NEPHRO HOME DIALYSIS & TRAINING CENTER, LLC
Dialysis Technician Training
INFORMATION PACKET
Winter, 2010
What do Dialysis Technicians do?
They work with patients whose kidneys no longer function properly.
They monitor patients as they undergo dialysis to ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and that the equipment works properly.
They check the patient’s vital signs and test the blood to make sure that the waste is being removed properly.
Dialysis technicians who work directly with patients must be compassionate and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Job duties may include lifting patients and equipment.
They help other medical staff by setting up equipment, storing and moving supplies, and assisting with some procedures.
They observe patients’ physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.
Where do they work?
Hospitals
Dialysis centers
How much do they make?
Actual pay will vary depending on the facility where you work, the shift your work, and your prior education and experience, but estimated starting pay rates range from $12 per hour.
What are the job trends in the Houston area?

Two factors will encourage growth in this occupation: the number of patients on dialysis continues to increase and Dialysis Technicians are increasingly replacing registered nurses in treatment centers.
Dialysis patients also tend to stay in treatment longer. This is in addition to the general population increase and the rise in the elderly population, which is the age group that is most likely to require dialysis care.
Is National Certification required?
Dialysis Technicians must be certified under a state certification program or a national commercially available certification program, such as BONENT (Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing Technology)
Newly-employed dialysis technicians must be certified within 18 months of being hired as a dialysis technician.
Dialysis technicians employed on or before October 14, 2008, must be certified within 18 months of that date (April 14, 2010)
There is no state certification in Texas.
Where can this job lead?
Advancement opportunities for Dialysis Technicians depend upon the location of the job. In most facilities, technicians can advance to a Chief Technician position. Dialysis Technicians working in some of the larger clinics have the opportunity to advance to Machine Maintenance Technician. In this more specialized position, the technician is responsible for all dialysis machine maintenance and repair. A majority of employers also encourage the technicians to continue their education to become licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, or other more specialized health care therapists or providers.
Dialysis Technician Training
Overview
Designed to provide entry-level employment in the dialysis field.
Includes an 80 Hour Theoretical Class and 200 Hours Clinical Dialysis Training Program.
Attendance and Completion Policy
Must attend 80% of scheduled class time.
Complete course assignments and exams demonstrating 70% mastery of course concepts or equivalent skills demonstration.
Admission Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Immunization Record
Immunizations can take 4 - 6 months to complete.
See Immunizations Guidelines.
Immunizations must be completed before the start of class.
Must be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and emotional health to safely care for patients.
Respect confidential nature of medical information
Reasonable level of manual dexterity, visual acuity and not color blind.
Textbooks
“The Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician.”
Must bring on the first day of class
Attire
Theoretical Class:
Comfortable regular clothes.
Clinical Training:
Clean Scrub Tops and Pants (white color)
Clean duty/nursing shoes.
How to Register
You may register and fill up an application/registration form at 15058 Highway 6, Rosharon, Texas 77583 or call
281 710 4229 (office) for more details. Application packet can be downloaded from our website.
Bring the needed requirements.
Pay tuition fees at the time of registration (checks, cash or money order accepted)

Note: You will not be able to start classes if 50% of tuition and fees have not been paid.
Class Details
80 Hours Theory Class
Location: 15058 Highway 6, Rosharon, Texas 77583
Fee $600.
200 Hours Clinical Class
Fee $500.
Riverside Dialysis clinic, 3315 Delano Street, Houston, Texas 77004
Westpark Dialysis Center, 6400 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas
* Registration for classes ongoing Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm at 15058 Highway 6, Rosharon, TX
77583.
* Call 210-7104229 for the Schedule of Classes.
Payment Plan
Pay 50% at registration; pay remaining 50% before end of class.
Receipts should be shown to Instructor on the first day of class.
Needed on First Day of Class
Receipt showing registration and payment
Copies of completed immunizations
Textbook
Accommodation Requests
Students requiring special accommodations during class/clinical time for disabilities are required to selfdisclose to the Office for Students with Disabilities. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate you.
IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES

