Top 10 Dialysis RN Certifications

Certifications are an important way for dialysis RNs to demonstrate their expertise and dedication to the nursing profession. They can help them stand out in the job market by establishing their credibility as a professional and demonstrating their knowledge of dialysis care. Certifications also serve as proof that a nurse has undergone rigorous training and testing to become proficient in the field, which is a valuable asset when employers are looking for qualified candidates. Lastly, certifications provide nurses with opportunities to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on current trends in dialysis care, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or advancing in their careers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Dialysis RNs and explain how they can enhance a dialysis rn's career.

What are Dialysis RN Certifications?

Dialysis RN certification is an official recognition that a registered nurse has achieved a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field of dialysis. It is awarded to nurses who have successfully completed an approved exam and met the eligibility requirements set by their respective national certifying organizations. This certification can help demonstrate to employers that the nurse has specialized knowledge and experience in the care of dialysis patients, as well as the ability to manage complex clinical situations. Additionally, it can be used as a credential on resumes or applications for employment, which may increase job opportunities in this field. In some cases, becoming certified may even qualify a nurse for additional pay or advanced career opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering RN certification for dialysis, make sure to review the specific requirements and criteria for the specialty in your state. There may be additional training or certifications required that are above and beyond those of a regular registered nurse. Additionally, make sure to keep up with any continuing education or other requirements needed to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Dialysis RN do?

Top 10 Dialysis RN Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Dialysis RNs today.

1. Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN)

A Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) is a registered nurse who has specialized knowledge and experience in the care of patients with kidney diseases. The CNN certification is offered by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA).

To become a CNN, an RN must have at least two years of direct patient care experience in nephrology nursing within the past five years. In addition, they must pass an exam administered by ANNA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and professional issues related to nephrology nursing.

The cost for the exam varies depending on your membership status with ANNA. For non-members, it costs $325 for the initial application fee plus $200 for the exam fee. For members of ANNA, it costs $175 for the initial application fee plus $200 for the exam fee.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ANNA and be recognized as a Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN).

2. Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)

A Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) is a registered nurse who has completed specialized training and certification in the care of patients with kidney failure. The CDN is an expert in providing dialysis treatments, managing complications, and educating patients about their condition.

In order to become certified as a CDN, you must first be a licensed registered nurse. You must then pass the CDN Certification Exam administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment and management, dialysis technology, infection control, nutrition, pharmacology, and professional practice.

The cost for taking the exam is $350 for members of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) or $400 for non-members. It typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive your results from NNCC after taking the exam.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certification, you will need to renew it every three years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN)

Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) is a professional certification for nurses who have specialized in the care of patients with kidney failure. The CHN certification is offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). To become a CHN, nurses must have at least two years of experience in hemodialysis nursing and pass an exam administered by the NNCC.

The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment and management, dialysis equipment and procedures, infection control, nutrition and fluid management, psychosocial issues related to dialysis, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To take the CHN exam, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of current RN licensure, proof of two years of hemodialysis nursing experience within the past five years, and payment of a $395 fee. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their authorization to test from NNCC.

The cost for taking the CHN exam is $395. This fee covers the cost of administering the exam as well as materials needed to prepare for it. After passing the exam, a one-time certification fee of $150 is required for initial certification or recertification every three years thereafter.

4. Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN)

Certified Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse (CPDN) is a certification for nurses who specialize in the care of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This certification is offered by the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO). The CPDN credential recognizes nurses who have demonstrated expertise in providing patient-centered care to individuals on peritoneal dialysis.

To qualify for the CPDN certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess an active and unrestricted RN license in their state of practice
• Have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse in nephrology or dialysis nursing
• Complete at least 20 hours of continuing education related to peritoneal dialysis within the past two years
• Pass a comprehensive exam covering topics such as patient assessment, clinical management, and quality improvement.

The CPDN certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. To begin, applicants must submit an application packet that includes documentation of their RN license and experience in nephrology/dialysis nursing, along with payment of fees. Once approved, applicants can register for the CPDN exam. After passing the exam, they will be awarded their CPDN certification.

The cost to obtain the CPDN certification varies depending on which organization you are applying through. Generally, it costs around $300-$400 to apply for and take the exam.

5. Certified Vascular Access Nurse (CVAN)

Certified Vascular Access Nurse (CVAN) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have demonstrated excellence in the field of vascular access. The certification is awarded by the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), an international organization that promotes standards of practice and professional development for infusion nursing.

To become certified, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

• Possession of a current RN license in the United States or Canada
• A minimum of two years of full-time clinical experience in vascular access within the past five years
• Completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education related to vascular access within the past three years
• Successful completion of an INS-approved CVAN examination.

The cost for taking the CVAN exam is $295 for INS members and $395 for non-members. The exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from INS. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits related to vascular access during that time period.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Nephrology Nursing (APRN-NN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Nephrology Nursing (APRN-NN) is a specialized nursing certification for nurses who have advanced knowledge and skills in the care of patients with kidney disease. The certification is offered through the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA).

To become an APRN-NN, you must first be a registered nurse (RN) with at least two years of experience in nephrology nursing. You must also have a master’s degree in nursing or a related field, as well as a current RN license. After meeting these requirements, you can apply to take the APRN-NN exam.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical management of chronic kidney disease, and patient education. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395. After passing the exam, you will receive your APRN-NN certification from ANNA.

Once certified, you will be eligible to work as an APRN-NN in hospitals or other healthcare settings that specialize in treating patients with kidney disease. As an APRN-NN, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients with chronic kidney disease and educating them on self-management strategies.

