Table of Contents HEALTH CAREERS GUIDE MCHC Home     
Chapter 6: Careers in Rehabilitation and Psychiatry

Send this page to a friend

Dialysis Technician

Dialysis technicians work with patients who have severe kidney problems. Under the supervision of a registered nurse, dialysis technicians care for patients while they undergo renal dialysis treatment.

Some of their responsibilities might include:
Taking vital signs and blood samples
Setting up the dialysis machine
Monitoring both patients and equipment during treatment


Dialysis treatments are usually done in a hospital or clinical setting. Patients are in a high-risk category and procedures can last several hours. Dialysis technicians need to be constantly alert and ready to respond to an emergency as a result of a life threatening change in the patient's condition.

Educational Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary. A background in biological sciences is recommended. Registered nurses can receive on-the-job training at hospitals, otherwise training can be received at community colleges or vocational/ technical schools. Certification is available on a voluntary basis.

Educational Programs

Malcolm X College
1900 West Van Buren
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 850-7000
http://malcolmx.ccc.edu/

< Table of ContentsCareers in Rehabilitation and Psychiatry >
This page, and all contents, are Copyright 2005 by the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, 222 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Phone: Tel: 312-906-6000. TDD: 312-906-6185. Fax: 312-993-0779. All rights reserved.
Contact Us