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Dialysis certification: a how-to guide

Find dialysis certification programs in your area and online now. Read on to learn more about this role.

With dialysis certification, you generally help patients with diabetes. Photo by newslighter on Flickr.Are you seeking to upgrade your career? You don't have to become a doctor to have a successful and fulfilling health career. One option is completing dialysis certification, which allows you to be a dialysis tech.

Dialysis is also known as hemodialysis. What is hemodialysis? It's a process whereby the blood is removed from the body to be filtered and cleaned. Dialysis takes over the function of the kidneys, removing harmful toxins from the body.

Diabetes patients generally receive dialysis. Some patients need to have the process done several times in a week. Because of the increases in diabetes diagnoses, the need for people who have completed dialysis technician training is increasing.

To prepare for the exam and to have a fulfilling career of helping others as a dialysis technician, you'll want to consider attending one of a few dialysis technician schools in the country. Sanford-Brown is one option, with campuses in 10 states. Sanford-Brown is a health career-focused school that concentrates on offering real-world experience.

Classes for dialysis certification begin soon. Find a local health care program and apply today!

The school has dozens of programs for allied health technicians and therapists. One such program is dialysis technology, which focuses on all areas of kidney health and dialysis technology. It is offered by the Pittsburgh and Phoenix campuses of Sanford-Brown.

If your schedule doesn't allow physical attendance at a university, you might try one of several online degree program options. Everest University is an online school offering a bachelor's degree in health care administration. This degree is a gateway to becoming a dialysis technician, and it opens countless other opportunities for health careers.

Certificate programs somewhat differ depending on the school you choose, but you can expect some common experiences regardless of which dialysis technician course you take.

One part of the certification process is the certified hemodialysis technician examination offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology. It measures technical proficiency and content knowledge and is required of all dialysis techs. The exam can be taken after you've started as a dialysis tech, but it's required that you pass it within 18 months.

As you can see, there are many paths to a career as a dialysis technician. Some people work in other fields of medicine first and then pass a certification exam. Others get experience in dialysis by assisting medical practitioners before becoming certified themselves. Dialysis tech schools prepare you to gain certification and may connect you with potential employers.

Because of the rapid increase in diabetes rates, the need for dialysis techs is projected to continue to increase. Dialysis certification may open doors to a challenging, yet rewarding career of helping others experience better-quality lives. Get started down this exciting path by using the Reply! service to connect with schools within your area and online.

Photo credit: newslighter via Compfight CC.