D414MOA1-(71)As kidney failure grows into a national health problem, kidney disease is driving the demand for well-trained dialysis technicians. Learn the knowledge and skills to join this growing field in the new Dialysis Technician Program at Moraine Valley Community College. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m., Oct. 20 to Dec. 10. The cost to enroll is $999.

Dialysis technicians are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics and other medical facilities. The number of jobs has the potential to increase more than 35 percent by 2018. Today’s health care employers are seeking well-trained technicians who possess the knowledge and skills to fill the increasing number of open positions.

The course will cover the following key topics: procedures to operate kidney dialysis machines, preparation of the dialyzer, reprocessing and delivery systems, equipment maintenance, skills to monitor and record a patient’s vital signs, assessment for any complications that occur during a procedure, patient training for at-home dialysis treatment, and more.

Technicians should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or high school equivalency. This program is designed to cover the key objectives of the leading dialysis technician certification exams. Although some students immediately pursue certain certifications, most national exams require job experience for formal dialysis technician certification.

Register for this program in the Registration Office, located in Building S, Room S125, or by calling (708) 974-2110 (TTY 711). Participants also can register using this how-to.  Use course code AH4-525-270.

For more information about this program, contact Sue Ryerson at (708) 974-5433 or ryerson@morainevalley.edu.


For news media inquiries, call Jessica Crotty, College and Community Relations coordinator, at (708) 974-5281, or e-mail her at crotty@morainevalley.edu.