7. Certified Clinical Nephrology Technician (CCNT)

A Certified Clinical Nephrology Technician (CCNT) is a professional who has been trained to provide specialized care for patients with kidney disease. The CCNT is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the management and treatment of renal diseases. These tasks include monitoring vital signs, collecting and analyzing lab tests, providing patient education, administering medications, and assisting in dialysis treatments.

To become a CCNT, you must first complete an accredited nephrology technician program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and involve classroom instruction as well as clinical experiences in a hospital or clinic setting. After completing the program, you must pass the national certification exam administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology (BONENT).

The cost of becoming a CCNT varies depending on the program you choose; however, most programs require tuition fees ranging from $2,000-$6,000. Additionally, you may be required to pay for books and other materials related to your coursework.

Once certified, CCNTs are eligible for employment in hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers and other healthcare settings where they can help provide quality care for those suffering from kidney disease.

8. Certified Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Technician (CAPDT)

A Certified Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Technician (CAPDT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis treatments. CAPDTs are responsible for setting up and monitoring peritoneal dialysis machines, providing patient education on proper use and maintenance of the equipment, and ensuring that all treatments are performed safely and accurately.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Technician (CAPDT). To get certified, individuals must complete an accredited program in renal dialysis technology, pass a certification exam administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), and obtain a state license if required.

The cost of becoming a Certified Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Technician (CAPDT) varies depending on the program chosen. Costs may include tuition fees, textbooks, exam fees, and other related expenses.

9. Certified Home Hemodialysis Technician (CHHT)

A Certified Home Hemodialysis Technician (CHHT) is a healthcare professional who has been trained to provide home hemodialysis treatments to patients with chronic kidney disease. Home hemodialysis is a type of dialysis that allows patients to receive treatment in their own homes, rather than having to go to a hospital or clinic. The CHHT provides care and support to the patient throughout the entire process of setting up and managing the home hemodialysis system.

It typically takes between one and two years of training and experience to become certified as a CHHT. This includes completing a formal education program, such as an associate degree in dialysis technology, as well as hands-on training in both hospital and home settings. After completing the educational requirements, the individual must then pass an exam administered by either the National Nephrology Certification Organization or the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing & Technology.

The cost of becoming certified as a CHHT varies depending on the individual's particular educational program and any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books, supplies, lab fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Once certified, CHHTs are able to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or even private homes providing home hemodialysis treatments for patients with chronic kidney disease.

10. Certified Pediatric Nephrology Nursing Specialist (CPNNS)

Certified Pediatric Nephrology Nursing Specialist (CPNNS) is a certification offered by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). It is designed to recognize nurses who have specialized knowledge and experience in providing care for children with kidney diseases. The CPNNS certification requires nurses to have at least two years of pediatric nephrology nursing experience, as well as a current RN license.

To obtain the CPNNS certification, nurses must first complete an online application and submit it to ANNA. After submitting the application, the nurse must then take and pass a three-hour examination that covers topics such as pediatric nephrology pharmacology, disease processes, nutrition, patient education and management. Upon successful completion of the exam, the nurse will receive their CPNNS certification.

The cost for taking the CPNNS exam is $250 for ANNA members or $350 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice tests prior to taking the exam. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel and lodging if necessary.

Do You Really Need a Dialysis RN Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Dialysis RN Certificate depends on your level of experience and educational background. If you are already a registered nurse, then you may not need the certificate unless your employer requires it. However, if you are new to the field, then obtaining a Dialysis RN Certificate could be beneficial.

The Dialysis RN Certificate is designed to provide nurses with specialized knowledge in the care of patients with kidney failure who are undergoing dialysis treatment. This includes understanding how to perform dialysis treatments safely and effectively, caring for patients before and after their treatment sessions, monitoring patient progress, and providing emotional support. By having this certificate, nurses can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to provide quality care to these patients.

In addition to providing nurses with specialized knowledge in the field of dialysis nursing, obtaining a Dialysis RN Certificate can also help improve job prospects and salaries. Many employers look favorably upon nurses who possess this certificate when considering them for hire or promotion. Furthermore, having this certification may qualify you for higher salaries than those without it.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Dialysis RN Certificate will depend on your current experience level and educational background. If you meet all of the requirements for certification and feel that it would benefit your career growth, then obtaining one could prove to be a wise decision.

Related: Dialysis RN Resume Examples

FAQs About Dialysis RN Certifications

1. What is a Dialysis RN Certification?

Answer: A Dialysis RN Certification is a specialized certification for Registered Nurses who provide care to patients with kidney failure and are undergoing dialysis treatments. It requires knowledge in areas such as patient assessment, medical terminology, pharmacology, nutrition, and the administration of medications.

2. What are the requirements to become certified as a Dialysis RN?

Answer: To become certified as a Dialysis RN, you must have an active RN license and complete specific education requirements including a minimum of 1,200 hours of clinical practice in dialysis within the last three years. You must also pass the Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) exam administered by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA).

3. How much does it cost to become certified as a Dialysis RN?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a Dialysis RN varies depending on the certification program you choose. Generally speaking, there is an initial application fee plus fees for taking and passing the CNN exam. Additional costs may include educational materials or courses required for certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a Dialysis RN?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Dialysis RN varies depending on individual circumstances such as prior experience or education in nephrology nursing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification including completing any additional education or training that may be required.

5. Is there continuing education required after becoming certified as a Dialysis RN?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required to maintain your certification status as a Dialysis RN. You must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years in order to remain certified by ANNA’s CNN program.