Associate of Applied Science in Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
Develop a health career as a Hemodialysis Technician
Our Hemodialysis Technician Program is designed to educate students to provide the highest quality of care to patients who have chronic kidney disease (ESRD). Clinical hemodialysis care is a life supporting health care profession practiced under qualified medical direction. The Hemodialysis Technician Program prepares students to operate hemodialysis machines and to work as dialysis technicians in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. Hemodialysis technicians work with people with kidney disease by collecting blood, by performing punctuation and catheterization, and by providing pre and post assessment of patients. If you want a career as a hemodialysis tech, request information about our Associate of Applied Science in Clinical Hemodialysis Technician training program.
Completion of the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Program is acknowledged by the awarding of an associate of applied science degree. Graduates of the dialysis technician program qualify for membership within the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/ Technologists (NANT) and are eligible for certification by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
Clinical Hemodialysis Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction at our locations in Virginia. Arts and Sciences courses can also be completed online. It typically takes weeks 60 weeks (6 quarters) to complete the entire hemodialysis tech associate’s program without breaks.
| Credits Required | Number of Classes |
|---|
| Core Component |
67.5 |
15 |
| Arts and Sciences |
22.5 |
5 |
| Total Required for Graduation |
90 |
20 |
Student Disclosures
The U.S. Department of Education requires that we report and disclose certain information about our school programs in a clear, prominent, user-friendly, and easily understood manner. The intent of the requirement is to enable students to make an informed choice about a program of study. To this end, we have developed documents containing the following information:
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U.S. Department of Education references from 34 Code of Federal Regulations:
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- Student Right-to-Know Act (Section 668.45(d)(3))
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- Retention rate by programs
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Click on each group of courses below to expand the course list and descriptions.
Core Requirements
Anatomy and Physiology I
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and
its parts including organization of the body, the relationships and
functions of the digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic,
respiratory, reproductive systems, nutrition and metabolism. Laboratory
activities coincide with lectures to enhance understanding of each topic
by providing visual and hands-on experiments. Supplemental Lab Fee
required. Prerequisite: None. Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours 30
MED110
Anatomy and Physiology I
4.5
Medical Terminology
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A programmed learning, word building systems approach is used to learn word parts for constructing or analyzing new terms. This provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. Abbreviations introduced as related terms are presented with each unit. Prerequisite: None.
MED120
Medical Terminology
4.5
Basic Clinical Procedures
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course focuses on universal precautions in the medical environment, including understanding blood borne pathogens, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, infection control, collecting and handling specimens and an introduction to microbiology. In addition, the student will gain proficiency in medical asepsis in a simulated setting. Also covered will be emergency procedures. Prerequisite: MED110. Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 30.
MED140
Basic Clinical Procedures
4.5
Anatomy and Physiology II
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and
its parts including relationships and functions of the Integumentary,
muscular-skeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems. Laboratory activities
coincide with lectures to enhance understanding of each topic by
providing visual and hands-on experiments.
Supplemental Lab Fee required. Prerequisite: MED110. Lecture Hours:
30; Lab Hours 30
MED210
Anatomy and Physiology II
4.5
Pharmacology
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Various aspects of clinical pharmacology will be discussed including a study of the various medications currently prescribed for the treatment of illnesses and diseases based on a systems method. Included in the course are common abbreviations used in prescription writing, interpretation of prescriptions, and legal aspects of prescriptions. In addition, dosage calculations and administration will be taught and practiced. Prerequisite: MED110 & MED210. Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 30.
MED240
Pharmacology
4.5
Medical Office Practice
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course introduces the student to the administrative functions of the medical office or clinic. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication, scheduling, medical records, documentation and filing. In addition, telephone techniques, etiquette and management/human resource skills will be covered. Prerequisite: MED120.
MED250
Medical Office Practice
4.5
Diseases of the Human Body
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course is a scientific study of the human body's diseases and disorders, including signs and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: MED110 & MED120.
MIB130
Diseases of the Human Body
4.5
Principles of Hemodialysis
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical aspects of hemodialysis, including the duties and responsibilities essential to the delivery of patient care in the chronic outpatient setting. The course covers the processes across membranes and review the regulation of fluidand electrolytes and acid/base balance in normal kidney functioning. Classification and causes of acute and chronic renal failure as well as diagnostic procedures and findings in renal disease will also be covered. Prerequisite: MED110 & MED120.
