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Dialysis Technician Training in Delaware

Delaware is among many states who have not passed laws requiring dialysis technician training and certification. In general, dialysis clinics are given a lot of freedom to design a training protocol that meets their clinical needs. This gives clinic administrators the flexibility they need to quickly hire and train new technicians when demand for services increases. Training programs typically last approximately 90 days and include courses on human anatomy, dialysis treatment, and patient care responsibilities.

While many states have remained silent on the issue of dialysis technician training and certification, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently added language to their reimbursement policy which mandates that all dialysis clinics receiving federal funds require technicians to successfully complete an approved state or national certification examination. Clinics in regulated states have been meeting similar state requirements for years and have no problem adapting to these new regulations; whereas, clinics in unregulated states may need to adopt new protocols to continue to receive the reimbursement they need in order to continue to operate.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements must meet the following 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

Now that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require technicians to be certified, it is important for individuals to learn about the certification process and the exams available to them. Local clinical directors are a great resource for details relating to the training and certification expectations in Delaware. Most technicians receive their training at whichever clinic has hired them and then go on to complete an approved certification examination.

The following organizations provide nationally recognized certification exams:

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

18 non-profit networks were created, by Congress, in 1978 to keep track of the quality of dialysis therapy being delivered in various regions of the United States. Each network is responsible for performing routine quality assessments in up to 6 states. The networks have also been tasked with promoting rehabilitation, collecting data, and acting as a resource. Delaware is included in Network 4 along with Pennsylvania. Network staff can answer your questions about dialysis clinics in the Delaware area.

Delaware Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Fresenius Medical Care
2. Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children
3. Bayhealth Medical Center
4. Christiana Care Health System

State Contact Information

Phone:          (302) 744-4500
Fax:               (302) 739-2711
Email:           customerservice.dpr@state.de.us

861 Silver Lake Blvd, Ste 203     Dover, DE 19904

Web Site:     Delaware Board of Nursing

National Network:   Network 4