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Dialysis Technician Training in Washington

The Washington State Department of Health has established dialysis technician training and certification requirements. Individuals who wish to practice as a dialysis technician will need to submit an application along with the fee and demonstrate that they meet credentialing requirements. In addition to complying with state laws, technicians will need to abide by federal technician laws. Applicants can demonstrate competency by providing evidence of the following:

1. Completion of high school diploma or equivalent
2. The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language
3. Basic math skills
4. Completion of a hemodialysis training program
5. Completion of a national credential equivalent to a training program
6. Military training or experience in dialysis
7. Seven hours of AIDS education and training
8. Current CPR certification
9. Out-of-state credential verification

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the branch of the federal government that is responsible for compensating dialysis facilities for approximately 80% of the costs associated with providing care to end stage renal disease patients. Because dialysis therapy is a long-term medical treatment, it can become extremely expensive and is often outside the ability of patients to pay for on their own. For this reason, the federal government has passed on the responsibility of paying for dialysis to the taxpayers. This has resulted in many more patients receiving the care they need and has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of patients who die shortly after developing kidney failure.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) establish that the patient care technician training and certification requirements need to include standards that:

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

Dialysis employers vary in terms of what they expect from new technician applicants. Some facilities prefer to hire those who have some type of healthcare related college degree and experience in the industry while others are more than able to provide all of the training needed to become a successful technician and pass a certification exam. Most clinics have developed their own training protocols that commonly last between 30 and 90 days and incorporate both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Aspiring technicians will need to inquire directly with local employers if they wish to know more about a specific training program.

The most common certification options include…

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

Each state belongs to one of 18 non-profit renal networks that were established by Congress in 1978. The purpose of the networks is to monitor the quality of patient care being provided in dialysis facilities across the United States. Networks have jurisdiction over clinics in one to six states where they are responsible for gathering patient care information, providing patient education, and facility personnel support. Washington state is part of Network 16 along with Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.

Washington Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Davita
2. DSI Renal, Inc.
3. Franciscan Health System
4. Fresenius Medical Care
5. Mt Baker Kidney Center
6. Northwest Kidney Centers
7. PeaceHealth
8. Puget Sound Kidney Centers
9. Seattle Children’s Hospital
10. Skagit Regional Health
11. Tri-State Memorial Hospital

State Contact Information

Phone:          (360) 236-4700
Fax:               (800) 525-0127
Email:           Contact Form

111 Israel Rd SE     Tumwater, WA 98501

Web Site:     Washington State Department of Health

National Network:   Network 16