Renal Dialysis Technology - Certificate

This program may be completed at the Liston (Providence) Campus. 

The Renal Dialysis certificate program is a two-semester program that prepares individuals to work as hemodialysis technicians in outpatient settings. Students receive theoretical and practical preparation. Various aspects of kidney disease and the principles of dialysis are covered. Dialysis modalities, dialysis devices, dialyzer reprocessing and water treatment also are included. A practicum in a dialysis facility provides students, under the supervision of an instructor in the clinical area, the opportunity to experience first-hand the role of a renal dialysis technician. Successful completion of the program qualifies graduates for entry-level employment as a dialysis technician. Students are eligible to sit for the National Nephrology Technician Certification Examination after 18 months of practice in a dialysis unit.

Note: Students must be enrolled in the Renal Dialysis Technology certificate program to register for Renal Dialysis Technology I (RENL 1010), Patient Care and Assessment for Renal Dialysis Technicians (RENL 1020), Renal Dialysis Technology II (RENL 1030), Quality Assurance for Point of Care Laboratory Testing (MLTC 1170) and Specimen Collection and Handling for Healthcare Professionals (MLTC 1180). Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions at the back of the catalog for details.

General Policies

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum Requirements to Apply to the Renal Dialysis Technology Certificate Program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; RENL should be the second choice.`
2. High school transcript – An official copy of a high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation, must be provided. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded.
3. CCRI uses a multiple measures approach to determine admission into Health Science programs (For example: High School and GED® transcripts, SAT, ACT, HESI A2 or ACCUPLACER scores). Placement can also be determined by taking college level English and Math courses. Anyone with a degree from an institutionally accredited higher education institution may have this requirement waived following submission of the official college transcript. If using ACCUPLACER, the following guidelines are used:
   • Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER) issued by CCRI’s Advising Center. Students may not retake the ACCUPLACER test before completing the remedial course/ courses. Note: For application purposes, ACCUPLACER testing can be waived for students who provide documentation of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students are advised that individual departments may still require ACCUPLACER testing as a prerequisite for their courses.
     • Reading comprehension test must show competency of 80 or above in Classic ACCUPLACER or a score of 253 or above in Next Generation Accuplacer or students must complete Reading and Study Skills Program (ENGL 1002) with a grade of B- or better.
     • English (writing) test must show readiness to take Composition I (ENGL 1010) or students must complete College Writing (ENGL 1005) with a grade of C or better. Composition I for Speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) (ENGL 1300) will not substitute for Composition I (ENGL 1010).
4. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit a performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period.
   • Important: Submission of a performance-based Health Sciences application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Acceptance is based on points earned as listed in the program acceptance criteria point system. (See Dean of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences webpage.) At the time of admission, students must meet the current admission requirements. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application and meet the current admission requirements. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation conducted by the Allied and Rehabilitative Health Department.
5. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from One Stop Student Services.

Program Requirements

Student must hold current CPR certification (AHA Healthcare Provider Level) prior to Renal Dialysis Technology I (RENL 1010).