Click to register It Only Takes Six Weeks To Complete your Training as a Dialysis Technician!   While it’s troubling that kidney failure is a growing national health problem, kidney disease continues to drive the growing demand for dialysis technicians.  Dialysis treatments add years to the lives of people suffering from kidney disease. Most patients come in for four-hour treatments, three times each week ... so you must have good customer service skills. Is that you?    Classes Now Forming. Easy to Register. 1) Register online by clicking red link above. 2) Call 212-564-1234 and register by phone. 3) Come to the school and register in person. Always feel free to call us 7 days a week!  Talk to a live person never voice mail!    Dialysis Technicians are Highly Paid Health Professionals! .                                     Dialysis Technicians are respected medical professionals  Do Not Delay! Register Today!   Call us 7 days a week at 212-564-1234. We are Always Happy to Speak with you, and Answer All your Questions.   Ask The Director Below are the most commonly asked questions about our dialysis technician Course.  Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions you have. What is a Dialysis Technician?   Under supervision, Dialysis Technicians operate machines and perform dialysis on patients with acute or chronic kidney failure.  dialysis removes waste products and fluids from a patients blood and vascular system. Dialysis technicians function under the direction of nurses and physicians.  This specialized training is appropriate for Medical Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, RN’s EMT’S, Patient Care Technicians, CNA’s, Phlebotomists, and anyone interested in a medical health career. Should I have a special interest to be a Dialysis Technician? If you have an interest in science and technology and also like working with people, then consider a career as a dialysis technician, will not only earn a competitive wage but also save lives. Dialysis technicianss give patients important social and emotional support and also provide vital information on patient conditions to nurses, doctors, and other medical staff. Since techs have extensive daily contact with each dialysis patient, they are key to providing vital information on the patients' conditions to the nurse and doctor. It is hard to find a dialysis technician who does not agree that it is a very rewarding job. Tell me a little about you Dialysis Technician Course. Below is a few of the topics that the Dialysis Technician course will teach: * Introduction to hemodialysis * chemistry of body fluids * water in the human body * renal anatomy and physiology * pathology of renal failure * hemodialysis devices * patient treatment procedures * the accessment process * infection control and standard precautions * health factors in dialysis * medication problems and dialysis * nutrition management * acute renal failure and dialysis * chronic dialysis therapy issues and concerns * peritoneal dialysis and home dialysis * and much more Where are Dialysis Technicians Employed? Most Dialysis Technicians work in Dialysis facilities, hospitals, some nursing homes, assisted living facilities, long term care facilities, who have there own dialysis units for its residents. Many Dialysis Technicians choose to work for Agencies who place Dialysis Technicians in different long and short term assignments.  Many Dialysis Technicians enjoy the opportunity to work in different health care settings.   How much can I except to make as a Dialysis Technician, In New York City. The medium salary of a dialysis technician, including benefits is $50,000 per year.   A dialysis technician can except to make over $55,000 with benefits after time.  Of course pay can vary from State to State.  The salary and benefits quoted are for dialysis technicians working in New York.  Salary for other States may be higher or lower.  Why do I sometimes hear Dialysis Technicians being referred to with other titles? The official title is Dialysis Technician  In some health setting dialysis technicians may also be know as dialysis workers, dialysis assistants, dialysis aides, dialysis health care workers, hemo dialysis technician, renal dialysis technicians, dialysis technologists  and dialysis support workers Dialysis  Care Aide,  Dialysis Caregiver.   Is a Nurse Technician the same as a Dialysis Technician? No,  A Nurse Techncian is Certified Nurses Assistant, also called a CNA, who graduated a nurse technician program to upgrade there skills and pay. Nurse technicians do the work of a CNA, with additional duties, which differs in each health care setting.  Most perform phlebotomy and EKG.  A Nurse Technician or a CNA is not qualified to work as a dialysis technicnan. I want to by a LPN or RN is the Dialysis Technician  a good course to take? We have many graduate students who have went on to be both LPN's and RN's.  Our Dialysis Technician course is a great opportunity to enter the health field in a short time, and at a low cost.  After working as a Dialysis Technician you will be around, many professionals who can help guide you.  Also, many students go on to other allied health careers, such as Nurse Technician, MRI Tech, to mention a few. How many Americans are recieving dialysis? As a dialysis technician you will be part of caring for approximately 217,000 Americans who receive ongoing dialysis. Since the late 1960s, the dialysis procedure has been used in place of kidneys lost to disease, birth defects, or injury. Dialysis can be used temporarily until the kidneys resume function or the patient receives a transplant.  Patients on dialysis can live for years if those options are not available. Can a dialysis patient work a job?  