A dialysis technician (also called a hemodialysis technician or renal dialysis technician) is a healthcare worker who operates dialysis machines and cares for patients with kidney failure during treatment. What they do: Set up and operate hemodialysis machines Monitor patients' vital signs before, during, and after treatment Insert needles/access lines (in many states/facilities) Calculate and mix dialysate solutions Clean and maintain equipment Watch for complications (low blood pressure, cramping, adverse reactions) Document treatment and communicate with nurses/nephrologists Where they work: Outpatient dialysis clinics (most common) Hospitals Home dialysis programs (training patients on home equipment)