Anesthesia Technician Training Programs and Schools

<p>Anesthesia technicians act as assistants to anesthesiologists and work under their supervision. You should consider completing a training program that's approved by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians to qualify for certification. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Program Options</b> </td><td> Certificate of Achievement in Anesthesia Technology, Associate of Science in Anesthesia Technician, Associate in Applied Science in Anesthesia Technology</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Anesthesia pharmacology, basic anesthesia equipment, basic principles of anesthesia technology, professional aspects of anesthesia technology, anesthesia technology instrumentation, anesthetics, advanced anatomy and physiology</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Training programs prepare candidates for the Certified Anesthesia Technician credential</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDutiesOfAnAnesthesiaTechnician">What Are the Job Duties of an Anesthesia Technician?</h3> <p>Typical job duties include maintaining anesthesia equipment and sterile working conditions, as well as assisting during surgeries. According to the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT), certified anesthesia technicians may have additional job duties, including patient assessment and administrative management. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisitesForAnAnesthesiaTechnicianTrainingProgram">What Are the Prerequisites for an Anesthesia Technician Training Program?</h3> <p>As an aspiring anesthesia technician, you must hold at least a high school diploma or GED. Admissions prerequisites may also include basic CPR certification, current immunization records and a criminal background check. In addition, some programs will require completion of prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry or communications. Some might require a student to take a placement exam. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAnASATTApprovedProgram">What Will I Learn in an ASATT-Approved Program?</h3> <p>You'll learn how to monitor patients during surgeries, use ultrasound devices and infusion pumps and maintain anesthesia delivery equipment. Other courses often contained in an anesthesia technology program include: </p> <ul><li>EKG analysis </li><li>Anesthesia pharmacology </li><li>Anesthesia instrumentation </li><li>Healthcare law and ethics </li><li>Fundamentals of anesthesia technology </li></ul><p>In addition, you'll complete multiple clinical practicums in an operating room under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. </p> <h3 id="section---WhereCanIFindProgramsForAnesthesiaTechnicians">Where Can I Find Programs for Anesthesia Technicians?</h3> <p>Many programs can lead to an Associate of Science or Certificate of Achievement in Anesthesia Technology and may take 1 to 2 years to complete. Some schools that offer degree and non-degree studies in anesthesia technology include: </p> <ul><li>Grossmont College </li><li>Skyline College </li><li>College of DuPage </li><li>Milwaukee Area Technical College </li><li>Oklahoma City Community College </li><li>Community College of Baltimore Country </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForCertification">What Are the Requirements for Certification?</h3> <p>In order to sit for the ASATT anesthesia technician certification exam, you'll need to complete at least two years of work experience in the field or an ASATT-approved postsecondary training program. Upon passing the exam, you will earn the Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer. A.T.) designation. Certified anesthesia technicians are qualified to take the ASATT Certified Anesthesia Technologist exam.</p>