Renal Dialysis Technician
Technical Diploma — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 31-517-1

This curriculum goes into effect starting with the summer 2008 semester.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

Overview — Renal Dialysis Technician is a two-semester technical diploma program in Allied Health. It is designed to prepare you to qualify for employment as a Renal Dialysis Technician (RDT) in a hospital or a freestanding dialysis center. A Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate is a prerequisite for entry into the first clinical course.

Career Outlook — In the health community, Renal Dialysis Technicians (RDTs) are in high demand. There are dialysis centers in the Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin. RDTs, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, are responsible for setting up equipment, preparing dialysate solutions, performing venipuncture, and monitoring patient responses during the procedure. In addition, RDTs are responsible for cleaning, quality control, and maintenance of dialysis equipment. Job-related duties require manual dexterity and physical strength and endurance to perform a variety of lifting and transferring tasks related to patient care treatments. Be aware that this program and occupational field have potential for exposure to blood. For additional career information, visit www.nkf.org and click on "dialysis jobs."

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Upon your graduation, employers will expect you to be able to:

• Initiate, monitor and complete dialysis procedures
• Monitor vital signs, prepare and administer medications, and maintain reports and records
• Maintain equipment and supplies
• Provide psychological support to clients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing dialysis procedures

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• One year of high school-level or one semester of college-level biology with a grade of C or better
• Good health as evidenced by a medical examination and a negative hepatitis test
• Proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions for a renal dialysis technician have been reviewed. This is in keeping with the requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Certification in adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Documentation of compliance with Wisconsin’s Caregiver Law. Personal attributes that will contribute to success as a renal dialysis technician include: effective communication and interpersonal skills; conscientious work habits as related to punctuality and attendance; empathy and the ability to work with chronically ill patients; and the ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure.

Possible Careers:

Dialysis Technician
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Renal Dialysis Technician (RDT)
Renal Technician

Related Programs:

Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical Assistant
Phlebotomy
Practical Nursing

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

Hours per Week: r = related, s = shop, c = clinical, o = other

* It is strongly recommended that these courses be completed prior to entering the program.

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡ Prerequisite Required.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.