By: Dawn Sheldon, MSN, RN
Dialysis Education Services is excited to announce the return of in-person classroom instruction on September 12, 2022. Students can attend classes at the Bellflower, California location.
Two Years Ago
In the spring of 2020, the world began responding to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. As a result, Vocational Education stood crippled by the inability to meet face-to-face.
Dialysis Education Services pivoted to offer online portions of classes accordingly and coordinated clinical experiences. Those students attending class in person at the time moved to the online platform, and classes went on as usual. The pandemic may have caused discourse and discomfort, but it was continued growth and progress for us.
Historically, only certain classes were offered online, and all others were held in classrooms. However, the pandemic created a need to change and adapt quickly.
Adaptability and Growth
To answer to the requirements of a new environment, Dialysis Education Services looked at resources already at their fingertips. They had an existing learning management system that allowed for online classroom training. In-person students seamlessly transitioned to the online platform, and the learning continued.
The pandemic crept beyond the original two months it was thought to last. Nevertheless, Dialysis Education Services saw the reality of a long-term situation and continued to look for opportunities to improve its program to stand out from all the rest.
Remote learning was the answer to every educational institution from kindergarten to Ph.D. Dialysis Education Services strives to offer more to students and saw an opportunity to elevate the clinical learning experience remotely. Therefore, we introduced virtual reality to our curriculum with multiple platforms.
Dialysis Education Services did not only continue to answer the challenge placed in front of every college, vocational school, and trade school. They elevated their program with new achievements and identified goals for the future.
Achievements
During the first two years of COVID, Dialysis Education Services did not wane. On the contrary, they kept preparing new hemodialysis professionals while looking at ways to keep their program on top of the rapidly changing vocational education and healthcare environments.
1. They have acquired the highest-caliber staff to deliver quality education and produce successful graduates.
2. They have the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology’s approval to train hemodialysis technicians. In addition, they are the only such program in California approved for national online training for hemodialysis technicians.
3. They have nationwide support for the students attending remotely, from far distances. As a result, they have successfully entered into national agreements to create available clinical preceptorships.
4. They collaborate with local economies to ensure hemodialysis training is open to all who want the opportunity.
With all the growth, achievements, and agreements in place, Dialysis Education Services prepares to welcome students back to the classroom in person.
Back to the Classroom
Beginning with the September 12, 2022 cycle, Dialysis Education Services will welcome students back to the classroom. In addition, those students who are local to the school can now attend in-person classroom instruction.
For local students dreading the online platform, this is an excellent opportunity to return to the form of instruction they are comfortable with. Social students will enjoy seeing classmates and engaging in classroom topics. In addition, instructors can now interact in real-time with students to answer questions and give instruction.
Dialysis Education Services’ Hemodialysis Technician Training program will continue to be offered nationwide. Current platforms will not change.
The online learning platform is still available to those who are located remotely. It will also be used in extenuating circumstances. Virtual reality will continue to be a part of the hemodialysis technician training curriculum and the clinical portion. All students will benefit from these unique features.
Classes will continue to be held three days weekly: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Times will be morning and evening, alternating through the cycles. For a complete list of class schedules, check it out here.
As you plan to begin classes at Dialysis Education services, ensure you have completed all necessary paperwork and requirements for entry into the program as well as continuing into the clinical portion.
Requirements for Enrollment
Anticipating students’ arrival in the classroom, Dialysis Education Services wants to ensure everyone is prepared and has all requirements to start and progress through the program.
To enroll in the Hemodialysis Training Program, students must:
1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Have a HS diploma or equivalent
3. Provide copies of two forms of ID (one of which is a Social Security Card for state reporting and certification purposes)
The clinical portion of the program has its requirements. Students cannot advance to clinical unless certain requirements have been met.
Requirements to attend clinical training are as follows:
1. The didactic portion of the program must have a total score of 80% or higher.
2. Students must purchase malpractice insurance.
3. Students must have Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
4. Students must fulfill health screening requirements, including completing a physical exam and blood work and providing proof of vaccinations.
5. The student must pass a health and drug screening and background check.
6. The student must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a requirement of the Program. No exemptions will be allowed.
The last two years have forced colleges, vocational schools, and trade schools to become creative and resourceful. Dialysis Education Services met the challenge head-on and persevered. They continued to achieve national approvals and agreements. They have not stopped setting goals and are now working to ensure that the program is accessible to all who want to attend.
Dialysis Education Services is eager to have students back in the classroom. The doors will be open. The classrooms are cleaned and set up. The instructors are prepared to see everyone again. We will see you in September!