Career Definition for a Dialysis Assistant
A dialysis assistant, or a dialysis technician, is responsible for operating dialysis machines, which are designed to filter waste, excess water, and salt from a person's body. These elements in the blood cause kidneys to fail or become damaged. Dialysis assistants help patients before, during, and after dialysis treatments.
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent required |
| Job Skills | Clinical skills, CPR certification, able to handle emergencies, interpersonal skills |
| Median Salary (2023) | $42,997 for renal dialysis technician |
| Job Growth (2021-2031) | 7% for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians |
Source: Salary.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
According to the National Kidney Foundation, a dialysis assistant must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Training programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals, and these programs can last anywhere from 12 weeks to one year. Within these programs, you gain training in dialysis machine operation, drug overdose, hemodialysis, and plasmaphoresis. Dialysis assistants must also become nationally certified, and they need to keep up-to-date with the latest procedures and technology.
Skills Required
A career in this field requires clinical skills, the ability to monitor a patient's vital signs, and keeping an eye out for complications. It is also essential to be CPR-certified and prepared to handle any emergency situations. Many patients who receive dialysis treatments do so for chronic disorders, and dialysis assistants must have excellent people skills in order to build up a rapport with patients they may see on a daily or weekly basis. Interpersonal skills are also needed to work effectively with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.
Economic and Career Outlook
Dialysis assistants can find employment in hospitals, home dialysis programs, or out-patient facilities. According to Salary.com, the median income for a renal dialysis technician was about $42,997 per year as of January 2023. Most positions offer health benefits, vacation, and sick leave, which should be factored into the rate of compensation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that other types of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, including those in dialysis, will see as fast as the average job growth of 7% for 2021-2031.
Alternate Career Options
Medical Assistant
Some medical assistants earn certificates through post-secondary programs, while others learn their skills for completing clinical and administrative tasks in doctors' offices through on-the-job training. Much-faster-than-average job growth of 16% was forecast by the BLS for these assistants from 2021-2031. In May 2021, a median annual salary of $37,190 was reported by the BLS.
Nursing Assistant
These assistants complete postsecondary programs and pass state exams in order to secure employment providing basic care to patients in nursing facilities and hospitals. They earned an annual median wage of $30,310 in 2021, per the BLS. An average increase in jobs was predicted by the BLS through 2031, with 5% growth expected.
