Dialysis Technician

Train for a career in dialysis care by combining technical skills with medical understanding in this interactive VR simulation. Based on the Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician (6th Edition), students learn how dialysis works and why it is needed, building familiarity with the tools, routines, and teamwork that shape this health care setting. The experience encourages accuracy, observation and safety by focusing on real-world expectations. The first half of the course covers the fundamentals of dialysis and why a patient might need it. Students learn about the extracorporeal circuit by tracing the path of blood through arterial lines, dialyzers and venous lines. In further modules, students will investigate different vascular entry points – including fistulas, grafts and catheters – and consider the importance of site care and monitoring. The rest of the course shifts to practical procedures and safety checks. Students observe the complete cannulation process, from understanding needle types to placing them correctly. They explore how infections spread, when to use PPE and how to follow hand hygiene routines. A final module introduces the water treatment process, including pretreatment and reverse osmosis. **Key features:** - Aligned to the Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician (6th Edition) - Created with input from qualified dialysis professionals - Covers patient-facing tasks, equipment handling and infection control procedures ## Course Content: This course is six modules, split into 15 lessons: **Module 1: Introduction** - Lesson 1: Introduction to Dialysis **Module 2: Extracorporeal Circuit** - Lesson 1: Arterial Bloodline - Lesson 2: Dialyzer - Lesson 3: Venous Bloodline - Lesson 4: Organ Stunning **Module 3: Types of Dialysis Access** - Lesson 1: Arteriovenous Fistula - Lesson 2: Arteriovenous Graft - Lesson 3: Catheters **Module 4: Cannulation** - Lesson 1: Composition of a Hemodialysis Needle - Lesson 2: Cannulation Steps - Lesson 3: Needle Placement Techniques **Module 5: Hygiene and Infection Spread** - Lesson 1: Infection Transmission - Lesson 2: When to Wash Hands **Module 6: Water Treatment System** - Lesson 1: Pretreatment Phase - Lesson 2: Reverse Osmosis Phase ## Duration & Guidance: Each lesson is approximately 10-15 minutes in duration, but times may vary depending on the user. Lessons can be completed across multiple sessions, as user progress will be saved. We recommend that this experience is best undertaken standing, although a seated experience is possible. ## Module 1: Introduction to Dialysis{.objective .objective1} **Lesson 1: Introduction to Dialysis** Meet a dialysis technician and learn why this treatment is needed for people with kidney failure. Find out how the process works and what the technician's role involves. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe what dialysis is{.info} - List common conditions and illnesses causing kidney failure{.info} ## Module 2: Extracorporeal Circuit {.objective .objective2} **Lesson 1: Arterial Bloodline** Investigate how dialysis removes blood from the body. Identify the parts of the arterial bloodline and learn what each one does. ## Learning Objectives: - List the components of the arterial bloodline{.info} - Explain the purpose of the arterial bloodline components{.info} **Lesson 2: Dialyzer:** Learn how the dialyzer removes waste and excess fluid from the blood. Watch how tiny filters and pressure differences help clean the blood safely. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe the purpose of the dialyzer{.info} - Explain how the dialyzer works and what physical principles are applied{.info} **Lesson 3: Venous Bloodline** Follow the cleaned blood as it returns to the body. Discover how technicians monitor flow and check for problems in the venous line. ## Learning Objectives: - List the components of the venous bloodline{.info} - Explain the purpose of the venous bloodline components{.info} **Lesson 4: Organ Stunning** See how dialysis affects the body's organs. Discover the effects of removing too much fluid too quickly and how to prevent this issue. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe fluid movement across different compartments{.info} - Explain how organ stunning impacts various organs{.info} ## Module 3: Types of Dialysis Access {.objective .objective3} **Lesson 1: Arteriovenous Fistula** Take a close look at a fistula, one of the most common types of dialysis access. Learn how it works and what signs may show it's not functioning correctly. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe an arteriovenous (AV) fistula{.info} - List the pros and cons of a fistula{.info} - Assess the presence of stenosis{.info} **Lesson 2: Arteriovenous Graft** Explore an AV graft and how it connects blood vessels for dialysis. List conditions affecting an arteriovenous graft and perform a visual check to check for steal syndrome. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe an arteriovenous (AV) graft{.info} - List the pros and cons of a graft{.info} - Assess the presence of steal syndrome{.info} **Lesson 3: Catheter** Investigate how health care providers use central venous catheters when other access methods are not feasible. Determine their placement and how practitioners handle the process. