Dialysis Technician Program Curriculum
The curriculum for dialysis technician training typically covers a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis principles, infection control, patient care, and professional ethics and standards.
Dialysis Technician Curriculum
Professional Ethics and Standards: This covers the ethical and professional standards that dialysis technicians are expected to uphold, including confidentiality, patient privacy, and adherence to medical protocols. >>
How is the Dialysis Technician Curriculum Evaluated?
The Dialysis Technician Curriculum is assessed using several methods to ensure that it meets the program’s learning outcomes and objectives. Here are some of the assessment methods used:
Tests and quizzes
Tests and quizzes are used to assess students’ knowledge and comprehension of the course material.
Skills assessments
Skills assessments are used to evaluate students’ hands-on skills and ability to perform procedures required in the field.
Clinical evaluations
Clinical evaluations are conducted during students’ clinical rotations to assess their ability to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.
Portfolios
Portfolios are used to document students’ progress and demonstrate their achievement of program learning outcomes.
Case studies and projects
Case studies and projects are used to assess students’ ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
Exit exams
Exit exams are used to evaluate students’ overall knowledge and competency upon completion of the program.
Assessment data is collected and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum in meeting the program’s objectives and learning outcomes. Based on the results of the assessment data, the curriculum may be revised to better meet the needs of the students and the industry. The goal of the assessment process is to ensure that the curriculum is effective in preparing students for successful careers in dialysis technology.
Core Courses
Anatomy and Physiology
The Anatomy and Physiology course in the dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the human body, particularly the renal (kidney) system. Topics covered in the course may include:
Cells and Tissues
This includes an introduction to the basic building blocks of the human body and the various types of tissues that make up organs and systems.
Skeletal System
This covers the bones and joints of the body and their functions in support, movement, and protection.
Muscular System
This covers the muscles of the body and their functions in movement, support, and heat production.
Cardiovascular System
This covers the heart and blood vessels, including the circulation of blood throughout the body.
Respiratory System
This covers the lungs and airways, including the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
Digestive System
This covers the organs and structures involved in digestion and nutrient absorption, including the stomach, intestines, and liver.
Renal System
This covers the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys and their functions in filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.
Students in the Anatomy and Physiology course may also learn about common medical conditions and diseases that affect the various organ systems of the body. This knowledge is important for dialysis technicians, as they work closely with patients who may have kidney disease or other health issues that require dialysis treatment.
Medical Terminology
The Medical Terminology course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the language and terminology used in healthcare settings. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as they will need to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, as well as with patients and their families. Some key topics covered in a Medical Terminology course may include:
- Prefixes, suffixes, and root words: These are the building blocks of medical terms, and understanding them can help students decipher the meanings of complex medical terms.
- Terminology related to body structures and functions: This includes terms related to the various organs and systems of the body, as well as their functions and processes.
- Medical abbreviations and symbols: These are shorthand terms used in medical documentation and communication.
- Diseases, disorders, and medical conditions: This includes common medical conditions that dialysis technicians may encounter in their work, such as kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Diagnostic tests and procedures: This includes terms related to diagnostic tests and procedures used in healthcare settings, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging studies.
- Prescription medications: This includes terms related to prescription medications, including the names of drugs, their dosages, and their modes of action.
The Medical Terminology course may also cover important concepts related to medical ethics and patient care, such as patient confidentiality and informed consent. In addition to learning medical terminology, students in the course may also practice their skills by reading and interpreting medical documents and charts, as well as by communicating with patients and other healthcare professionals using proper medical terminology.
Hemodialysis Principles
The Hemodialysis Principles course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform hemodialysis, a procedure in which blood is filtered outside the body using a dialysis machine. Some key topics covered in the Hemodialysis Principles course may include:
- Anatomy and physiology of the renal system: This includes a review of the structure and function of the kidneys, as well as common renal diseases and disorders.
- Hemodialysis procedures: This includes instruction on how to set up and operate dialysis machines, as well as how to prepare and monitor patients during the procedure.
- Dialysis access: This covers the different types of access points used for hemodialysis, including arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, AV grafts, and central venous catheters.
- Blood chemistry: This includes an overview of the blood components that are removed during hemodialysis, as well as how to monitor and adjust levels of electrolytes, minerals, and other substances.
- Complications and emergencies: This covers potential complications that may occur during hemodialysis, such as hypotension, infection, or blood loss, as well as how to respond to emergencies.
- Infection control: This includes best practices for maintaining a sterile environment during hemodialysis, as well as how to prevent the spread of infection.
- Quality control and safety: This includes instruction on how to perform routine maintenance on dialysis equipment, as well as how to identify and respond to safety hazards in the dialysis unit.
Students in the Hemodialysis Principles course may also participate in hands-on training to develop the skills necessary to perform hemodialysis procedures, including how to prepare patients, set up equipment, and monitor patients during treatment. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as hemodialysis is one of the most common types of dialysis used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Peritoneal Dialysis Principles
The Peritoneal Dialysis Principles course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform peritoneal dialysis, a type of dialysis in which the patient’s peritoneal membrane is used to filter blood. Here is an overview of the topics covered in this course:
- Anatomy and physiology of the renal system: This includes a review of the structure and function of the kidneys, as well as common renal diseases and disorders.