CHT110
Principles of Hemodialysis
4.5
Dialysis Delivery Systems
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course discusses hemodialysis treatment and the complications of hemodialysis. The principles related to solute and fluid removal, measures of clearance, and determination of adequacy will also be considered. The components of the hemodialysis system are covered, including the dialyzer, the blood circuit, the dialysate solution, the heparin pump, the ultrafiltration controller, and variable sodium options. Methods of preparing dialysis quality water for dialysate are considered as well. Supplemental Lab Fee Required. Prerequisite: CHT110. Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 30.
CHT210
Dialysis Delivery Systems
4.5
Pre and Post Patient Assessment
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
Patient assessment before the initiation of treatment, treatment procedures, intradialytic monitoring, termination of treatment and post treatment assessment, and blood work are discussed. The coverage of peritoneal dialysis (PD) includes the anatomy and physiology of the peritoneal membrane and patient selection criteria. The types of PD access, methods of insertion, care of the access, and access complications are included as well. Additionally, the elements of the PD prescription are discussed. Patient care, documentation, complications of treatment, and measures of treatment adequacy are considered. The use of infection control strategies is stressed. The coverage of transplantation will include initial work up, donor selection, and recipient matching with both living related and cadaveric donors. Patient care in the pre and postoperative periods will be covered to include the immune reaction, immunosuppressive therapy, and long-term complications. The psychological adjustment for the patient and family will be a point of focus. Prerequisite: CHT110 & MED140.
CHT220
Pre and Post Patient Assessment
4.5
Dialysis Treatment of Renal Disease
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course discusses the phases of illness from pre-dialysis assessment and conservative care to deterioration to CRF and further long term and palliative care. Finally, the decision to withdraw from treatment will be discussed along with the significant psychosocial implications for family, patient, and staff. The development of acute renal failure (ARF) will be discussed in terms of its causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery. Vascular access (both temporary and long term/permanent) will be covered along with access care and trouble-shooting. The components of the dialysis prescription will be covered, including anticoagulation. The complications of dialysis will be an important focal point. Prerequisite: CHT210 & MIB130.
CHT230
Dialysis Treatment of Renal Disease
4.5
Fundamentals of Renal Nutrition
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course details the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs and how these are significantly different for the renal patient. Patient drug profiles are used as examples. The problem of polypharmacy and the use of drugs in special populations of CRF patients are discussed as well. This course provides an overview of the principles of nutrition throughout all stages of kidney disease. The course covers nutritional assessment considerations and guidelines for the patient with renal disease. Measures to minimize risk of malnutrition and promote optimal intake are discussed for both adult and pediatric patients. Vitamin supplementation, specialized diets, (diabetic etc.) and patient education are examined with sample diets being previewed for their adequacy. Prerequisite: CHT220 & MED240.
CHT240
Fundamentals of Renal Nutrition
4.5
Dialysis Quality and Safety Procedures
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
The course presents safety issues including safe handling and mixing of dialysate. The student will learn how to monitor the water treatment system, and why water quality is maintained, along with learning how to monitor a variety of filters, meters and the devices used to remove microorganisms, sediment, heavy metals, chemicals, and ions before drinking water can be used for dialysis. Common contaminants and how they affect patients are discussed. The course also covers the benefits and risks for patients receiving dialysis. The course addresses risk management, safety regulations, and guidelines for handling, labeling, reprocessing, inspecting, and storing dialyzers. Prerequisite: CHT210.
CHT250
Dialysis Quality and Safety Procedures
4.5
Advanced Dialysis Procedures
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This course provides information about the effects of kidney failure and its treatment options: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation, including medications, potential complications, and expected goals of treatment. Topics include the Personal Protective Equipments and dialysis procedures and devices, the monitoring of patients being treated for acute/chronic renal diseases, and a discussion of selected renal pharmacology. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate the clinical skills necessary for care of patients with specialized dialysis treatments in a chronic care setting. Supplemental Lab Fee. Prerequisite: CHT230. Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 30.
CHT260
Advanced Dialysis Procedures
4.5
Hemodialysis Externship
Credits:: 4.5
Prerequisites:
This clinical course includes application of theoretical concepts and laboratory techniques learned in the classroom. Under professional supervision, the student will practice in a dialysis setting on patients who are receiving dialysis processing. Prerequisite: 81 Quarter Credit Hours from their program. Lecture Hours: 0; Externship Hours: 135.
CHT290
Hemodialysis Externship
4.5
Arts and Sciences Requirements
See the Arts and Sciences Elective Pool Requirements