How to Become an Anesthesia Technician
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Anesthesia Technician
What does an Anesthesia Technician do?
AN Anesthesia Technician assists Anesthesiologist by setting-up equipment and preparing medications. Orders, stocks, tests, and maintains anesthesia supplies, medications, and equipment. Being an Anesthesia Technician washes and sterilizes re-usable equipment and reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel. Performs safety checks on anesthesia equipment and assists the Anesthesiologist as needed. Additionally, Anesthesia Technician may also be required to complete anesthesia technician trainee program. May require an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Anesthesia Technician works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be an Anesthesia Technician typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Most technicians are employed by general hospitals and public surgical centers, though some work for private doctors and emergency response services.
During surgery, an anesthesia technician keeps a careful eye on monitoring equipment.
Additionally, if the patient starts to wake up or show signs of pain, the technician can assist the anesthesiologist in re-administering a set amount of the medication.
Most anesthesia technicians, however, hold associates degrees in health science, medical assisting, or similar subjects.
Many technicians decide to pursue continuing education in order to become lead assistants or nurse anesthetic specialists.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Anesthesia Technician
Best tips for those who want to become an Anesthesia Technician
Here are some tips to become an Anesthesia Technician.
Always perform a preanesthetic check.
Prepare all monitoring equipment before the procedure.
Do not be afraid to preoxygenate.
Remember what your monitors are and are not telling you.
Use injectable anesthetic agents intraoperatively.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Anesthesia Technician
Best colleges and universities for Anesthesia Technician
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Anesthesia Technician
Is being an Anesthesia Technician Worth it?
Maintain proper standards of cleanliness and organization of the Anesthesia workroom.
Graduation from an accredited Anesthesia Technician program (or equivalent combination of education, training and experience).
May assist with calibration of anesthesia and monitoring equipment (blood gas machine, accu-check, ACT, arterial pressure machine).
2 years of employment as a non-certified Anesthesia Technician, or clinical experience in an accredited hospital with operating room.
Independent of supervision in a hospital setting, as a significant part of daily duties, responsible for treatment of patients with life-threatening illness or injury, whose conditions are likely to change on a moment-to-moment basis, and inducing and monitoring anesthesia.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Anesthesia Technician
What skills do you need to be an Anesthesia Technician?
Although this job may seem to be a more junior position, there are still certain skill sets which an applicant needs to possess to do well. In order to support the team, a strong grasp of these skills is necessary: Medical Specialty: Anesthesia. Experience and professionalism are always important to landing any job, and a mastery of these skills will help amplify your qualifications.
To get this certification, you’d need to pass the ASATT’s national certification exam, in addition to having a high school diploma, 2+ years of experience, and completion of an anesthesia tech program or degree that includes clinical training.
If you’re thinking about becoming an anesthesia technician, you should have these skills (or be willing to build them in the meantime).
If you’ve got the baseline skills and are thinking of committing to this path of becoming an anesthesia technician, it’s time to think about the whole picture.
Certified anesthesia technicians can make more, as can techs with significant experience, so there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement once you’re in the door.
Anesthesia Technicians must not only have an excellent technical understanding of anesthesia equipment and supplies, but must also be able to act as a helpful assistant to anesthesia providers during both routine and complex surgeries.
Step 6: View average salary for Anesthesia Technician
How much does an Anesthesia Technician make?
The average salary range for an Anesthesia Technician is from $42,429 to $54,797. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Anesthesia Technician jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Anesthesia Technician jobs, and apply.
Looking for Anesthesia Technician jobs?
Here are some Anesthesia Technician jobs in the United States.