Education and vocational training can help people living with kidney disease, dialysis, or other disabilities prepare for new employment opportunities, strengthen existing skills, or explore a different career path.
Health changes may sometimes affect a person’s ability to continue working in the same type of job. Training programs can provide new skills, certifications, or education that may lead to work that better fits a person’s health needs, abilities, treatment schedule, and long-term goals.
Educational Opportunities
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, educational support may include:
- High school completion or GED preparation
- College or technical school programs
- Certificate and licensing programs
- Online education and distance learning
- Computer and technology training
- Adult education and literacy programs
- Career-focused classes and short-term training
Vocational Training
Vocational training is designed to teach practical skills for a specific occupation or career field. Programs may include:
- Healthcare support careers
- Information technology and computer skills
- Office administration
- Customer service
- Skilled trades
- Transportation and logistics
- Business and entrepreneurship training
- Remote-work preparation
Support for People with Disabilities
Some state vocational rehabilitation programs may help eligible individuals with disabilities prepare for employment. Services may include help with:
- Tuition or training expenses
- Books, supplies, and equipment
- Transportation to school or training
- Assistive technology
- Career assessments
- Job preparation
- Certification or licensing costs
Eligibility, available services, and funding vary by program and location.
Choosing the Right Training Program
Before enrolling in a program, consider:
- Your current health and energy level
- Your dialysis or medical-treatment schedule
- Whether the program offers flexible or online classes
- The physical demands of the career
- Transportation requirements
- The length and cost of the program
- Whether financial assistance may be available
- Whether the training leads to recognized credentials or employment opportunities
Questions to Ask
When speaking with a school, training provider, or vocational rehabilitation counselor, you may want to ask:
- Is this program accredited or recognized?
- What certificate, license, or degree will I receive?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Can the schedule accommodate medical treatments?
- Are online or evening classes available?
- Does the program provide job-placement assistance?
- What physical requirements are associated with this career?
Taking the Next Step
Patients and families may benefit from speaking with a social worker, vocational rehabilitation counselor, disability-resource specialist, school financial-aid office, or workforce-development agency.
The Marshall Kidney Foundation encourages individuals to explore programs carefully, ask questions, and choose educational or vocational opportunities that support both their health and employment goals.
