What dialysis certifications do you need to work in dialysis care, and why does it matter? From CNN to CCHT (and then some), here are 12 essential dialysis tech and nephrology nurse certifications and how they can help your career.
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Dialysis Certification Guide: 12 Essential Dialysis Tech & Nephrology Nurse Certifications
Dialysis certifications are required for technicians and highly recommended for nurses. From the basics to specialized skill development, here the 12 best options.
Essential Dialysis Tech Certifications
As a dialysis tech, you’ll need to be certified to work in a patient care facility, as per CMS rules — although you're allowed 18 months to get certified if you're new to the job. Here are the nationally recognized certifications for dialysis tech jobs:
- Good to know: Once you meet the requirements — usually some level of education and experience — it's usually just a matter of taking an exam.
- Don't forget! Some states have different requirements, so make sure you check with your recruiter before applying for a job.
1. Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician® (CCHT®) from the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) is for technicians working in dialysis care. It requires:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Completing a dialysis tech training program that includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience
- A job as a dialysis tech or proof of recent experience (see details)
- Recommended but not required: 6 months or 1,000 hours of clinical experience
2. Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT) from the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) is for techs, LPNs, and LVNs working in dialysis care. It requires:
- A high school diploma OR 4 years of dialysis work experience
- 6 months or more of experience in nephrology patient care OR completion of an approved program
- Actively working in an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facility
3. Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced® (CCHT-A®) from the NNCC is for experienced techs working in a wider variety of roles. It requires:
- Current CCHT or CHT certification
- 5 years of continuous employment as a clinical dialysis tech
- 5,000 or more hours as a clinical dialysis tech
- 30 contact hours in the past 3 years of continuing education (CE) relevant to hemodialysis (preceptor hours may be eligible)
4. Certified Hemodialysis Bio-Medical Technician (CHBT) is for more specialized types of dialysis care employment, covering areas like machine maintenance, quality assurance, performance improvement, and more. It requires:
- A high school diploma OR 4 years of dialysis work experience
- A minimum of 6 months of dialysis bio-medical experience
- Actively working in an ESRD facility
5. Certified Hemodialysis Water Specialist (CHWS) from BONENT is for dialysis professionals who want to develop or demonstrate water quality skills in standards, terminology, best practices, equipment use, and more. It requires:
- 3 years or more of dialysis water experience and a high school diploma OR 2 years experience and an Associate's degree OR 1 year of experience and a Bachelor's degree or current CHT, CHBT, or CCHT certification
Essential Nephrology Nurse Certifications
Even though being certified in dialysis care isn’t usually necessary to land a nephrology nursing job, it can help your chances of landing the one you want, and open the door to new opportunities (and potentially more pay), too. Here are the leading national dialysis certification programs for nephrology nurses.
6. Certified Nephrology Nurse® (CNN®) from the NNCC is for RNs practicing in a variety of nephrology settings. It requires:
- A valid RN license
- A Bachelor's or Master’s degree
- At least 3,000 hours of experience in more than one area of nephrology in the past 3 years
- At least 30 contact hours of approved CE credits in the past 3 years
7. Certified Dialysis Nurse® (CDN®) from the NNCC is for RNs who work in dialysis facilities. It requires:
- A valid RN license
- A Bachelor's or Master’s degree
- At least 2,000 hours of experience in nephrology patient care OR education/supervision of other dialysis nurses
- At least 20 contact hours of approved CE credits in the past 2 years
8-9. Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) is for nurses working in hemodialysis, and Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) is for peritoneal dialysis care. Both are offered by BONENT and available to LPNs, LVNs, and RNs. Both require:
- A valid LPN, LVN, or RN license
- 1 year of nephrology experience for RNs OR 2 years for LPNs/LVNs
- Actively working in an ESRD facility
Other Essential Certifications for Dialysis Professionals
Most dialysis tech and nursing jobs also require the following certifications:
10. Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) is for recognizing and treating life-threatening emergencies.
11. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the AHA is for recognizing and treating more advanced, acute emergencies.
- Good to know: Most jobs in the HealthTrust Dialysis Residency program require acquiring BLS within 30 days and ACLS within one year of employment.
12: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the AHA is for recognizing and treating life-threatening emergencies in infants, children, and adolescents —recommended if your job includes working with younger patient populations.
Put Your Dialysis Certifications to Work!
Once you've earned your dialysis certifications, get the most from them with a great job! We've got the opportunities that best match your skills, experience, and preferences, plus competitive pay, great benefits, and exclusive openings in America's top facilities. See what's available: search all dialysis jobs now!
