Dialysis Technician Training in Florida
There is no state organization that is responsible for establishing or monitoring dialysis technician training or certification requirements in Florida. This is largely due to the fact that a dialysis technician is usually trained by the facility that employs them and because technicians do not provide the kind of advanced services that require many years of college coursework. While the state does not require technicians to complete formal education or training, employers may have different expectations.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently adopted a policy that requires all federally funded dialysis clinics to provide evidence that their dialysis technicians have completed a training program and successfully passed a state or national certification examination. Dialysis clinics that operate in regulated states have been complying with similar requirements for many years; whereas, clinics in unregulated states may or may not need to change their policies in order to continue to receive government reimbursement.
The following is a detailed outline of CMS expectations.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) mandate that the patient care technician training and certification requirements comply with the following 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 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are responsible for paying most of the costs associated with dialysis. Because nearly all dialysis clinics depend on federal reimbursement for operating revenue, the new guidelines effect nearly all clinics in the United States. Dialysis clinics develop training programs that have been created to equip technicians with the skills needed to provide high quality patient care and the knowledge required to successfully pass a state or federal certification exam.
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
Many years ago, Congress enacted legislation that created eighteen non-profit networks across the country that were responsible for ensuring high quality dialysis therapy in the United States. Networks are assigned one to six states were they track health statistics, encourage rehabilitation, and act as a valued resource for patients and providers. Florida is the only state included in Network 7. A number of dialysis technician certification resources are available on the technician certification page.
Florida Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Advanced Renal Care
- All Children’s Hospital
- American Renal
- Baptist Medical Center
- Central Florida Kidney Centers
- Crown Dialysis Center
- Davita
- Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
- DSI Renal
- Florida Hospital
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Gambro Healthcare
- Gulf Coast Dialysis
- Orlando Health
- Jackson Health System
- Johnson Dialysis Center
- Naples Nephrology
- Kidney Kare
- Kidney Spa
- Mayo Clinic
- Melbourne Kidney Center
- Memorial Regional Hospital
- Miami Children’s Hospital
- New Start Dialysis Center
- Renovation of Life Dialysis Center
- Saint Mary’s Medical Center
- Tampa General Hospital
- Universal Kidney Center
- Watson Clinic Kidney Center
State Contact Information
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Fax: (850) 617-6460
Email: info@floridasnursing.gov
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Web Site: Florida Board of Nursing
National Network: Network 7
Hi, I’m currently working for a nationwide Dialysis Center as a Admin. I know my dialysis facility Provides training for the employees. I’ve been applying and waiting for a response for 2 1/2 years, to be promoted to a Patient Care Dialysis Tech. So , I decided to take the classes at an approved BONENT Training school here in New York. Their are benefits, once Im done with the classes I can take the BONENT test right after, there’s no need to wait for 18 months. The downfall, is I have to pay my tuition, but I do get reimbursed. Overall, some facilities aren’t quick to promote their employee.
I would like to know where do you go to sign up for dialysis technician classes.
Hi Christina,
Many of the dialysis technician training programs available in the US are offered through local treatment facilities. We typically recommend that individuals contact employers in their area to learn more about training opportunities and approved educational institutions.
I am wanting to become certified as a hemodialysis technician. I have been in the health field for about 10 years and currently work 12.5 hour shifts three days per week. I am trying to find a school to attend while still working at my job. Flexible days are a must.
Debra,
We generally recommend that visitors contact local employers to learn about the programs that they have approved before enrolling in an independent training program. You may also want to consider the programs that have been approved by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT). These include the programs offered through Alexis Institute and Utopia Health Career Center.
I am looking for a good dialysis technician training program in Central Florida but am having difficulties. Can you recommend a few?
Sandra,
We generally recommend that visitors contact potential employers directly to see what their training requirements are before enrolling in an independent training program. Many treatment facilities offer their own training programs and may not accept certificates that have been issued by unaccredited educational institutions. If they do accept external credentials then they should be able to let you know which programs have been approved. We have included links to dialysis companies operating in Florida above this comment section.
I am taking a dialysis course in Georgia, including clinicals. Will I be able to utilize my Georgia certification at any of the local Florida clinics or do I need to take my national registry exam in Florida as well? Is it hard to get hired in Florida with no experience and only having the Georgia Certification?
Anne,
Most technicians complete a certification exam that is nationally recognized. If you have passed an exam in Georgia then your certification may carry over into Florida. Since clinics can vary in their hiring expectations it is always a good idea to contact the facility where you plan to work in order to request information on the requirements that they have. In general, the high demand for technicians and the relatively few regulations that affect the profession make it less difficult to find a job as a dialysis technician than in some other patient care specialties.
I am an RN licensed in 1974. It has been awhile since I practiced. My last area of practice was renal dialysis which I enjoyed very much and would like to re-enter. I need to update my qualifications. I live near Clearwater, FL and if you could recommend a school to re-train me in this field I would be very appreciative.
Regards,
Jeanne P. Marino, RN
Hi Jeanne,
Your best bet would be to contact dialysis clinics in your area about the training and certification options available to you. Many of these facilities have their own training programs and can advise you on the specifics of what you will need to do in order to re-enter the profession. We have provided links to dialysis companies in Florida in the resources list above. I hope that helps. Thank you for visiting.
Steve