Proof of the following immunizations is required before entrance into the Dialysis Technician Program
VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX) - Proof of either:
A physician documented history of the disease
A documentation of two varicella immunizations
Or a serum titer confirming immunity
**Note: The varicella injection series is a four-week process.
**Note: If the first dose of varicella was received prior to 13 years of age only one dose is necessary. Proof of date of birth must be included.
HEPATITIS B Proof of either:
A complete three-injection series of Hepatitis B vaccinations
A serum titer confirming immunity
*Note: The Hepatitis B injection series is a 4-6 month process. There must be a minimum of 4 weeks between the 1 st and 2 nd immunization, minimum of 8 weeks between the 2 nd and 3 rd immunization, and a minimum of 16 weeks between the 1 st and 3 rd immunization.
Measles - Proof of either:
Two doses of measles vaccine on or after first birthday
A physician-documented history of disease
Or a serum titer confirming immunity
*Note: Students born before January 1, 1957 are exempt from the measles requirement.
*Note: There must be at least 4 weeks between the 1 st and 2 nd measles vaccination
MUMPS -- Proof of either:
One dose of mumps vaccination on or after first birthday
A physician-documented history of disease
A serum titer confirming immunity

Note: Students born before January 1, 1957 are exempt from mumps requirement.
Rubella -- Proof of either:
One dose of rubella vaccination on or after first birthday
A physician-documented history of the disease
A serum titer confirming immunity
*Note: All students are required to show proof of Rubella
***Combined MMR vaccine is a vaccine of choice if recipients are likely to be susceptible
TETANUS
Proof of tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years must be shown at time of application.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) -- Proof of either:
A negative PPD skin test
A negative result on chest x-rays if skin test is positive or cannot be taken
*Note: Test may not be more than 180 days old (6 months) on the first day of class
MORE INFORMATION REGARDING IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Documentation of immunizations is required at the time of application to the program
Program applications are not accepted without a completed immunization form
Vaccines administered on or after September 1, 1991 must include the month/date/year each vaccine was given.
Physician-documented history of disease and serum titers must be the date of diagnosis or test collection and not when the form is signed by the health care provider.
If a student is pregnant, a written statement is needed from the physician regarding immunizations, as well as attending the clinical portion of the program.
SOURCES OF LOCAL VACCINES
The following health departments offer adult vaccines, there may be a charge. If you cannot afford these vaccines you need to let the office know and request low or no cost vaccines.

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES)
Provides comprehensive preventive health care services at the following health clinics in Harris County:
HYPERLINK " http://www.hcphes.org/dccp/clinical.htm
" http://www.hcphes.org/dccp/clinical.htm
HCPHES Antoine Health Clinic
5815 Antoine, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77091
Phone # (713) 602-3300
HCPHES Baytown Health Clinic
1000 Lee Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520
Phone # (281) 427-5195
HCPHES Humble Health Clinic
1730 Humble Place Drive, Humble, Texas 77338
Phone # (281) 446-4222
HCPHES LaPorte Health Clinic
1009 South Broadway, LaPorte, Texas 77571
Phone # (281) 471-4202
HCPHES Southeast Health Clinic
3737 Red Bluff Road, Pasadena, Texas 77503
Phone # (713) 740-5000
Fort Bend County Health Department Clinics: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=7259
Immunization given to uninsured adults, each vaccine cost $10.00, cash only. All vaccines given at both locations please bring any immunization records you have.
EAST END ANNEX

303 Texas Parkway or F.M. 2234, Suite 202
Missouri City, Texas 77459
281-403-8041
CLINICAL HEALTH SERVICES
4520 Reading Road, Suite “A”
Rosenberg, Texas 77471
281-342-6414
Take Care Clinic at select Walgreens 1-866-825-3227
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM Sat & Sun: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
1215 W 43 rd St - Houston
1919 W Gray St - Houston
2808 Gessner Dr - Houston
5200 Westheimer Rd - Houston
6768 Hwy 6 S - Houston
16211 Spring Cypress Rd - Cypress
411 S Mason Rd - Katy
8430 Broadway St - Pearland
19710 Holzwarth Rd - Spring
7440 FM 1060 Rd E - Humble
8000 Research Forest Dr - The Woodlands
24917 FM 1314 Rd - Porter
Cost:
MMR $91, Tetanus $45, Tuberculosis $25,

