PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Associate of Science in Dialysis Therapy Technology program spans six trimesters over two years, with the first year dedicated to academic instruction and laboratory training, and the second year focused entirely on clinical practice within hospital environments.
Year 1: Academic Instruction
In the first trimester, students are introduced to the fundamentals of healthcare delivery systems and legal frameworks that govern patient care, including courses in Medical English Communication, Medical Terminology, Healthcare Law and Ethics, and Health Informatics. Emphasis is placed on quality and patient safety, including essential modules in emergency care, infection control, biomedical waste management, and disaster preparedness. These core subjects lay the foundation for understanding the structure and responsibilities of a healthcare professional working in a dialysis setting.
The second trimester builds on this foundation with a deeper exploration into kidney pathophysiology and healthcare operations. Students gain insight into kidney diseases, pharmacology, and biochemistry, while also learning anatomy and physiology as it relates to renal health. Courses in professionalism and valuesand principles of management prepare students for effective teamwork and leadership within multidisciplinary clinical settings.
The third trimester transitions into technical and practice-focused learning. Students undertake advanced studies in kidney disease, diving into complex renal pathologies in Introduction to Kidney Diseases II. They are also introduced to Principles and Practices of Dialysis, with guided training in clinical techniques through intensive Skills Lab Practice. A dedicated course on Research Methods fosters the ability to critically analyze clinical practices and data, further enhancing their academic and professional development.
Year 2: Clinical Practice
In the second year, students engage in Clinical Practical Experience (CPE) across three trimesters. During Trimester IV to VI, students are placed in affiliated hospitals and dialysis centers where they participate in supervised, hands-on dialysis treatment procedures. Each clinical rotation—CPE I, II, and III—consists of 300 hours of immersive training in dialysis machine operation, water treatment systems, patient monitoring, emergency management, and accurate documentation of dialysis treatment records. These placements enable students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-time settings, ensuring that they graduate work-ready and confident in their technical and interpersonal competencies.
By the end of the program, students will have completed rigorous academic and clinical training, positioning them as qualified dialysis professionals ready to contribute effectively in renal care environments both locally and internationally.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the AS-DTT program are well-positioned for careers as: Dialysis Technicians / Hemodialysis Technologists, Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) in Renal Units, Dialysis Assistants in Hospitals and Nephrology Clinics, Clinical Support Specialists in Dialysis Device Companies, Technician Trainers and Mentors.
Advanced Roles: Supervisor or Coordinator in Dialysis Units, Clinical Research Assistants in Renal Studies, Technical Administrators or Quality Managers.
Global Prospects: Graduates may pursue certification exams recognized in the Caribbean, North America, and other international jurisdictions, where demand for skilled dialysis professionals is on the rise.
