Dialysis Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Normal Kidney Physiology

Explains filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion processes. Links normal function to the deficits that dialysis must compensate for.

Lesson 2 • Kidney Structure and Organization

Covers gross and microscopic anatomy of the kidney, including nephron components. Establishes the anatomical baseline needed for all subsequent clinical content.

Lesson 3 • Common Causes of End-Stage Renal Disease

Identifies leading etiologies including diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis. Helps technicians anticipate patient comorbidities during treatment.

Lesson 1 • Comparing Dialysis Modalities

Analyzes clinical, logistical, and patient-preference factors that guide modality selection. Prepares technicians to support informed patient education discussions.

Lesson 2 • Hemodialysis Overview

Introduces the extracorporeal circuit, dialyzer function, and blood flow dynamics. Establishes the operational framework for hands-on hemodialysis training.

Lesson 3 • Peritoneal Dialysis Overview

Covers the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter and the mechanics of dwell cycles. Differentiates CAPD and APD modalities for patient-specific planning.

Lesson 1 • Water Distribution and Storage

Covers loop distribution design, storage tank management, and biofilm prevention. Maintains water purity from the RO unit to the dialysis machine.

Lesson 2 • Dialysate Concentrate Preparation

Describes acid and bicarbonate concentrate components, mixing ratios, and verification. Ensures correct electrolyte composition before patient treatment begins.

Lesson 3 • Water Quality Standards for Dialysis

Defines chemical, microbial, and endotoxin limits required for dialysis-grade water. Establishes why standard tap water is unsafe for dialysis use.

Lesson 4 • Water Quality Testing and Documentation

Outlines routine chemical and microbiological testing schedules and record-keeping. Supports regulatory compliance and early detection of water system failures.

Lesson 1 • Troubleshooting Equipment Malfunctions

Identifies common machine alarms, their causes, and corrective actions. Equips technicians to respond quickly without interrupting patient safety.

Lesson 2 • Hemodialysis Machine Components

Details blood pump, pressure monitors, air detectors, and alarm systems. Builds equipment literacy required for safe machine setup and operation.

Lesson 3 • Machine Setup and Pre-Treatment Checks

Outlines step-by-step machine assembly, self-test procedures, and safety verification. Prevents treatment errors by establishing a consistent pre-treatment checklist.

Lesson 4 • Dialysate Delivery System

Explains proportioning systems, conductivity monitoring, and temperature control. Ensures technicians can verify dialysate composition before patient connection.

Lesson 1 • Central Venous Catheter Management

Details catheter connection, disconnection, locking, and dressing change procedures. Minimizes infection and thrombosis risk associated with catheter use.

Lesson 2 • Types of Vascular Access

Compares arteriovenous fistulas, grafts, and central venous catheters for dialysis use. Establishes the clinical hierarchy of preferred access types.

Lesson 3 • Access Complications and Interventions

Identifies infiltration, stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, and infection complications. Prepares technicians to respond appropriately and escalate when needed.

Lesson 4 • Cannulation Techniques

Covers rope-ladder, buttonhole, and area cannulation methods with needle selection. Develops safe needling skills that preserve access longevity.

Lesson 1 • Standard Precautions in Dialysis

Covers hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and sharps safety protocols. Forms the non-negotiable baseline of infection prevention for all dialysis staff.

Lesson 2 • Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention

Addresses hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV transmission risks in the dialysis setting. Implements isolation protocols and vaccination requirements for at-risk patients.

Lesson 3 • Dialysis Unit Disinfection Practices

Details station cleaning between patients, machine surface disinfection, and spill management. Prevents cross-contamination in the shared dialysis environment.

Lesson 4 • Catheter-Related Infection Prevention

Applies aseptic technique bundles to catheter access and dressing procedures. Reduces catheter-related bloodstream infection rates in dialysis patients.

Lesson 1 • Intradialytic Monitoring and Adjustments

Outlines vital sign frequency, machine parameter review, and fluid removal tracking. Enables early detection of hemodynamic instability and treatment deviations.

Lesson 2 • Terminating Hemodialysis Treatment

Covers blood return, needle removal, hemostasis, and post-treatment assessment. Ensures safe patient disconnection and accurate treatment documentation.

Lesson 3 • Managing Intradialytic Complications

Addresses hypotension, cramping, nausea, chest pain, and air embolism during treatment. Provides structured response protocols to protect patient safety.

Lesson 4 • Initiating Hemodialysis Treatment

Details patient connection to the extracorporeal circuit and blood flow initiation. Ensures a safe, air-free start with correct anticoagulation delivery.

Lesson 1 • Nutritional Considerations in Dialysis

Reviews dietary restrictions for potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid intake. Helps technicians reinforce dietitian guidance and recognize dietary non-adherence.

Lesson 2 • Laboratory Values and Interpretation

Explains key lab panels including BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, and CBC relevance. Enables technicians to flag critical values and communicate findings to the care team.

Lesson 3 • Pediatric and Geriatric Dialysis Considerations

Highlights age-specific physiological differences and care adaptations for vulnerable populations. Ensures technicians adjust monitoring and communication for each patient group.

Lesson 4 • Psychosocial Support for Dialysis Patients

Addresses depression, anxiety, treatment burden, and quality-of-life challenges. Equips technicians to provide empathetic support and appropriate referrals.