Renal dialysis is nothing but kidney dialysis - a procedure that substitutes their normal functioning of the kidney.This allows people to lead a productive life who have a renal failure(kidney failure).Duties include equipment setup, patient preparation, and administration of treatment to patients with kidney failure. When the problem in the kidney arise to a critical level a person need to have dialysis.
There are two main types of Renal dialysis treatment in India:-
Hemodialysis : Hemodialysis uses a machine and a filter to remove waste products and water from the blood.
Peritoneal dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis uses a fluid (dialysate) that is placed into the patient's abdominal cavity to remove waste products and fluid from the body.
Who should opt?
Candidates aspiring to pursue a career in Dialysis would ideally possess a genuine interest in learning about medical devices and equipments used in the dialysis process and a willingness to have specific technical knowledge in order to contribute to the society by treating various chronic kidney diseases.
How to become a renal dialysis technician
Step 1: Decide Whether the Job Is Right for You
Step 2: Complete a Dialysis Technician Training or Degree Program
Step 3: Become Board Certified
Step 4: Join a Professional Organization
Required Education
In most cases, a dialysis technician must have graduated from high school, completed an approved training program and had clinical experience. Many states also require certification.
Eligibility for B.SC. in Renal Dialysis Technology
- Students should have passed the higher secondary examination (10+2) with science stream, having Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects, with a minimum aggregate of 60% in the mentioned subjects.
- The age of the applicants should not be less than 18 years or more than 23 years.
Skills Required
Dialysis technicians are the direct caregivers for those undergoing dialysis, which sometimes occurs as frequently as three times a week for some. In addition to possessing a responsible and detail-oriented nature, technicians need to be able to understand the emotional toll the ongoing process can take on patients.
Read, Career Opportunity in perfusion technology in India
Name of the Top Colleges:
- AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre Mangalore
- JSS University, Mysore
- Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi
- JIPMER , Pondicherry
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
- MGMIHS, Mumbai
- Manipal university, Karnataka
- M.M.M. College of Health science, Chennai
Main Responsibilities and Duties
A dialysis technician who works with patients is in charge of assembling the machine, making sure it is in working order and ensuring it is sterile. The technician checks a patient's chart, administers local anaesthesia and inserts the needle, starting dialysis according to the prescription. During dialysis, the technician checks the anticoagulant and fluid rates and adjusts them as needed. The patient must be in the proper position and the technician must respond to any alarms or emergencies. After dialysis, the technician disconnects the machine and cleans it, and records a patient's vital signs. Other technicians may work only with machines, not with patients directly.
Career Prospects in Renal Dialysis
Graduates of B.Sc. Dialysis have numerous job opportunities not only in India but all over the world. After successful completion of the course, one can find job in various government and private hospitals, and in areas like Outpatient Clinics, Freestanding Dialysis Centers, Research and Educational Institutes, where they can earn a monthly salary ranging between INR 2.5 to 6 lacs, which like most other careers is expected to grow with increasing time, expertise and experience in the field.
Other than seeking for a job, one can also opt for a career in teaching or can pursue higher degree courses in the discipline, like M. Sc. (Master of Science), Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy), M. Phil. (Master of Philosophy) and other research related courses.
Job Profile, Description And Annual Salary:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Annual Salary |
| Nephrologist | A Nephrologist is responsible for coordinating care with physicians in treating conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or anaemia that contribute to or result from kidney disease | 20-25 Lakhs |
| Dialysis Therapist | A Dialysis Therapist is responsible for providing dialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure, attaching dialyzer and tubing to the machine and assemble it for use | 3-4 Lakhs |
| Clinical Coordinator | A Clinical coordinator is responsible for organizing and overseeing the administrative aspects of health services and hospital departments. They work in hospitals, clinics, academic medical programs, and other patient care environments | 3.5 - 4.5 Lakhs |
| Medical Technician | A Medical Technician, also referred to as a Medical Laboratory Technicians, performs basic laboratory procedures, such as testing specimens and recording results. These individuals may specialize in a field, such as Molecular Biology. | 2.5-3.5 Lakhs |
| Dialysis Technician | A Dialysis Technician is responsible for operating dialysis machines and monitoring the patients undergoing treatment | 2.5-3.5 Lakhs |
| Lecturer | A Lecturer is responsible for teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels in areas allocated by and reviewed from time to time by the Head of Department | 4-5 lakhs |
