   • Prime a dialyzer
   • Test a hemodialysis machine
   • Prepare dialysate
   • Perform a conductivity test
   • Assess a patient
   • Check and record vital signs, weight, and temperature
   • Calculate fluid removal rate
   • Administer local anesthetic, anticoagulant, and replace saline solution
   • Perform a germicide-negative test
   • Initiate or discontinue hemodialysis
   • Adjust blood-flow rate, dialysate-flow rate, or fluid-removal rate
   • Prepare a blood, water, or dialysate microorganism culture

An inexperienced technician may perform these tasks under direct supervision after passing the didactic, skill, and competency exam for each. The trainee is not allowed to access a fistula or graft that has not been established or provide direct observation to another technician. When a technician has performed a task, they must include their name, date, time, the task performed, the name of their supervisor, and the initials of their supervisor in the patient’s record.

In addition to meeting the dialysis technician training and certification standards established the state of Arizona, dialysis facilities must also comply with legislation established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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

1. Meet applicable state requirements for:
   • Education
   • Training
   • Credentialing
   • Competency
   • Standards of practice
   • Certification
   • Licensure
2. A High School Diploma or GED
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 under a State or National Program within 18 months of employment

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 trainee for a period of time before seeking certification.

Nationally recognized certification options include the following:

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 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. Arizona is part of Network 15 along with Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Here you will find details about the Arizona Dialysis Facilities where a technician can receive training.

Arizona Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Fresenius Medical Care
2. Davita
3. DSI Renal
4. Gila River Health Care
5. Maricopa Integrated Health System
6. Phoenix Children’s Hospital

State Contact Information

Phone:          (602) 771-7800
Fax:               (602) 771-7888
Email:           arizona@azbn.gov

4747 N 7th St, Suite 200     Phoenix, AZ 85014-3655

Web Site:     Arizona Board of Nursing

National Network:   Network 15