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Online Anesthesia Tech Programs
Online Anesthesia Tech Programs
Get information about the availability of online programs for prospective anesthesia technicians, and find out how these programs work. Explore the prerequisites and typical curriculum in a degree program, and check the certification requirements for anesthesia techs.
What Types of Anesthesia Technician Programs Are Available Online?
In most cases, the only anesthesia technician programs that you can find online will be certificate programs. These programs, which are intended for experienced anesthesia technicians seeking professional development, are very rarely available online. In such a program, you can complete exclusively online coursework in an asynchronous format to accommodate your schedule. Your online program will use an Internet-based learning platform to provide you with access to videos, presentations and homework assignments. You may also complete interactive simulations.
Anesthesia technician programs are also available at the associate degree level. These programs are rarely offered online, but you may be able to find a program that offers classroom instruction online, with a clinical requirement off-site.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Associate's programs, rarely fully online; certificate programs, only online for experienced technicians</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td>Related work experience, professional certification, coursework in mathematics and English</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Topics of Study</b></td><td>Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia equipment, response to emergency situations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Optional certification offered through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $43,116 (<i>for anesthesia technicians</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all surgical technologists</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3><p>To enroll in an anesthesia technician certificate program, you will need to have accumulated prior work experience either directly in this field or in a related field. Some programs require you to hold a professional certification, such as a medical assisting certification or a practical nurse (LPN) license. Prior coursework in mathematics and English may be required; additionally, if you have already studied topics such as pharmacology and anatomy, you may be able to begin your program at an accelerated pace.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Your coursework in an anesthesia technician program will cover general topics relevant to most medical professions, such as anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. You will go on to study the equipment used by anesthesiologists, including anesthesia gas machines and scavengers (equipment that removes gases from the operating room). In preparation for direct patient work, you will be trained to monitor vital signs and respond to emergency situations. As an anesthesia technician, you will be required to be comfortable assisting with the tools of an anesthesiologist; through online laboratory classes, you will gain experience with these tools.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatProfessionalCertificationWillINeed">What Professional Certification Will I Need?</h3><p>You are not required by law to earn certification in order to work as an anesthesia technician, though it is preferred by many employers. Through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT), you can earn the Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.) designation, the leading certification exclusively focused in this field. The certification exam covers numerous areas in which you will need to have expertise, including airway management equipment, anesthesia delivery and blood pressure monitors.</p>
