What is Dialysis Technology?
Dialysis technology is one branch of paramedics that accord with the procedure of removing waste products and toxins from the body fluids. Kidneys work as a filtrate in the human body as it filters toxins, excess fluids and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium from the blood and sends all the waste products to the bladder from where it gets excreted. When this process break-off, kidneys become dysfunctional and set up accumulating waste products and excess fluid in the body resulting in fluid overload, hypotension (low blood pressure), hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, blood vessel inflammation, etc. To balance electrolytes in the body, dialysis is performed. This could be done by two methods:
- Hemodialysis – This is a procedure where an incision is made in the arm to insert a catheter and blood is purified through a dialyzer.
- Peritoneal dialysis – In this procedure, an automated cycler machine performs dialysis which is connected to the abdominal area.
Career in dialysis technology are in huge demand, especially in the metros and cities because of stagnant lifestyle. In the article, we will discuss about dialysis courses, jobs, career prospects, hiring agency, top educational colleges, etc.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Dialysis Technician
Career prospect in dialysis technology is growing at an elevated pace as demand for dialysis technicians is rising. Apart from a good career in this field, the job of a dialysis technician is also a big commitment towards their patients since it’s a very crucial stage for a patient who is on dialysis and needs proper care and treatment which a dialysis technician has to handle. Certain duties which a dialysis technician has to perform:
- Exemplary in machine handling and its maintenance
- Keeping track of the ongoing treatment
- Proficient in performing local anesthesia
- Efficient in providing patient care
- Competent in handling an emergency situation
Agencies Hiring Dialysis Technician
There are multiple agencies, companies, and firms who are hiring dialysis technicians. They get placement both in the government as well as the private sector. There is a good job opportunity in this sector. Many firms are engaged s technician is:
- Government hospital
- Private medical firm
- Multispecialty hospitals
- Clinics
- Dialysis centers
- Research organizations
- Diagnostic centers
- Training institutes
Course Curriculum of Dialysis Techniques
- Basic human anatomy/physiology
- Safety and sanitization
- Diet & nutrition
- Applied dialysis technology
- Dialysis equipment and its maintenance
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Dialysis technology with pharmacology
Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration
- Certification course: This is a 1-year certification course in dialysis where candidates get trained in operating dialysis machinery and surveil the procedure.
Eligibility: Candidates can directly apply for this program after qualifying 10th.
- Diploma in dialysis techniques (DDT): It is mainly a 2-year diploma program that trains dialysis technicians to work efficiently in hospitals and clinics.
Eligibility: This program can be pursued after 10+2 senior secondary education with a science stream (PCB).
- BSc. in dialysis technology/therapy: This an undergraduate degree program that can be completed in 3 years where students tend to learn different concepts and functioning of the kidney and their associated procedure.
Eligibility: One must have completed their 10+2 senior secondary level examination with a minimum of 50% marks in the science stream (physics, chemistry, biology).
- MSc. In dialysis technology: This is a 2-year master’s level program in dialysis which serves a higher degree and in-depth knowledge of dialysis technique.
Eligibility: One needs to clear a bachelor’s in dialysis technology with satisfactory marks to pursue this course.
Career prospects and Job options
There are numerous agencies or departments both in the Government or private sector who are hiring Dialysis technicians.
- Dialysis technician
- Lab expert
- Dialysis Executive
- Medical Attendant
- Skill Trainer
- Therapeutic Assistance
- Dialysis supervisor
- Dialysis Therapist
- Dialysis Assistant
- Unit Supervisor
- However, if somebody pursues his career in higher studies, there is a good job opportunity in the teaching line as Lecturer, Professor, etc.
Career in Renal dialysis technology
Renal dialysis involves kidney dialysis after having a renal failure. His work profile includes equipment setup, patient preparation and treatment in respect of renal failure. Renal dialysis needs a technician who is genuinely interested in the field. The candidate should be well verse in nephrology and also the ways to handle emotional aspect of the patients. After doing B,Sc. dialysis, there is a huge job opportunity in the renal dialysis and one can earn upto Rs. 10 lakh per annum.
Salary Package of Dialysis Technicians
Although in the initial stages one has to do hard work to reach success, with experience and great will one can get triumph in any field of work. On the other hand, there is a dearth of suitable candidate in this field. With experience and expertise, dialysis technicians can earn up to 7-8 lacs per annum.
Annual salary
| Job Profile | Annual Salary (approx.) lakh |
| Nephrologist | 25 |
| Lecturer | 5 |
| Dialysis Therapist | 4 |
| Clinical Coordinator | 5 |
| Medical Technician | 4 |
| Dialysis technician | 3 |
Top Colleges for Dialysis Technology Course
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduation Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
- Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha
- Institute of Paramedical Science and Management, New Delhi
- Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences, Maharashtra
- Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Punjab
- Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh
- Christian Medical College, Chennai
