Dialysis Technician Training in Missouri
There is no state agency or organization that is responsible for creating and enforcing dialysis technician training and certification regulations in the state of Missouri. The Department of Health and Senior Services has been given the task of monitoring other related health professions. Individuals who wish to pursue a new career as a dialysis technician in Missouri will need to complete a training program and a state or national certification examination in order to comply with federal guidelines.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are responsible for reimbursing dialysis facilities for around 80% of the costs associated with the dialysis treatment that they provide to the public. Since the government pays for such a large portion of treatment, dialysis facilities across the United States are compelled to comply with federal regulations if they hope to continue to receive the funds that they need to remain in operation. Fortunately, the requirements that a dialysis technician must meet are relatively insignificant compared to many other healthcare professions.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) require that the patient care technician training and certification requirements incorporate the following standards:
- 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
Dialysis clinics that operate in unregulated states, like Missouri, have mostly made the changes needed in their protocol to comply with federal regulations. Dialysis facilities in many states are given the freedom to develop their own training curriculum as long as it includes accepted standards of practice. A technician is usually allowed to begin working after completing training. The CMS expects certification within 18 months of hire. This gives technicians time to acquire the skills they need for the exam.
National 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
Dialysis clinics throughout the United States are monitored by 18 non-profit networks that were established by Congress in 1978 for the sole purpose of ensuring high quality dialysis treatment. Each renal network has jurisdiction over one to six states where it is responsible for gathering and interpreting data, advocating for patient health, and serving as an informational resource for patients and clinical personnel. Missouri is a member of Network 12 along with Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Missouri Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Advanced Dialysis Services
- American Renal Associates
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
- Branson Dialysis
- Cameron Regional Medical Center
- Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Mercy Hospital
- Cox Health
- Davita
- Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Premier Dialysis Centers
- Salem Memorial Hospital
- Samaritan Hospital
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- University of Missouri Hospital
State Contact Information
Phone: (573) 751-6400
Fax: (573) 751-6010
Email: info@health.mo.gov
912 Wildwood, P.O. Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102
Web Site: Department of Health and Senior Services
National Network: Network 12