- Principles of peritoneal dialysis: This includes an overview of the process of peritoneal dialysis, including how to prepare and administer dialysate, how to monitor patients during treatment, and how to prevent and manage potential complications.
- Peritoneal dialysis equipment: This covers the different types of equipment used for peritoneal dialysis, including catheters, bags, and pumps.
- Peritoneal dialysis solutions: This covers the different types of dialysate solutions used for peritoneal dialysis, including isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions.
- Peritoneal dialysis prescription: This includes an overview of the different types of peritoneal dialysis prescriptions that may be used for patients, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).
- Infection control: This covers best practices for maintaining a sterile environment during peritoneal dialysis, as well as how to prevent the spread of infection.
- Complications and emergencies: This includes an overview of potential complications that may occur during peritoneal dialysis, such as infection, fluid overload, or catheter dysfunction, as well as how to respond to emergencies.
Students in the Peritoneal Dialysis Principles course may also participate in hands-on training to develop the skills necessary to perform peritoneal dialysis procedures, including how to prepare dialysate, administer treatments, and monitor patients. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as peritoneal dialysis is another common type of dialysis used to treat patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Infection Control
The Infection Control course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with an understanding of best practices for preventing and controlling infections in the dialysis unit. Here are some of the key topics covered in this course:
Basic principles of infection control
This includes an overview of the chain of infection, as well as strategies for breaking the chain of infection and preventing the spread of infectious agents.
Standard precautions
This covers the use of standard precautions, such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices, to prevent the transmission of infectious agents.
Transmission-based precautions
This includes an overview of transmission-based precautions, such as airborne precautions, droplet precautions, and contact precautions, that are used to prevent the spread of specific infectious agents.
Environmental cleaning and disinfection
This covers best practices for cleaning and disinfecting dialysis equipment and the dialysis unit, as well as how to properly handle and dispose of infectious waste.
Occupational health
This includes instruction on how to protect dialysis technicians and other healthcare workers from infectious agents, such as by using proper engineering controls and personal protective equipment.
Patient education
This covers how to educate patients about infection control, including the importance of hand hygiene, infection prevention techniques, and how to identify and report signs of infection.
Surveillance and outbreak management
This includes an overview of how to monitor and report infectious disease outbreaks in the dialysis unit, as well as how to implement control measures to prevent the spread of infection.
Students in the Infection Control course may also participate in hands-on training to develop skills such as proper hand hygiene techniques, disinfection practices, and the use of personal protective equipment. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as infection control is a critical aspect of patient care and can have a significant impact on patient outcomes.
Patient Care
The Patient Care course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and competent care to patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Here are some of the key topics covered in this course:
- Communication skills: This includes instruction on effective communication techniques, such as active listening, empathetic responding, and patient education.
- Patient assessment: This covers how to conduct a thorough assessment of a patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs, as well as how to identify and respond to potential complications during treatment.
- Vital signs monitoring: This includes instruction on how to monitor and interpret vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate during dialysis treatment.
- Patient positioning and comfort measures: This covers how to position patients comfortably during treatment, as well as how to identify and respond to signs of discomfort or pain.
- Medication administration: This includes instruction on how to administer medications that may be required during dialysis treatment, such as heparin to prevent clotting or medications to treat complications.
- Patient education: This covers how to educate patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-care practices, as well as how to provide emotional support and counseling.
- Cultural competency: This includes instruction on how to provide care that is respectful and responsive to the cultural and linguistic needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.
Students in the Patient Care course may also participate in hands-on training to develop skills such as taking and recording vital signs, administering medications, and positioning patients comfortably during treatment. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as patient care is a critical aspect of dialysis treatment and can have a significant impact on patient outcomes.
Professional Ethics and Standards
The Professional Ethics and Standards course in a dialysis technician program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the ethical and professional standards that apply to healthcare practice. Here are some of the key topics covered in this course:
Legal and ethical principles
This includes an overview of the legal and ethical principles that govern healthcare practice, including confidentiality, informed consent, and duty to report.
Scope of practice
This covers the scope of practice for dialysis technicians, including the limits of their authority and responsibilities.
Professionalism
This includes instruction on how to maintain a professional demeanor, including dress code, communication, and behavior.
Patient rights and responsibilities
This covers the rights and responsibilities of patients, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the right to refuse treatment.
Cultural competence
This includes instruction on how to provide care that is respectful and responsive to the cultural and linguistic needs of patients from diverse backgrounds.
Interprofessional communication and collaboration
This covers the importance of effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers.
Continuing education and professional development
This includes an overview of the importance of continuing education and professional development for dialysis technicians to stay current with industry standards and advancements.
Students in the Professional Ethics and Standards course may also participate in case studies and discussions to explore ethical dilemmas and apply ethical principles to real-world situations. This course is important for dialysis technicians, as ethical and professional standards are critical to providing quality care and maintaining patient trust and confidence.