The majority of patients with kidney failure requiring replacement therapy will need the support of hemodialysis during their journey with kidney failure. A reliable functioning vascular access is required to provide hemodialysis. This Core Curriculum reviews the major forms of vascular access (arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, and central venous catheter) as well as the planning, preparation, creation, use, and maintenance of vascular access, requiring a P-L-A-N (Patient ESKD Life-Plan first then Access Needs) for each patient.