Hepatitis B $65 each, Varicella $130
Nephro Home Dialysis and Training Center, LLC
Class Title: Dialysis Technician Training
Date and Time of class:
Instructor’s Name :
School Site :
Phone number :
Mar Pidlaoan, BSN, RN
15058 Highway 6, Rosharon Texas
77583
(281) 710-4229
NEPHRO HOME DIALYSIS and TRAINING CENTER COURSE SYLLABUS
Dialysis Technician Training
(Special Topics in Patient Care Technology)
Addresses recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student.
80 HOUR COURSE
COURSE OBJECTIVE
The training is to prepare students for employment in dialysis facilities and to prepare them for national certification. Topics include: principles of dialysis, dialysis devices, vascular access, dialysis procedures and complications, dialyzer reprocessing, and water treatment.
GOALS
In this course students will:
Experience an overview of the patient with kidney failure.
Experience an overview of the principles and procedures for dialysis treatment.
Experience an overview of the mechanical and technical aspect of providing dialysis treatment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will demonstrate mastery of these objectives being able to:

Identify the structures and functions of the normal kidney.
Describe acute vs. chronic kidney disease.
List five symptoms of uremia.
Describe at least four conditions that often occur due to kidney failure.
Discuss the treatment options for kidney failure.
Discuss the communication skills dialysis technicians use while working with patients.
Define the basic principles of diffusion, filtration, ultrafiltration, convection, and osmosis.
Explain how diffusion, filtration, ultrafiltration, convection, and osmosis relate to solute transport and fluid movement during dialysis.
Describe the principles of fluid dynamics and how they relate to dialysis.
Describe the predialysis set-up of the hemodialysis machine and extracorporeal circuit.
Explain the start, monitoring, and end of a routine treatment.
Identify the vital signs that should be monitored before, during, and after treatments.
Discuss the basics of infection control.
Explain how to draw up and give intravenous medications.
Describe how to draw a blood sample.
Discuss the importance of documenting patient care.
Identify causes, signs and symptoms, and prevention of complications that may occur during dialysis.
Identify the purpose and characteristics of dialyzers.
Describe the purpose and chemical composition of dialysate.
Describe dialysate preparation and the three monitoring functions of the dialysate delivery subsystem.
Describe the extracorporeal blood circuit functions and monitoring systems.
Discuss the history of dialyzer reprocessing.

List two reasons why dialysis centers reprocess dialyzers.
Explain the steps involved in dialyzer reprocessing.
Discuss the hazards to patients and staff that can occur with dialyzer reprocessing.
List the required documentation for dialyzer reprocessing.
Discuss the purpose of water treatment for dialysis.
List the components of a dialysis center’s water treatment system.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of water softeners, carbon tanks, reverse osmosis, deionization, and ultraviolet irradiation in the treatment of water for dialysis.
Describe the method for microbiological testing of the water treatment system.
Describe a typical water treatment monitoring schedule.
Dialyzer Reprocessing
PREREQUISITE:
GED or High School Diploma.
Proof of the following immunizations:
Completion of Hepatitis B vaccine series (3 shots)
Tetanus/Diphtheria (within last 10 years)
TB skin test (within the last 12 months)
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Measles (if born on or after January 1, 1957)
Mumps (if born on or after January 1, 1957)
Rubella
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician, A Comprehensive Review of Hemodialysis,
4th Edition, Medical Education Institute, Inc.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
This is an 80 hour instructor guided course. Student will complete all assignments
ATTENDANCE
To fully benefit from the class, students are expected to attend all classes.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
To receive a Certificate of Completion and Continuing Education Units, students must meet the following requirements:
Attend at least 80% of scheduled class time
Complete the course assignments and exams demonstrating 70% mastery of course concepts or equivalent skills demonstration to instructor.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
A variety of class exercises, class discussions, and case studies will be used to allow the instructors to assess student understanding of current trends and issues.
Students will also complete a weekly test with a passing score of 70% or better.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT-FACULTY INTERACTION
Students are encouraged to ask questions and request clarification or guidance as needed during class. A question and answer period is always provided.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER EXPLORATION
Topics relevant to future employment and career exploration opportunities will be presented to the students, including certification and degree prospects.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION
Students are informed of instructional aids and resources, including books, other publications, and web sites relevant to the course.
SPEAKER FORUM

At the discretion of the instructor, speakers may be invited to address the class on pertinent topics.
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS
Cell phones and pagers can be disruptive during class. Please turn these devices off or set to mute while in the classroom or student lab.
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY
In the event a student has attended one (1) day of theory class and then withdraws, 50% of enrollment fee allotted for theory can be refunded. No refund allowed for any withdrawal after attending the second day of theory class.
DISABILITY SERVICES
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Bacterial Meningitis
This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast – so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-
125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities
What are the symptoms?
High fever, rash or purple patches on skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea, and seizures. There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk. If these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.
How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
How is the disease transmitted?

