How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Ohio in 2026: Training, Certification, and Salary

By Athena KanUpdated May 20, 2026

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Ohio regulates dialysis technicians through its Board of Nursing, requiring completion of a state-approved training program that includes at least 320 clock hours of instruction and a national certification exam before you can practice. Training programs typically take between 3 and 12 months, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage of $62,890 in Ohio for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, the broader occupational category that includes dialysis technicians, as of May 2024. With nearly 555,000 Americans currently on dialysis according to the American Kidney Fund, demand for qualified technicians remains steady across the state.

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Key Points

Dialysis technicians operate hemodialysis machines and monitor patients with kidney failure during treatment, working under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in Ohio was $62,890 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.
Ohio-approved training programs require a minimum of 320 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of classroom instruction and 220 hours of supervised clinical experience, and typically run between 3 and 12 months.
After completing training, Ohio requires a national certification from a Board-approved organization such as the Board of Nephrology Examiners, Nursing and Technology (BONENT) or the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC).
Ohio ranks fifth among all states for employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, the broader BLS category that includes dialysis technicians, with an estimated 13,160 jobs as of May 2024.

What Is a Dialysis Technician?

A dialysis technician is a healthcare professional trained to operate and maintain hemodialysis machines that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood of patients whose kidneys can no longer perform that function. Technicians are directly responsible for setting up equipment, connecting patients to the machine, and monitoring their condition throughout each session.

Working under the supervision of registered nurses and nephrologists, dialysis technicians handle a range of daily responsibilities:

Taking and recording patients' weight, blood pressure, and temperature before and after treatment
Preparing and testing dialysis machines for proper function
Administering heparin and saline as directed by the supervising nurse or physician
Monitoring patients for adverse reactions during treatment
Cleaning and sterilizing equipment between patients

Most dialysis technicians work in outpatient dialysis centers, which are the largest employment setting for this role nationwide. Hospitals, including systems like the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and University Hospitals, also employ dialysis technicians. The two largest national dialysis providers, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, together operate the majority of outpatient dialysis centers in the country and maintain a strong presence across Ohio.

How to Become a Dialysis Technician in Ohio

The Ohio Board of Nursing oversees all dialysis technician credentialing in the state. The process follows four steps: meet the entry requirements, complete an approved training program, earn a national certification, and maintain your credentials through biennial renewal.

Step 1: Meet the Entry Requirements

Before starting a training program, you need to meet a few eligibility requirements. You must hold a high school diploma or GED, as both major certification bodies, BONENT and NNCC, require this for exam eligibility. Most training programs also set 18 as the minimum age for admission.

Ohio also requires a criminal records check through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) as part of the certification application process. Convictions for certain offenses listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4723.092 can disqualify an applicant. It is worth completing this check early, since a disqualifying result after training would prevent you from receiving your certificate.

Many employers and training programs also require current CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before clinical hours can begin.

Find dialysis technician programs in Ohio on Dreambound and compare options by cost, schedule, and format.

Step 2: Complete an Ohio Board of Nursing-Approved Training Program

Once you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to complete a training program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice and typically take between 3 and 12 months, depending on full-time or part-time scheduling.

Ohio's administrative code (Chapter 4723-23) sets the minimum at 320 clock hours of total instruction. That breaks down into at least 100 hours of faculty-interactive classroom education and 220 hours of supervised clinical experience working directly with patients. Coursework covers renal anatomy and physiology, principles of hemodialysis, infection control, water treatment systems, and patient care techniques.

Step 3: Earn Your National Certification

Ohio law requires dialysis technicians to hold a national certification from a testing organization approved by the Board of Nursing. Two organizations currently hold that approval.

The Board of Nephrology Examiners, Nursing and Technology (BONENT) offers the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) credential. Candidates need a high school diploma and either six months of patient care experience or completion of a BONENT-approved training program.

The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) credential. NNCC requires a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a formal training program that includes both didactic coursework and supervised clinical hours.

Both exams test your understanding of dialysis procedures, patient assessment, machine operation, and safety protocols. Passing either one satisfies Ohio's certification requirement. Federal regulation and Ohio state law both require passing the exam within 18 months of being hired.

Step 4: Start Working and Maintain Your Certification

With your national certification, you can apply for dialysis technician positions at clinics and hospitals across Ohio. Once certified, you must keep your Ohio Certified Dialysis Technician (OCDT) credential current through biennial renewal.

