Dialysis Technician
- Certificate Program
Description
This residential program teaches students how to work with patients and how to use dialysis equipment properly. The program focuses on helping students learn to take vital signs, obtain vascular access, take laboratory blood samples and work comfortably with patients and their families.
Objective
To prepare the student for an entry-level position as a Dialysis Technician who can:
- Explain various dialysis team members and their functions; define and employ medical terminology related to dialysis
- Recognize and correctly use related terms, marks, abbreviations and symbols related to dialysis
- Understand basic chemistry of body fluids and electrolytes related to dialysis
- Explain the normal functions of the kidney and the disease process that may cause renal failure
- Understand the major signs and symptoms of end-stage renal disease
- Interpret laboratory data for dialysis patients
- Explain the dialysis machine systems and identify equipment parts
- Explain the different types of vascular access to the circulation system
- State the overview of peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation
- Explain the importance of infection control related to dialysis
Program Details
Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) exam given by Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
A clinical (externship) course is included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a healthcare setting. Students are required to complete the required 250 clinical hours and other related learning activities prior to graduation. Students are not paid for work performed at the clinical site.
At GCHI, our program resources are designed to give you a hands-on learning experience that mirrors real-world clinical settings. Our facilities offer three distinct lab areas, each fully equipped to support specific programs and provide the skills you need for your career. Our resources also include:
- A comprehensive library stocked with textbooks, reference materials, and medical journals
- Conference room with white board to promote group collaborations
- Computer lab with internet access
- Scientific microscopes with access to a wide collection of samples
- Ultrasound machines
- Hospital beds
- The Unetixs Peripheral Vascular System
- Stress test machines
- EKG machines
- Medical Supplies
- Hospital training manikins
- CPR Manikins
- And much more
Course Numbers | Course Title | Clock Hours |
HDT 1 | Dialysis Class | 56 |
HDT 2 | Dialysis Lab | 16 |
HDT CL | Dialysis Clinical | 250 |
| Total | 322 |
Job Outlook
National average salary
Average growth rate for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Indeed, Dialysis Technician Salary by State (Plus Career Outlook), at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/dialysis-technician-salary (visited December 9, 2024).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited November 18, 2024).

Now Enrolling for Spring Semester
Registration Deadline
April 25, 2025
Summer Semester begins May 12, 2025