The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (by kissing or sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
How do you increase your risk of getting bacterial meningitis?
Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc. Living in close conditions such as a room/suite, dorm or group home.
What are the possible consequences of the disease?
Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead), permanent brain damage, kidney failure, learning disability, hearing loss, blindness, limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation, gangrene, coma, and convulsions.
Can the disease be treated?
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close quarters and college students
25 years of age or younger.
Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
The cost of vaccine varies so check with your health care provider.
Vaccination is very safe; the most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
Vaccination is available at City of Houston health clinics.
For more information, contact your own health care provider, your local or regional Texas Department of
Health Office at 713-767-3000, or go to the Web sites at: http ; www.acha.org
Immunizations and Tests Required by State Law/Clinical Facilities
Name: ___________________________________________
Program: ________________________________________
Date of Birth: ______________________

Measles (Rubeola): Those born on or after January 1,
1957++ must show proof of either:
Two doses of measles vaccine on or after their first birthday and at least 30 days apart OR
*See note.
Record of physician-diagnosed measles
OR
** See note.
Serologic test positive for measles antibody .
**See note.
Mumps: Those born on or after January 1, 1957++ must show proof of either:
One dose of mumps vaccine on or after their first birthday OR
Date #1_____________ Date #2____________
(mm/dd/yy) (mm/dd/yy)
Date__________________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date _______________ Result____________
(mm/dd/yy)
Record of physician-diagnosed mumps
OR
** See note.
Serologic test positive for mumps antibody
Date__________________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date__________________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date _______________ Result____________
** See note.
Rubella: ALL students must show proof of either:
One dose of Rubella vaccine on or after their first birthday OR
(mm/dd/yy)
Date__________________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date__________________________________ Record of physician-diagnosed Rubella OR
** See note.
Serologic test positive for Rubella antibody
(mm/dd/yy)
Date _______________ Result____________
** See note. (mm/dd/yy)
*Combined MMR Vaccine is vaccine of choice if recipients are likely to be susceptible.
**Must be the date of diagnosis or test collection; not when primary care provider signed immunization form.
+Vaccines administered after September 1, 1991 shall include the MM/DD/YY each vaccine was given.
++To be exempt from proof of measles and/or mumps, those born before January 1, 1957 must provide a photo ID
____________
Name:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____

Program: _______________________________________
Date of Birth: ______________________
Hepatitis B must show proof of:
Three doses of vaccine administered over a period of 4-6 months. Initial vaccine followed by 1 and 4-6 months vaccines respectively OR
Date #1_____________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date #2______________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date #3______________________________
(mm/dd/yy)
Date _______________ Result____________ Serologic test positive for Hepatitis B antibody .
**See note.
Varicella must show proof of:
Two doses of Varicella vaccine administered 4-8 weeks apart OR
(mm/dd/yy)
Date #1_____________ Date #2____________
(mm/dd/yy) (mm/dd/yy)
Physician documented history or diagnosis of Varicella
OR
Date Disease Occurred___________________
(mm/dd/yy)
** See note.
Serologic test positive for Varicella antibody .
Documented history after September 1, 1991 must have a month, day and year.
Date _______________ Result____________
**See note.
*Only one dose of Varicella vaccine is needed if the student received the first dose before the age of thirteen
(13)
(mm/dd/yy)
Diphtheria, Tetanus (Td): one dose within past 10 years at the time of application
Date__________________________________
Tuberculosis (TB) Proof of either:
(mm/dd/yy)
Negative PPD skin test OR Date _______________ Result____________
Negative chest X-Ray if skin test is positive or cannot be
(mm/dd/yy)
Date _______________ Result____________

taken
(mm/dd/yy)
Signature:
The information I have provided is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. Copies of official immunization records are attached. I understand that submission of false information is grounds for rejection of my application, and/or cancellation of enrollment with no refund.
Student Signature ____________________________________________
Date _________________