If a dialysis patient is otherwise healthy, they can work and live full and active lives. In fact, I recently met a dialysis patient who works as a Dialysis Technician, in a dialyisis center!  He works full-time as a dialysis tech in a NY dialysis center. His job requires him to walk  through-out the dialysis center. He moves dialysis machines, lifts boxes, and feels great.  I am interested in knowing how dialysis works? Dialysis acts as an artificial kidney. There are two types of treatment: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. About 90 percent of dialysis patients receive hemodialysis, in which the blood is circulated outside the body and cleaned inside a machine before returning to the patient. This is the type of treatment that you will be giving as a dialysis technician. Is dialysis a cure to patients? Dialysis is not a cure. If a person's kidneys are temporarily damaged, dialysis can give them a rest and a chance to recover. But for chronic, end-stage renal disease, a kidney transplant is the only long-term solution that frees a patient from dialysis. Do all dialysis patients receive kidney transplants? Some dialysis patients are not well enough for the rigors of a transplant operation and the drugs that follow, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. In fact, 20 percent of dialysis patients are over 65. More than half suffer from other illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Some patients receive transplants only to have them rejected by their immune system later. Some patients refuse transplants.  As a dialysis technican you will discover that dialysis may be something of a social gathering and a way to be monitored and cared for by a group of Dialysis Technicians and other health-care providers who become friends. Can out of State Students study in your school? Yes, We have many out of State students who choice to study at the Manhattan Institute to prepare to be a dialysis technician.  We do not charge out of State students higher tuition. All students pay the same price for there education.  Although most of our students come from the tri-State area, and the five Boro's - New York, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Our midtown location makes it easy for students in the tri-State area - Long Island, Westchester, Upstate NY,  New Jersey,  Connecticut and Pensylvania.  We have had students from all over the United States study with us.  In fact, we have had several students from different foreign countries.  Our low tuition makes it a very good alternative.  Many students combine study with a vacation.  New York City is a great City to visit, and even a better one when you pursue an education at the Manhattan Institute. What is The National Kidney Foundation and how does it help, should a dialysis technician be aware of it? When you become a dialysis technician you should lean more about the National Kidney Foundation.  I have given a little overview which I feel is useful for the dialysis technician to be aware of. More than 20 million Americans-one in nine adults-has chronic kidney disease, and most don't even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Through its 51 affiliates nationwide, the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community services, public education and organ donation. The work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded by public donations. My Aunt is on dialysis, she says that she does not enjoy going for treatment.  Is this common?  When I work as a dialysis technician will I encounter many patients in the dialysis center who feel the same? Providing health care to any person who is not in good health, is the responsibility that the health care provider faces.  The dialysis technician is no different.  Most of working graduates love their job.  They find it very rewarding to help and care for patients. I have posted segments from a recent story I read.  It tells about the hardship that a dialysis patient faces.  Tens of thousands of people across the country, have their kidneys ruined by Type 2 diabetes, and are forced into the grim routine of dialysis care from a New York dialysis center.   New York is dominated by small dialysis providers.  Many of the smaller centers provide good care, experts say,   In 1980, fewer than 50,000 people in the United States needed dialysis to do the work of their kidneys; today, there are more than 350,000, including roughly 24,000 in New York. In 1980, diabetes was the primary cause of kidney failure for fewer than 6,000 dialysis patients; today, the figure is about 150,000.  Survival for them is an ordeal, at best. At a typical dialysis center, patients come in three times a week, typically for four hours at a time. They sit in rows of recliners, dozing, watching television -- anything to take their minds off the machines, needles and tubes that siphon blood from their bodies, clean it of impurities like urea, and pump it back in. It is surprisingly quiet; patients are so beset by side effects like fatigue, cramps or thirst, that mere conversation seems like an effort. For all but a few, holding a job is out of the question. Most will never be healthy enough to qualify for a transplant that would free them of this burden, and there are far too few donated kidneys, anyway.   New drugs and dialysis techniques have improved their chances of survival since the 1980s, despite the fact that patients today are older, heavier and sicker. Even so, the average dialysis patient spends 15 days a year hospitalized, and the death rate is about one in five each year. ''I want to say it's a rough life, but it hardly is a life,'' said Denise Bembury, a dialysis patient who lives in Brooklyn. ''I wouldn't put this on anybody.''  