Dialysis Technician Training in North Carolina

There are no state regulations affecting dialysis technician training and certification requirements in North Carolina state. The Department of Justice in North Carolina has determined that the tasks performed by dialysis technicians does not require the specialized skills of a registered nurse and that technicians are not subject to the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act. The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation defers judgement to federal technician regulations.


Dialysis technician regulations are unique from other healthcare specialties because the federal government has taken over responsibility for covering most of the costs associated with treatment. In the past, end stage renal failure patients were responsible for coming up with the required funds to pay for their own treatment. Most insurance companies were unwilling to issue policies covering dialysis treatment because of the enormous costs. In response, hospitals formed dialysis boards that were tasked with the difficult job of determining which patients would receive treatment and which ones would be allowed to die. Needless to say, this unethical approach to patient care got the attention of the public and led to the government takeover of dialysis reimbursement.

Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburse dialysis facilities for approximately 80% of the costs associated with treatment. Since the federal government has established its own dialysis technician requirements, many states do not feel the need to use their own limited resources to further impose regulations on technicians. While some states do adopt their own requirements, they are usually very similar to those of the CMS. North Carolina has not established its own dialysis technician regulations.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) require that patient care technician training and certification requirements adhere to the following standards:


    1. Meet all state requirements for:
      • Education
      • Training
      • Credentialing
      • Competency
      • Standards of practice
      • Certification
      • Licensure
    2. Have a High School Diploma or GED
    3. Complete an approved program that includes the following:
      • Principles of dialysis
      • Care of patients with kidney failure
      • Possible complications of dialysis
      • Water treatment and dialysate preparation
      • Infection control
      • Safety
      • Dialyzer reprocessing
    4. Certification by a State or National Program within 18 months of employment

North CarolinaIn order to comply with federal dialysis technician regulations, individuals should learn about the many certification options that are available. Currently, there are three nationally recognized organizations that offer dialysis technician certifying exams. Some states and dialysis employers require technicians to complete a specific exam while others allow their new technicians to choose which exam they wish to take.

In most cases, a technician is allowed to work for 6 to 18 months prior to completing a certification exam. This gives individuals the time they need to successfully complete a training program and acquire the knowledge they need to pass the exam.

Nationally recognized certification options include:

  1. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
  2. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
  3. The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)

Each state is a member of one of 18 non-profit networks established by Congress in 1978 to monitor the quality of care being delivered by dialysis facilities across the country. These networks have jurisdiction over one to six states where they gather statistical data, encourage rehabilitation, and serve as an informational resource for both dialysis patients and clinic personnel. North Carolina belongs to Network 6 along with South Carolina and Georgia.

North Carolina Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

  1. Carolinas Medical Center
  2. Davita
  3. Dialysis Center, Inc.
  4. DSI Dialysis
  5. Duke University Medical Center
  6. Fresenius Medical Care
  7. Gambro Healthcare
  8. Wake Forest Baptist Health
  9. Wilkes Regional Medical Center

State Contact Information

North Carolina State SealPhone:          (919) 855-3750
Fax:               (919) 733-2757

2701 Mail Service Center     Raleigh, NC 27699-2701

Web Site:     Department of Health and Human Services

National Network:   Network 6

 

6 thoughts on “Dialysis Technician Training in North Carolina

  1. Didi

    I’m interested in becoming a dialysis technician. How do I go about getting trained with either one of the above-listed schools?
    I’m willing to cover the cost myself. I just need training so I can get certified and get hired.

    Thank you!

  2. Laura Swims

    I am a Dialysis Technician from DSI and I would like to know if you would pay to cover the full cost or partial cost of the license recertification?

    1. Steve Post author

      Laura,

      We do not pay for the cost of license recertification. You may want to consider contacting the Department of Health or your local network to find out if there are organizations or opportunities that can help with the cost.

  3. Teresa Coulter

    If I am certified as a dialysis technician in South Carolina, can I cross over to North Carolina without a recertification?

    1. Steve Post author

      Teresa,

      You should be able to, but we would recommend contacting potential employers in North Carolina to confirm.

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