Dialysis Technician Training in Maryland
The Maryland Board of Nursing establishes and enforces regulations relating to dialysis technician training, testing, and certification requirements. A dialysis technician in the state of Maryland is considered a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Individuals who wish to work as a technician in Maryland must graduate from an approved CNA-DT training program and submit an application for nursing assistant certification. A list of approved training programs can be found by clicking here.
Technicians who have worked in other states must be certified by BONENT in order to forego a competency exam. Those who fail the exam are required to complete an approved training program. In addition to Maryland state requirements, dialysis technicians will need to meet new certification regulations adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Since these regulations are very similar to the requirements of the state, technicians should be able to comply with federal law without overcoming additional hurdles.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements must:
- 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
It is important for individuals who wish to pursue a career as a dialysis technician to remain current on the regulations that affect them as well as the credentialing options available. The healthcare industry in the United States is undergoing dramatic regulatory changes. Technicians are finding that there are more and more regulations being adopted that impact them. Dialysis technicians need to advocate for legislation that establishes the technician profession as a legitimate and necessary specialty.
National certification organizations include:
- 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
The quality of end stage renal disease treatment provided to patients has been a priority of the federal government for many years. In 1978, Congress created 18 non-profit networks that have been tasked with providing oversight to anywhere from 1 to 6 states. These networks routinely monitor clinics, promote comprehensive treatment, and act as an informational resource for patients and clinicians. Maryland is a member of Network 5 along with the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Maryland Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Advanced Dialysis Center
- American Renal Associates
- Bon Secours Hospital
- Davita
- Deer’s Head Hospital Center
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Holy Cross Hospital
- Independent Dialysis Foundation
- Johns Hopkins
- Union Memorial Hospital
- US Renal Care
- Western Maryland Hospital
- Western Maryland Health System
State Contact Information
Phone: (410) 585-1990
Fax: (410) 764-8042
Email: kirby.graham@maryland.gov
4140 Patterson Ave Baltimore, MD 21215-2254
Web Site: Maryland Board of Nursing
National Network: Network 5
A current dialysis technician and LPN recommended the program offered through Montgomery College at Takoma Park.
Becca,
Montgomery College has offered some non-credit courses for dialysis technicians in the past. We recommend contacting them directly to find out if this opportunity is still available. The program has stated that it does not include a national or state certification as part of its overall objectives even though technicians are required to become certified in order to comply with federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In 2014, the program included 50 hours and cost $1,725 for residents of Maryland and $2,525 for non-residents. This involved 20 sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:30pm. You can reach the school at (240) 567-5188.
I am a home health aid who is looking for training to become a dialysis technician. Can you recommend any programs?
Temitope,
We generally recommend that individuals contact employers in their area to inquire about training opportunities. We have provided links to most of the major providers operating in Maryland above this comment section. They can offer valuable insight into the options that are available to you.
I am a nursing assistant who is looking for training to become a dialysis technician.
Christina,
Most dialysis technician training programs are offered through local healthcare clinics. While there are some colleges and universities that have dialysis technician certificate programs, we usually recommend that individuals contact local employers to find out about training opportunities that are available in their area. We also recommend using the materials found on our training resources page to prepare for the profession and to review for the certification exam.