Until earlier this year, she was a social worker and an avid cook. Now, she is on disability, and her companion of more than 30 years prepares meals. They have six children, and she wonders how the four youngest, all teenagers, will manage. ''I'm thirsty all the time, and tired,'' she said. Dialysis Caregivers People who choose careers such as dietitian, social worker, nurse and other caregiver roles are generally thought to be caring and helpful individuals who want to make a difference in improving their patients’ lives. Talking to individuals about why they chose to be a caregiver in the dialysis field and learning what they enjoy about their jobs supports this idea. Overall, renal caregivers say they enjoy helping people and providing the dialysis treatment that helps their patients live to see another day. In honor of National Kidney Month, National Social Worker Month and National Nutrition Month, we asked renal professionals a few questions to find out their feelings about working with dialysis patients. The questions and their answers appear below. We also asked them to share some of the interesting stories that have happened in their careers; some are touching, some are funny, but it’s all in a day at the dialysis center. Why did you become a renal care professional? Genevieve, a renal dietitian, says, “I have always been interested in nutrition and healthy eating since a young age. I have also had an interest in kidney disease due to the fact that my mother has been a dialysis nurse for over 20 years.” Sharone, a clinical coordinator, also had inside knowledge of her profession, “I wanted to keep the nursing tradition alive in my family. I come from a long line of nurses, so it was instilled in me the pride that comes from helping others. “ Resa, a patient care technician (PCT), says, “I became a PCT because I wanted to help improve the quality of ESRD (end stage renal disease) patients’ lives. Little did I know that the patients I work with every day are helping to improve the quality of my life.” Louise, a social worker, states, “I became a social worker because my undergraduate studies were in economics, which consists of the study of the maximization of resources. Over the years I realized that one of our nation’s most underutilized resources is human potential. I love being in a position to help people become the best they can be—no matter what the odds against them.” Heavenlea, a patient care technician (PCT), shares her experience, “I know that every morning I go to work, I am having a part in saving another life, and giving someone another chance. This is one of the greatest gifts of my life.” Kate, a peritoneal dialysis nurse, tells, “This was my first nursing job. I had responded to an ad in our local newspaper. Little did I know I would absolutely fall in love with my job. Five years later I am still here, love what I do, and enjoy coming to work everyday!” What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Margaret, a social worker, finds her job fulfilling. “It is gratifying to empower patients and see how they believe in themselves and actually fulfill their dreams,” she says. Deb, a patient care technician (PCT), says, “The smiles on patients’ faces,” give her the greatest reward. Louise, a social worker, believes, "Assisting patients in overcoming their fears of dialysis,” is very satisfying. Letty, a dietitian, enjoys the benefits the patients get because of the joint effort of everyone in her dialysis clinic. “Seeing the results of our teammates’ hard work,” makes Letty smile. Mary, a dietitian, says, “Having a patient receive an excellent report card,” on their monthly lab work makes her happiest. How do you make a difference in patients’ lives? Kiera, an administrative assistant, says, “I continue to educate, and try to encourage patients as much as possible. I tell them that dialysis doesn't mean your life is over, but that you have to live it just a little bit differently.” Jessica, an administrative assistant, confesses, “I love being the first face they see before they go into treatment because I always try my hardest to make them smile at least once before they go in.” Elanderia, a social worker, tells us she makes a difference, “By empowering patients to do better and speaking a positive word into their lives.” Sheryl, a registered nurse, shares “I try to listen to patients’ needs and teach them how to adjust their lives to dialysis. I try to teach them that they need to live life as fully as possible even though they have daily or weekly treatments. Honestly though, my patients give me more than I give them by being who they are. They are a very courageous group.” What do you enjoy most about working with your patients? Mary Margaret, a facility administrator, reveals, “I enjoy the relationships I have developed with my patients. It is most rewarding when the patients grasp the knowledge I have imparted to them. I am also most satisfied when the patients feel better, look better and are able to live their lives to their fullest potential.” Sommer, a patient care technician (PCT), feels, “That every day I am helping patients live one more day.” Robine, a patient care technician (PCT), says, “My patients come from different aspects; one will give cooking instruction for a pie or cake, the other knows what fashion trend is out, but to sum it up:  my patients are like family.” April, a facility administrator, couldn’t chose just one thing she enjoys most, “I enjoy seeing patients smile. I enjoy keeping them healthy. I enjoy them having confidence in me and my team. I enjoy seeing them realize that life goes on even with ESRD (end stage renal disease).” Angie, a facility administrator, enjoys, “Laughing with them—because I know if they are happy, they are feeling