Want to help save lives without becoming a nurse?
Hemodialysis Technicians play a critical role in helping patients with kidney disease live longer, healthier lives.

These skilled professionals operate dialysis machines that filter toxins and fluids from a patient’s blood.
They monitor treatment, maintain equipment, and ensure each patient’s comfort and safety.

Hemodialysis Technicians operate the equipment that performs life-sustaining dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure.
They work closely with nurses and physicians to monitor each session and ensure patient safety.

Prepare and operate dialysis machines

Record patient vital signs before, during, and after treatment

Mix and monitor dialysate solutions

Clean and disinfect equipment between sessions

Educate patients on treatment plans and home care

Respond quickly to medical complications during dialysis

Every day, they help patients manage chronic kidney disease with precision and compassion.

Attention to detail and accuracy

Empathy and patient-centered care

Technical and mechanical aptitude

Strong communication skills

Stamina and focus during long shifts

Ability to remain calm in medical emergencies

Hospitals and dialysis centers

Outpatient treatment clinics

Nursing and rehabilitation facilities

Home dialysis programs

Specialized nephrology clinics

You can typically start your career in 12–18 months, depending on the training and certification route.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Math, biology, and health science courses provide a solid foundation for dialysis technician training.

2. Complete an Accredited Hemodialysis Technician Program

These programs, offered through technical schools and community colleges, include coursework in:

Renal anatomy and physiology

Dialysis principles and equipment

Infection control and safety

Patient communication and care

3. Gain Clinical Experience

Training programs include hands-on clinical rotations where you assist with real patient treatments under supervision.

4. Earn National Certification

Most employers and states require certification after training. Common options include:

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (NNCO)

CHT - Certified Hemodialysis Technician (BONENT)

CCHT-A - Advanced certification for experienced techs

5. Apply for Hemodialysis Technician Jobs

Dialysis centers, hospitals, and outpatient facilities are the top employers. Highlight your certifications and clinical experience on your resume.

Experienced dialysis technicians may advance into roles such as:

Lead Dialysis Technician

Clinical Coordinator

Biomedical Equipment Technician

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with further study

Program Cost: $4,000–$10,000 depending on location

Duration: 12–18 months

Certification Fees: $225–$250 per exam

Many employers reimburse certification or continuing education costs.

✅ Pros

Rewarding, patient-focused work

Growing healthcare field

Short training time

Strong demand nationwide

⚠️ Cons

Physically and emotionally demanding

Requires certification and ongoing training

Possible exposure to bodily fluids

Most states require technicians to be certified and registered with their health department.
National certification (CCHT, CHT, or CCHT-A) is accepted in nearly all states.

If you want to make a measurable impact on patients’ lives every day, becoming a Hemodialysis Technician is a meaningful and stable healthcare career.

Median Pay $48,790 $23.46/hr Top 10%: $81,290

Job Outlook (2024–2034) 5.2% 13,600 openings/yr

Employment (2024) 174,060

🏁Wage Percentiles   25th $40,740 75th $62,280  

🎓Typical Education   Postsecondary certificate  

🛠️On‑the‑Job Training   Moderate-term on-the-job training  

🌎Highest Paying States   Wyoming Delaware Washington  

🏢Top Industries   Cross-industry  

✅Certification   Required in most states (BONENT, NNCO, or NNCA)  

Data Year: 2024 SOC: 29-2099 Source: BLS OEWS

BLS OEWS, May 2024

State Median annual Top 10% annual
Kansas $59,780   $135,320  
Arizona $55,200   $105,080  
Delaware $64,860   $104,420  
Washington $59,960   $104,250  
Connecticut $49,120   $100,840  
Oregon $58,240   $100,080  
District of Columbia $53,020   $99,170  
Tennessee $47,000   $98,760  
Alaska $49,900   $94,360  
California $58,310   $93,920  
New Jersey $56,100   $93,020  
Georgia $51,020   $92,310  
Minnesota $55,070   $92,230  
Rhode Island $55,840   $92,000  
New York $57,690   $91,590  
Hawaii $56,260   $89,080  
South Dakota $51,460   $88,890  
Kentucky $49,900   $88,120  
Arkansas $39,260   $85,110  
Vermont $52,470   $84,570  
New Hampshire $55,350   $83,640  
Maryland $46,550   $83,620  
Colorado $54,080   $83,460  
Wyoming $65,560   $82,820  
New Mexico $46,440   $81,860  
Massachusetts $58,210   $81,000  
Texas $47,410   $80,450  
Utah $44,360   $79,980  
Illinois $49,570   $79,810  
Maine $58,820   $79,720  
Indiana $47,300   $79,650  
Montana $53,450   $79,010  
Ohio $46,730   $78,920  
Pennsylvania $45,700   $78,530  
Nevada $49,270   $78,010  
North Dakota $46,020   $77,730  
Nebraska $44,480   $77,700  
Idaho $47,130   $77,510  
Wisconsin $49,370   $77,400  
Michigan $47,550   $76,930  
Iowa $46,010   $73,260  
Florida $43,980   $72,810  
North Carolina $45,100   $71,660  
West Virginia $49,000   $70,540  
Virginia $48,380   $67,430  
Missouri $41,860   $66,200  
Louisiana $37,630   $64,000  
Alabama $43,370   $61,170  
Oklahoma $41,080   $60,860  
Mississippi $38,290   $57,250  
South Carolina $40,420   $57,040  

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.