Program Description

The Dialysis Technician (DIATC) program teaches the use of an artificial kidney when a patient's own kidneys are not functioning to clear metabolic waste products, toxins and excess fluid from the blood. Dialysis may also be used in some cases of poisoning or drug overdose. The State of Washington, in its Health Care Assistant Act., defines a Dialysis Technician as follows: "a person who is certified as a healthcare assistant, category G, by the Washington State Department of Health, who is authorized under Chapter 18.135 RCW and these rules to assist with the direct care of patients undergoing dialysis and to perform certain invasive procedures under proper delegation and supervision of health care practitioners." Under Washington State law, an individual may not function or represent himself or herself as a Dialysis Technician, category G, unless that individual has satisfied the training and competency requirements of these rules. Dialysis Technicians are trained to use related equipment to provide dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disorder or failure. Dialysis technicians may also be referred to as hemodialysis or renal dialysis technicians.

Employment Outlook

Dialysis Technicians work primarily in outpatient settings such as kidney dialysis centers or skilled nursing homes. Experienced technicians may also be involved with the education of patients and private home dialysis treatments. Individuals that are interested in working in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals should contact the Federal Office of Personnel Management.

Medical technology and the spread of new diseases combined with a growing and aging population have increased the demand for all health care services. Patients on kidney dialysis also tend to begin treatment sooner and stay in treatment longer. Although the number of kidney transplants has also continued to increase, the availability of donated organs remains limited. According to data, for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals not elsewhere classified, which includes Dialysis Technicians, the projected growth between 1990-2005 is listed at 42%. This data does not include self-employment.

Entry into the Program

Under the Health Care Assistant Law, applicants to a training program must meet the following state requirements prior to being certified as a Health Care Assistant, category G: a high school education or its equivalent; the ability to read, write and converse in the English language; basic math skills including the use of fractions and decimal points; and adequate physical ability to perform requisite healthcare services.

Please apply to the Admissions Office. Admission and registration guidelines are listed in the catalog and on the college website. Students may enter the program Fall quarter and courses must be taken in sequence. It is strongly recommended that students entering the program be able to read, write, and compute at college level and have basic keyboarding skills. Students lacking this preparation should consult an advisor for appropriate coursework. Science courses that are five or more years old cannot be transferred in for credit. Students may need to schedule an appointment with the Medical Assistant department chair or counselor to answer questions.