Dialysis Technician Training in Virginia
The Board of Health Professions establishes dialysis technician training and certification requirements in Virginia. The law states that no person shall hold himself out to be a dialysis patient care technician unless such person has obtained certification from an approved organization. Individuals who are authorized for provisional dialysis practice to provide direct treatment to renal disease patients while obtaining practical hands-on experience shall be identified as a “trainee.”
In addition to state requirements, a dialysis technician will need to understand and comply with federal regulations as adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS represents the branch of the government that is responsible for reimbursing clinics for around 80% of the costs associated with the services that they provide to end stage renal disease patients. Since this revenue represents essential operating income, nearly all clinics in the United States will be compelled to make sure that their technicians abide by all state and federal regulations.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements must adhere to 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 facilities in your area are likely to provide their own training with little or no expectation that applicants have an advanced college degree or extensive experience in healthcare. Some employers may prefer to hire individuals who have some college education and minor healthcare experience, but many are willing to provide new technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out the responsibilities of a technician and successfully pass a certification exam. Most training programs last for 30 to 90 days and incorporate both classroom instruction and direct patient experience. State and federal regulations require that commonly accepted standards of practice be taught in all training programs.
Widely recognized 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
In 1978, Congress established 18 non-profit networks that are responsible for tracking the quality of end stage renal care being offered in dialysis facilities across the United States. These national renal networks are each responsible for one to six states where they promote competent care, collect data, and act as a resource for dialysis patients and facility personnel. Virginia is a member of Network 5 along with the District of Columbia, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Virginia Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
- Advanced Dialysis Center
- American Renal Associates
- Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
- Davita
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Inova Children’s Hospital
- Southside Regional Medical Center
- University of Virginia Health System
- US Renal Care
- UVA
State Contact Information
Phone: (804) 367-4403
Fax: (804) 527-4466
Email: bhp@dhp.virginia.gov
9960 Mayland Dr, Ste 300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Web Site: Virginia Board of Health Professions
National Network: Network 5
Checking if Davita has training for kidney dialysis tech in Hampton Roads area of Va Bch area preferably! Very much interested in next classes!