Many training programs in California can teach you how to operate life-supporting dialysis equipment that removes toxins from the blood when patients experience kidney failure. To work as a technician in a California medical facility, you must be trained and certified. Certification requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and successful completion of a California Department of Public Health-approved training program. Additionally, you must pass a California Dialysis Council examination or a national examination through the Board of Nephrology Examiners for Nursing and Technology, the National Nephrology Certification Organization or the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.
Platt College
Platt College in Los Angeles is an accredited career school that offers a weekend hemodialysis technician program that's convenient for many busy adults. Within 20 to 26 weeks, students can earn a program certificate and take a national dialysis technician certification examination required for employment in California. Students complete 120 hours of classroom instruction along with 200 hours of supervised training in area hospitals and dialysis facilities. The curriculum covers areas such as renal anatomy and physiology, aseptic techniques, patient care, monitoring procedures and the safe use of dialysis equipment.
Glendale Community College
Since 1975, Glendale Community College's Community Service Education has offered hemodialysis training, making it one of the oldest dialysis programs in the United States. Over the course of 16 weeks, students receive 400 hours of education through both lectures and hands-on practice in clinical settings. The curriculum covers subjects such as kidney anatomy and physiology, electrolytes, disease control, kidney transplants, patient assessment, patient care and standard dialysis procedures. Students are closely supervised by college nursing faculty to help students gain skill and confidence in the use of dialysis equipment. The program is approved by the California State Department of Human Services.
Dialysis Education Services, LLC
Dialysis Education Services, LLC in Bellflower, California offers a comprehensive hemodialysis technician training program that includes classroom instruction, clinical experience and assistance with resume writing and job hunting. Students may choose from evening or weekend classes that can lead to a dialysis career in approximately four months. Graduates are eligible to sit for a qualifying examination for certification as a dialysis technician in California. Students nearing completion of the program are encouraged to attend a free review class to help them study for national examinations.
The Hemodialysis Training School
Operated by Plush Systems Inc., the Hemodialysis Training School in California is a private institution founded in 1991 that offers a basic hemodialysis course. The curriculum entails 192 hours of lecture and a minimum of 208 hours of supervised clinical practice in renal facilities, such as the Antelope Valley Kidney Institute in Lancaster and the Desert Cities Dialysis Unit in Victorville. To pass the course, students must understand kidney and renal system functioning, fluid intake, electrolyte balance, patient nutrition, blood chemistry and the operation of dialysis equipment. The course prepares students to pass the state or national hemodialysis certification exam.
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Dr. Mary Dowd is a dean of students whose job includes student conduct, leading the behavioral consultation team, crisis response, retention and the working with the veterans resource center. She enjoys helping parents and students solve problems through advising, teaching and writing online articles that appear on many sites. Dr. Dowd also contributes to scholarly books and journal articles.