Dialysis Technician Training in Ohio

The Ohio Board of Nursing is responsible for establishing dialysis technician training and certification requirements in the state of Ohio. According to the laws and rules, an individual will only be allowed to practice as a technician in Ohio once a certificate has been provided by the state Board. Some state requirements may be less stringent than federal law and are superseded by the more stringent requirement. A certification exam must be completed within 18 months of hire as outlined in federal regulations.


An applicant for a certificate to practice as a dialysis technician must:

  1. Submit an application and associated fee
  2. Submit the name and address for each training program enrolled in
  3. Demonstrate competency to practice by either:
    1. Successfully completing an approved dialysis training program in Ohio
      • Has performed care for not less than 12 months
      • Has passed a certification exam within 18 months of program completion
    2. Having a testing organization submit evidence of passing an exam in another state, providing evidence of dialysis care in another jurisdiction for not less than 12 months, and completing at least two hours of education relating to Ohio regulations.
  4. Submit criminal records check

In addition to the state requirements listed here, dialysis technicians are responsible for compliance with federal laws adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS is a branch of the federal government that is responsible for reimbursing dialysis facilities for around 80% of the costs associated with delivery of care. The CMS took over dialysis treatment reimbursement because of the tremendous financial burden that it places on dialysis patients. Individuals who develop end stage renal failure will typically qualify for Medicare benefits because of their condition.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) stipulate that the patient care technician training and certification requirements need to include the following expectations:


    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

OhioMost dialysis facilities provide all of the training necessary for new technicians to become competent in providing dialysis therapy. Individuals who are interested in pursuing this career path are encouraged to contact local dialysis employers to inquire about the details involved in the training process. In addition, new technicians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the certification options available to them. The state of Ohio recognizes these three national certification organizations:

  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)

Congress started to monitor the quality of care offered in dialysis facilities across the United States in 1978. In an effort to provide oversight for the large number of dialysis clinics, Congress created 18 non-profit renal networks that were each responsible for one to six states. Within their jurisdictions, networks collect data, evaluate statistics, create reports, encourage comprehensive care, and act as an informational resource. Ohio is a member of Network 9 along with Indiana and Kentucky.

Ohio Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

  1. Adena Health System
  2. American Renal Associates
  3. Atrium Medical Center
  4. Aultman Hospital
  5. Blanchard Valley Health System
  6. Centers for Dialysis Care
  7. Children’s Hospital
  8. Christ Hospital
  9. Cleveland Clinic
  10. Davita
  11. Dialysis Centers of Dayton
  12. Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
  13. Firelands Medical Center
  14. Fresenius Medical Care
  15. Good Samaritan Hospital
  16. Innovative Dialysis Systems
  17. Kidney Centers of West Central Ohio
  18. Lima Memorial Health System
  19. Mercy St. Vincent
  20. Miami Valley Hospital
  21. ProMedica
  22. University Hospitals
  23. US Renal Care

State Contact Information

Ohio State SealPhone:          (614) 466-6966
Fax:               (614) 466-0388
Email:           dialysis@nursing.ohio.gov

17 S High St, Ste 400     Columbus, OH 43215-7410

Web Site:     Ohio Board of Nursing

National Network:   Network 9

 

5 thoughts on “Dialysis Technician Training in Ohio

  1. Tawana Waite

    I’m very interested in becoming a PCT for Dialysis have been applying for years with Fresenius and still no luck any other options will help!!!

  2. Jerod Wickware, CCHT

    Hello, I am a current travel dialysis technician that is trying to obtain an Ohio certification for a contract job assignment, but I don’t know the proper steps for doing so. Can someone please help me?

    1. Steve Post author

      Jerod,

      The details about dialysis technician practice requirements in Ohio can be found above. We would also recommend contacting the Board of Nursing directly to find out if their are any special steps that need to be taken as a travel technician working in the state.

  3. Erika Hawk

    Hello, I’m trying to enroll in a school that offers dialysis technician training. Please inform me of what and where to go get this training. Thank you.

    1. Steve Post author

      Erika,

      Although there are a number of community colleges and vocational schools that offer certificate programs for dialysis technicians, we typically recommend contacting treatment facilities in your area before enrolling in one of these programs since directors often provide training in-house. We have provided several links to large dialysis organizations operating in Ohio above this comment section. You can also learn more about programs that have been approved by BONENT on our dialysis technician school page.

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