Purpose

The Renal Dialysis Technician Program will prepare students to perform the required duties of Renal Dialysis Technicians by training them in the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to work safely and effectively as part of a team in dialysis facilities.

Duration

Eight weeks of full-time study. Both courses must be completed simultaneously in order to graduate.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot dialysis equipment and courses for treatment

2. Work effectively, ethically, and professionally both individually and as part of an inter-professional healthcare team

3. Maintain a safe environment by following infection control protocols, occupational health and safety guidelines, and established standards of care

4. Perform patient care duties within assigned roles and responsibilities

5. Document observations and care provided according to clinical and agency standards

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent

• Proof of English proficiency and English 12 with a 'C+' or equivalent

• Biology 12 with a C+, or VCC BIOL 0983/BIOL 0993 with a C+, or equivalent

• OACP 1108 Medical Terminology 1: or equivalent, taken within 5 years

• MSKL 1104 Interpersonal/Commun - Health: or equivalent

Upon acceptance, students will also be required to complete the following:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC). Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• Current CPR - Level C
• Submission of a negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
• A  VCC Immunization Record must be completed. Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
  • Pertussis
  • Diphtheria/Tetanus
  • Polio
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza (on an annual basis)
  • Chicken Pox

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Term One		Credits
RENL 1001	Renal Dialysis Tech Theory	3.5
RENL 1002	Renal Dialysis Tech Clinical	7
	Credits	10.5
	Total Credits	10.5

Evaluation of Student Learning

Evaluations will be done throughout the program. In the theory course, evaluations will be based on case-studies, assignments, quizzes, and a final exam. The clinical practicum is evaluated by instructor observation, assessment of practical skills, and reflective journaling.

Students must achieve at least B- in the theory course (RENL 1001) and an S in the clinical course (RENL 1002) in order to complete the program. All assignments in the clinical course must be successfully completed and students must achieve at least three out of four on every competency on the final competency evaluation in order to pass the clinical course. If students do not successfully complete the theory or the clinical course they will not be readmitted into the program without approval of the department leader.

The Renal Dialysis Technician Program is an applied program where students learn the hands-on skills of dialysis on a daily basis. Students are recommended to attend all classes in order to complete the program successfully.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of semesters.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement

Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	90-100		4.33
A	85-89		4.00
A-	80-84		3.67
B+	76-79		3.33
B	72-75		3.00
B-	68-71	Minimum Pass	2.67
C+	64-67	Failing Grade	2.33
C	60-63		2.00
C-	55-59		1.67
D	50-54		1.00
F	0-49		0.00
S	70 or greater	Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credits	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit	N/A

Grade Point Average (GPA)

1. The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.

2. The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.

3. Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.