Anesthesia
Technician
Education:
Anesthesia Technician Competencies:
The anesthesia technician demonstrates proficiency in:
• The anesthesia technician must obtain a Basic Life Support certificate
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in: Purpose, use and care of physiological monitors relating to the administration of anesthesia
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency on ethical and legal issues and responsibilities
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in biologic hazards, infection control, and standard precautions
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in fire, electrical, laser and explosion hazards in the operating room and other anesthesia related areas
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in storage, use and safe handling of bulk and cylinder gases
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in structure, function and care of all components of anesthesia delivery systems
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in sterile technique and the principals of aseptic practice
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in usage of common anesthetic gases
• Type and indications for local, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), regional and
general anesthesia
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in principles of purchasing and supply levels
• The anesthesia technician must demonstrate proficiency in communication skills
merican Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians
Standards of Practice
The preferred entry-level education is high school diploma or GED. Previous work experience may be reviewed. Educational requirements to work in the role of an Anesthesia technician are at least a
high school education. In some cases a two-year degree in healthcare may be required.
Anesthesia Technician Education:
A
Anesthesia Technician, Anesthesia Tech Information:
Milwaukee Area Technical College: Milwaukee, WI: Associate Degree in Anesthesia
Stony Brook University:
BS in Health Sciences with a Baccalaureate in Anesthesia Technology
Sanford Brown Intsitiute:
The Anesthesia Technologist program at Sanford-Brown Institute - Pittsburgh
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AnestaWeb, Inc. 2009
Information Disclaimer:
The information provided using this web site is only intended to be general information to the public. It is not intended to take the place of the written law, regulations, medical, legal or financial advice.
Anesthesia Technicians perform logistical and technical support to Anesthesiologist, Nurse Anesthetists and Physician extender Anesthetists – Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-Cs). They maintain anesthesiology supplies and equipment, set-up anesthetizing locations and operate, monitor, and collect data from anesthesia related equipment. In some cases Anesthesia Technicians will perform clinical laboratory functions, equipment preventive maintenance/repair, and specialized cardiac procedures such as cardiac output measurement, intra-aortic balloon pumping, vessel cannulation, and auto transfusion services.
Level GS-8 Assignment. This represents the full performance level. The anesthesia technician at this level assists anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, physician extender anesthetists – Anesthesiologist Assistants (AA-Cs) in difficult anesthetic procedures "under minimal supervision." The Anesthesia technician will connect and operate invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment (e.g., arterial pressure monitors), anesthesia machines, ventilators, intubation bronchoscopes, and ultrasonic scanning devices. "Anesthesia Technicians prepare and administer medications as directed by the attending physician." They (meaning Anesthesia Technicians) mentor and train lower graded anesthesia technicians, "nurses", "medical students", and "anesthesia residents" on anesthesia technology procedures and assist the supervisor/manager with quality control and performance improvement activities. The Anesthesia Technician will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in anesthesia technology duties.
CERTIFICATION: Anesthesia Technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification are also desirable for employees at this level.
ASSIGNMENT: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
In conclusion, Anesthesia Technicians plays a big role in the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT). The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) need to embrace the Anesthesia Technicians and The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) in the same manner as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) must help the ASATT become licensed and help set new standards in becoming an anesthetist - Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) as an Allied Healthcare Profession.
Below are only possible examples and not currently in effect:
#1. Anesthesia Technicians in the future should have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health/Science (BSH) 1-2 years experience in O.R. setting and all other anesthesia specialty as a licensed Anesthesia Technician with ACLS and/or PALS when applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant program.
#2. Anesthesia Technicians in the future should have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Anesthesia/Technology (BSA) 1-2 years experience in O.R. setting and all other anesthesia specialty as a licensed technician with ACLS and/or PALS when applying to AA-C school.
#3. Anesthesia Technicians in the future should have a BSH or BSA with 1-2 years experience in an O.R. setting and all other anesthesia specialties as a Certified Anesthesia Technician or Certified Anesthesia Technician with ACLS and/or PALS when applying to AA-C school.
#4. Anesthesia Technicians in the future should have a Bachelor's of Science degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, Biology, Health/Science, Anesthesia/Technology, Pulmonary, Physics, Biological/Science, Healthcare/Management, Administration (B.A.) etc. with 1-2 years experience in O.R. setting and all other anesthesia specialty as a Certified Anesthesia Technician or Certified Anesthesia Technician with ACLS and/or PALS when applying to Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) program.
If you are thinking of applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) program with in the next 1-2 years it would be a great idea to become an Anesthesia Technician. As an Anesthesia Technician you will be able to obtain all the knowledge needed to apply to an Anesthesiologist Assistant program including an ASATT certification (if possible). As an Anesthesia Technician you have to work a full 2 years in order to take the National Exam Certification, ACLS, and/or PALS, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Cell Saver, Anesthesia Machine instructor Certified etc.
With all of these credentials under your belt (clinical and technical skills) and the signatures of the MDAs, DOAs, AA-Cs, and CRNAs with an out standing letter of recommendation, you should not have any problem getting into an Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) program.
Did you know
that...
currently
there are job
offers for
Anesthesiologist
Assistants with
$30,000.00 in
retention
bonuses
$10,000.00 at
the end of
each year and
$5,000.00 for
relocation
and a starting
salary
between $110,000.00
to
$150,000.00
annually!
What schools offer
Anesthesiologist
Assistant
programs?
VISIT HERE
