Known by several names such as the renal dialysis tech, hemodialysis tech, or the nephrology tech, the dialysis technician sets up the hemodialysis machine, which is basically an artificial kidney. These 'artificial kidneys' are a vital necessity for those suffering from CRF, or chronic renal failure. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) exam is the test you must pass in order to become a dialysis technician. The prerequisites to sit for this test include having graduated high school, completion of a BONENT approved training program, or have a year of experience as a patient care assistant in nephrology. Because of the growing need of these professionals more and more institutions are starting to offer the education needed. These can include junior colleges and stand alone training facilities. The length of these programs differ depending on the provider you go with, but you can usually plan on around three months to finish it. My websites: dialysis technician job description