Ohio dialysis technician certificates expire every two years and must be renewed on or before March 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal requires a $35 fee and completion of 15 contact hours of continuing education during the two-year certification period. Of those 15 hours, at least 10 must relate directly to dialysis care, and at least 1 must be Category A education covering Ohio nursing law and rules. Practicing without a current certificate is a violation of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4723.

Dialysis Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Ohio

The BLS does not track dialysis technicians as a separate occupation. They fall under the category of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, which had a median annual wage of $62,890 in Ohio as of May 2024.

Ohio ranks fifth among all states for employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, with an estimated 13,160 jobs in that broader category as of May 2024. That concentration reflects the state's large healthcare infrastructure, which includes major hospital systems such as the Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and Mercy Health, along with outpatient dialysis centers operated by DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care.

Nationally, the BLS projects 2% growth for this occupational group from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than average. That headline number does not tell the full story, though. The BLS estimates 22,600 openings per year in this category, with the majority coming from the need to replace workers who retire, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force. For a state with Ohio's level of employment, that steady replacement demand means consistent hiring activity even without rapid growth.

If these salary figures line up with your career goals, compare dialysis technician programs in Ohio on Dreambound to find training that fits your budget and schedule.

Paying for Your Dialysis Technician Program

Dialysis technician training costs vary depending on the institution, format, and length of the program. Community colleges and vocational schools generally charge less than private training providers, and the total price also depends on program length and whether additional hours are included beyond the state-required 320-hour minimum.

Several financial aid and funding options may help cover the cost of training:

Federal Financial Aid. Students attending accredited institutions can file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding. Ohio's county-level OhioMeansJobs centers administer WIOA funds that can cover tuition for qualifying healthcare training programs. Eligibility generally depends on employment status and income level, and funding is not guaranteed since demand often exceeds available funds.

Employer-Sponsored Training. DaVita, the largest national dialysis provider, offers paid patient care technician training programs where new hires earn a paycheck while completing their clinical hours and preparing for certification. Fresenius Medical Care runs similar training programs at its facilities. These employer-paid pathways can reduce or eliminate upfront tuition costs.

Veterans Benefits. GI Bill and other VA education benefits can apply to approved dialysis technician programs. Verify that the specific program holds VA approval before committing.

Payment Plans. Many training providers offer installment payment plans that spread tuition over the length of the program.

Dreambound is a free platform that helps students compare training programs across the United States. For a broader look at funding strategies, Dreambound has published a guide on how to access government funding for education that covers federal, state, and local options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dialysis technician training take in Ohio?

Most Ohio-approved programs take between 3 and 12 months to complete. The Ohio Board of Nursing requires a minimum of 320 clock hours of total instruction, including 100 hours of classroom education and 220 hours of supervised clinical practice. Full-time programs tend to finish closer to the 3-month mark, while part-time schedules extend the timeline.

What certifications can I earn as a dialysis technician in Ohio?

Ohio accepts two national certifications: the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) from the Board of Nephrology Examiners, Nursing and Technology (BONENT) and the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) from the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). You must hold one of these credentials to practice in the state. Browse dialysis technician programs on Dreambound to find training that prepares you for either exam.

How often do Ohio dialysis technicians need to renew their certification?

Ohio dialysis technician certificates expire every two years and must be renewed by March 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal requires 15 contact hours of continuing education, including 10 hours related to dialysis care and 1 hour on Ohio law and rules, plus a $35 fee.

Can I work as a dialysis technician in Ohio without certification?

No. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4723 requires all practicing dialysis technicians to hold a current OCDT certificate from the Board of Nursing, which requires passing a national certification exam from an approved testing organization. Working without a valid credential is a regulatory violation.

Ohio's position as the fifth-highest state for employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians means that dialysis technician positions are consistently available, from the Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metro areas to smaller communities served by regional health systems. The 22,600 annual openings projected nationally, driven largely by replacement demand, translate into steady hiring activity in a state with this concentration of healthcare employers.

The training timeline is realistic. Programs take 3 to 12 months, the 220 clinical hours give you direct patient experience before you sit for the CHT or CCHT exam, and employer-paid training from companies like DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care can eliminate upfront tuition entirely. If you are ready to get started, compare dialysis technician training programs in Ohio on Dreambound to find one that matches your budget, schedule, and location.

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