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe a vascular access with a catheter{.info} - List the pros and cons of a catheter{.info} ## Module 4: Cannulation {.objective .objective4} **Lesson 1: Composition of a Hemodialysis Needle** Look at the parts and types of dialysis needles. Understand how different features influence their usage. ## Learning Objectives: - List properties of a hemodialysis needle{.info} - Explain the property variation of a hemodialysis needle{.info} **Lesson 2: Cannulation Steps** Follow each step of the cannulation process. Learn how to position and secure needles safely and correctly. ## Learning Objectives: - Describe cannulation steps{.info} - Demonstrate proper needle movement{.info} - Demonstrate butterfly taping technique{.info} **Lesson 3: Needle Placement Techniques** Compare three main needle placement methods. Practice how and when to use rope-ladder, buttonhole and area cannulation techniques. ## Learning Objectives: - Demonstrate rope ladder technique{.info} - Demonstrate buttonhole technique{.info} - Describe the area cannulation technique{.info} ## Module 5: Hygiene and Infection Transmission {.objective .objective5} **Lesson 1: Methods of Infection Transmission** Search the clinic to identify where and how infections might spread. Learn how to spot risks and reduce them in a dialysis setting. ## Learning Objectives: - List types of microorganisms{.info} - List methods of infection transmission{.info} **Lesson 2: When to Wash Hands?** Understand when handwashing is required before, during, and after care and why good hand hygiene is critical in dialysis. ## Learning Objective: - Explain when to perform hand hygiene{.info} ## Module 6: Water Treatment System {.objective .objective6} **Lesson 1: Pretreatment Phase** Investigate how health care professionals prepare water before using it in dialysis. Identify each component in the pretreatment system and what it does. ## Learning Objectives: - List components of the pretreatment water system phase{.info} - Describe the purpose of the components{.info} **Lesson 2: Treatment phase – Reverse Osmosis** Follow the water through the final stage of treatment. Learn how reverse osmosis removes contaminants and ensures patient safety. ## Learning Objectives: - List components of the treatment water system phase{.info} - Explain how reverse osmosis membrane functions{.info} # TEACHING FRAMEWORK FOR VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS{.objective .objective} # Before the Experience **KWL Chart** Activate prior knowledge and prepare students for what they will see in the VR simulation. Students will fill in the K (What I Know) and W (What I Want to Know) sections, while the remaining section will be completed post-experience. - Identify three things that you already know or think you know about the technology, tools used and/or careers.{.task} - Write two questions about what you want answered or are curious about.{.task} # During the Experience **Tech Lab Journal** To support engagement and learning during each VR session, ask students to maintain a Tech Lab Journal. This journal can be a small notebook, a stapled packet, a digital document or use the worksheet provided (see exemplar for further guidance). The Vocational Pathways Worksheet Exemplar draws on the Welding and Intro to Construction simulations as detailed case studies. While these examples focus on specific experiences, the model student responses are representative of reflections, observations, vocabulary and presentations expected across all of the Vocational Pathways content. After completing each VR session, students should take a few minutes to reflect and add to their journal, noting the date and which lesson they completed. Other suggested journal entries may include: - Key Vocabulary – Identify new terms and/or technical language that was introduced, along with definitions for each. - Sketches or Diagrams – Create simple sketches of tools, systems, processes, and/or machines students interacted with, along with labels for the whole and its parts. - Notice and Wonder – Take note of interesting moments or surprising results students noticed, as well as questions they are curious about. These should be written as “I noticed...” and “I wonder ...” statements. # After the Experience **KWL Chart** To follow up, ask students to complete the L (What I Learned) section, reflecting on what they learned during the session. - Identify at least three things that you learned about the industry, technology and/or career.{.task} # Extended Learning **Job Quest: Explore an Entry-Level Career Role** Students are then encouraged to continue their learning by researching what an entry-level position in this career field looks like. This exploration makes learning more personal and purposeful, helping students consider future career opportunities. Even if they decide this career is not a good fit, the process builds career awareness, critical thinking, and allows the student to take ownership of their learning. Ask students to research the following: - Job Description - Tools and Skills Needed - Education and/or Training Needed - Salary and Job Outlook - Work Environment - A typical day in the role Ask students to create a visual summary of their research. Consider giving them a choice to create a slide presentation, one-pager, infographic, short video, or use another appropriate presentation method. # Reflection Ask students to write a reflection. Based on their VR experience and research, would they consider this career? Why or why not? # How To View Student Analytics 1. Log in to the Corinth app 1. Results can be viewed based on the name the student entered For full set-up instructions, including video walkthroughs and support documents, please visit our support pages [ClassVR Support](https://www.classvr.com/)