Dialysis PCT Scope of Practice in AZ

lisaannej · May 12, 2012

I would look at DaVita's website or Fresenius website's. Those are two dialysis companies I know in AZ. See what their qualifications are? Google other dialysis companies, too, to see what they require. That's where I would start I guess.

Midwest4me · May 12, 2012

I agree with the above poster. I worked 5.5 years in hemodialysis many years ago for Gambro as an LPN and loved it. Though I am not in AZ, our PCTs did not have to be CNAs; they just went through the 8 weeks' training that we nurses did(then we had some more extensive training). Six of the 8 weeks were on the floor training. Two weeks took place out of state in theory, etc. We typically began on the floor for a few weeks, then went out of state for a week, then back to the floor for a few weeks then one more week out of state. The PCTs have to take a state/national exam every year to maintain their credentials as I recall. As nurses, we did not. Our licenses are the credentials.

It is very hard work physically as well as mentally. They are long work days(at least 12 hours) but you only work 3 days a week typically and it's every other day(i.., M-W-F or T-Th-S). One must become very fast at "setting up/tearing down, testing" the dialysis machines. One must be pretty quick at cannulating(sticking the large bore needles into their arms) patients. But the speed, understanding of the procedures, etc comes with time; actually at the end of the 8 weeks the employee is expected to be able to handle a group of 4-6 patients, supervised of course by an LPN or RN.

Tish88 · May 13, 2012

I am interested in getting into dialysis and am going to be moving to AZ from IL very soon. I only have my CNA certification and am wondering if you are required to be an RN in order to be a PCT in a dialysis clinic. I've read alot about OJT (on the job training) and am wondering how that works. Any info anyone can share would be great!
Thanks everyone!!

You asked "if you are required to be an RN in order to be a PCT".

These are 2 different positions. You would not be an RN and then become a PCT.

You could be a PCT first and then go school to become a registered nurse.

PCT is a patient care technician. By 18 months of employment, CMS requires all PCT's to be certified to do their job.

SkinnyLatte · May 14, 2012

Great! Thank you so much! This was great information! I appreciate it so much! I will definitely look into getting into that once I'm in AZ!