good. And, I know that the dialysis center is a place that since they have to come—they can enjoy coming. I love to hear family members say that their loved ones really do enjoy coming to our dialysis clinic!” Tammy, an administrative assistant, states, ”Some patients start dialysis and they feel scared, sick and unsure. Then a month, a week or even a few treatments later, I see they are smiling, joking or even walking in versus using a wheelchair.” Stories from the dialysis clinic Juanita, an administrative assistant, tells, “One early morning I went into the clinic lobby to help a patient who was in a wheelchair weigh himself. After helping him I realized I had forgotten to take the door key to the office with me and was locked out. The other staff hadn’t arrived yet. There was a buzzer on the other side of the sliding glass receptionist window. I had to climb in through the window to reach the buzzer to let us back in. The patient was trying to help me hoist myself though. As soon as I was midway through the window, my supervisor and the unit nurse came through the door. The sight they saw was this man in a wheelchair pushing my butt through the window. They harassed us about that for years! The lesson learned was, never leave without my keys!” Kiera, an administrative assistant, shares, “We had a visiting patient, and she kept looking at me strangely; I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, so I didn't say anything to her. Finally, I couldn't take it any longer, so I walked up to her and asked her what was wrong. She said, ‘You are the spitting image of a girl I took care of a long time ago.’ She mentioned the name of the girl, and I was blown away. The girl turned out to be my birth mother! (I was adopted at the age of 8, when my mother died). This lady had taken care of my mom until she was almost 17, so I got the chance to see pictures of my family that I had never seen.  You can't imagine the surprise I felt, because at that time, I was actively trying to trace my family.” Lisa, a radiological technologist, laughs, “We were doing a dialysis catheter insertion on a patient that was very nervous and anxious. To distract her during the procedure we asked her what she liked to do for fun. She told us that she liked to be chased around the bed for fun and sometimes be caught.” Terri, a facility administrator, beams, “We started dialyzing a young woman only 14-years old. We had her on our evening shift, so she could attend school during the day. We even had a teammate who donated a dress for her to go to her high school prom. She has now transferred to another state to attend college, and we are very proud of her. She is like one of our children who is now all grown up. We can't wait till she marries!” David, a patient care technician (PCT), reveals, “When it’s a patient’s birthday I do a birthday dance for the patient. Now they all ask for it.” Mary, a dietitian, jokes, “In an effort to make learning fun for our patients, we came up with a gimmick that our teammates and patients get a kick out of. For the past six years, ‘Madam Foso,’ our very own foreteller (a teammate dressed as a fortune teller), visits our unit around Halloween to foretell the bone future of our patients. As she holds their hands and gazes into the crystal ball, she recalls the PTH (parathyroid hormone) values to the patients. On one occasion, ‘Madam Foso’ held this gentleman’s hands over the crystal ball and the light glowed, wide-eyed he exclaimed, ‘I know who you are, and I am not telling!’"   Esperanza, an administrative assistant, shares, “It’s really nice to tell the patients that I have a kidney transplant, and to see their reaction when they see I am so young to have gone through that. They get really excited when they see that I have a great life and that they could have the same thing when they get their transplant. Sometimes a patient will call me to their chair and ask me questions, and I love to share my story with them. I know that my story gives them hope for the future, and that’s what they need, HOPE!” Margaret, a social worker, relays, “One of our patients met a fellow nursing home resident and fell in love. Neither had family in this city. We turned our conference room into a wedding chapel. Another patient's husband is a minister and officiated at the wedding. Our administrative assistant was the wedding photographer and the facility administrator’s daughter was the flower girl.” Resa, a patient care technician, shares, “A mentally-challenged patient was at our unit last year. He had a stuffed rabbit that he brought with him named Peter Rabbit, and he loved him deeply. One day the patient came to his treatment without Peter Rabbit and tearfully told us that Peter had ran away. We did all we could to assure him that Peter would come back, because he loved him. Sure enough, at the next treatment the patient was once again with Peter Rabbit, but was fearful that the rabbit would run away again. That night, I went home and crocheted a bunny collar and leash for Peter Rabbit, so that the patient would always be able to find him. When I gave this to the patient, and explained what it was, his eyes filled with tears and the most beautiful smile lit his face. Peter Rabbit never ran away again. The patient passed away a few weeks later, and every time I think of him, I remember that beautiful smile that he gave me for something that probably only cost me a few cents and an hour of time. This patient taught me little things given with love and compassion can move mountains.”  Many caregivers say that a smile and a “thank you” from their patients brighten their day. If you are so inclined, let your caregivers know they make a difference in your life. We bring out the best in you!