Technicians working in the dialysis industry are a critical component of the patient care team because they perform many of
the unskilled tasks required to manage individuals in an effective manner. While the dialysis technician profession used to
be fairly unknown in the recent past, an increasing prevalence of diet and exercise related kidney failure secondary to
diabetes, hypertension, and obesity has resulted in much higher demand for treatment and has rapidly expanded employment
opportunities for the field. Those who have an interest in providing patient care, but who do not want to spend several years
in a degree program are encouraged to consider the dialysis technician career path as a viable work option.
Although most states do not require technicians to become licensed in order to provide patient care in the dialysis setting,
the federal government does have competency standards that must be followed if a facility wants to continue receiving
reimbursement for services rendered. In general, a technician must complete a professional training program offered in-house
or through an educational institution, must have a high school diploma or GED, and must successfully pass a national
certification exam. In addition, the technician is expected to comply with all state regulations affecting the profession.
Most treatment facilities offer their own training programs that are designed to give new employees the knowledge and skills
they will need to become successful technicians, but there are also programs that are available through some community
colleges and vocational schools that are more than sufficient.
Technicians who plan on sitting for a certification examination offered through the Board of Nephrology Examiners (BONENT)
should be aware that BONENT has approved specific programs that are accepted as adequate training in order to become eligible
for their exams. Individuals who plan on working in an area that is not located near one of these programs should be sure to
contact BONENT before trying to schedule an examination date in order to confirm that they are eligible to sit for the test.
Most directors of treatment facilities will also provide guidance on which exam to take when it comes time for national
certification. Generally, the federal government does not require that an exam be completed through a specific organization
as long as the test is offered by a well-known and respected national company or has been created and approved by a state's
regulatory agency for healthcare institutions.
Along with in-house programs and those offered through colleges and universities, there are also some options available to
individuals who want to complete a home-based study course. The Kidney School curriculum offered through the Medical
Education Institute is one of the most popular opportunities for those who want to study at home. Their Core Curriculum for
the Dialysis Technician handbook is also a very in-depth study option that many individuals use to supplement the in-house
training that they are provided with shortly after being hired. The National Association of Nephrology Technicians, National
Kidney Foundation, American Kidney Fund, and American Nephrology Nurses Association also provide opportunities for
individuals to acquire additional course credit on top of that which they receive during dialysis technician school.
A career as an entry-level technician in the dialysis specialty is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the health and
well-being of others. While a four-year college degree is not required to enter the field, those who choose to pursue this
career path should be aware of the educational expectations that regulatory agencies and employers have. An informed
perspective of the barriers to entry for this profession will help guide the career advancement process and generally
prevents wasted time, effort, and money. In addition, aspiring technicians should remain in regular contact with medical
facilities in their area so that they can benefit from the advice and guidance of professionals in the field.
Individuals who have determined that the dialysis specialty is the appropriate employment opportunity for them and who would
like to learn more about the dialysis technician school options in their area are encouraged to visit
http://www.dialysistechniciansalary.org/dialysis-technician-school/ where they will find additional details on this topic
along with facts relating to several other important aspects of the industry. Those who take time to develop an informed
understanding of this career path will be better prepared for the job search process and will find that they encounter fewer
surprises as they seek to advance their career. Also, it is very important to begin networking with experienced individuals
in the profession who are willing to offer assistance to those seeking to enter the specialty.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_A_Davis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8844560
No comments:
Post a Comment