Evolution of Dialysis Technician Competency Standards
Evolution of Dialysis Technician Competency Standards
Demand for dialysis treatment has increased dramatically in the United States as the number of people suffering from end stage renal disease secondary to chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure has risen. Although a technician is responsible for providing direct patient care, there are very few state and federal regulations that affect the profession. The low barriers to entry that are associated with this field have made it one of the most appealing employment options for those who want to work with patients, but who do not want to commit several years of their life to education and training. Those who are considering this career path should be aware that certification is now required according to the federal conditions for coverage and compliance is required in order to remain employed in the specialty.
Most facilities that offer dialysis treatment in the US require technician applicants to possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED in order to be considered for an open position. While some community colleges and vocational schools offer technician training programs that are specific to dialysis and that issue a certificate of completion, it is very important to contact potential employers to make sure that a local program has been approved before enrolling. Many facilities have designed their own in-house training programs that must be completed before providing direct patient care. After completing the mandatory training, a technician is generally allowed to work in the field for a period of 18 months prior to passing a state or national certification examination.
There are several different certification exams that can be taken in order to comply with federal dialysis technician regulations. Although the federal government is willing to accept many different certification credentials, it is critical for new technicians to review any special state requirements prior to scheduling an exam date. In most cases, the employer will provide detailed instructions on which exam to take once the training period has been completed. Most states have adopted the federal standards as their default technician requirements, but there are a few states that have created their own guidelines that reflect more stringent credentialing timelines. In addition, some states have developed their own certification exams that must be passed in order to continue working in the profession.
Individuals who have the option of selecting their own certification exam should understand the options that exist prior to scheduling an exam date. In general, there are three national organizations that are widely recognized as the standard for dialysis technician competency assessment. These include the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), and the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO). While these organizations offer several credentialing exams for both nurses and technicians, an individual who is new to the profession will typically be required to pass the entry-level exam before progressing to the advanced options. The vast majority of dialysis technicians working in the US will be required to pass an exam offered through one of these well-respected companies.
Formal dialysis technician certification is a fairly new competency standard within the healthcare sector that represents an important step towards solidifying the legitimacy and long-term survival of the profession. Although these new regulations have made it slightly more challenging to enter the field, they represent a very low barrier to entry compared to the standards that are in place for most medical specialties. In addition, they serve to strengthen the technician's standing among other allied health professionals and they demonstrate the importance of the services that a technician provides. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and become more regulated, expanded credentialing requirements are expected to become a critical determinant for reimbursement and should be embraced as a positive advancement for the profession.
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