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If you’re interested in a career in anesthesia, you may be wondering how to become an anesthesia technician. Anesthesia technicians are important members of the healthcare team who work closely with anesthesiologists to ensure patients are safe and comfortable during surgery.
While there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming an anesthesia technician, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips:
1. Get a degree in a
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Introduction
Anesthesia technicians are allied health professionals who work in operating rooms and other surgical settings. They sterilize equipment, set up operating rooms, and help monitor patients during surgery. Anesthesia technicians also may provide postoperative care.
What is an Anesthesia Technician?
An anesthesia technician is a medical professional who works with anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia to patients. Anesthesia technicians typically have an Associate’s degree in a medical field, and must be certified by the American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT).
Duties of an Anesthesia Technician
Anesthesia technicians help licensed anesthesiologists care for patients before, during, and after surgery. They monitor patients during surgery and make sure that they remain safe and comfortable.
Anesthesia technicians typically have an associate degree in anesthesia technology or a related field. Although certification is not required, it may be helpful in landing a job and advancing in the field.
Those interested in becoming an anesthesia technician should be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. They should also be able to follow instructions carefully and have good interpersonal skills.
Educational Requirements
In order to become an anesthesia technician, one must first graduate from an accredited anesthesia technology program. These programs take approximately two years to complete and offer both classroom and clinical instruction. The curriculum covers topics such as medical ethics, human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Once the program is completed, graduates must then pass the certification exam administered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians in order to become certified and registered anesthesia technicians.
Certification
Users who wish to become an anesthesia technician may consider certification to improve their career opportunities. The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians offers the Certified Anesthesia Technician credential. Although voluntary, the credential may lead to increased job prospects and higher pay. To be eligible for this credential, candidates must have completed an accredited anesthesia technology program and have obtained CPR certification. They must then pass a written exam. Those who already hold certification as a surgical technologist from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST) are not required to take the written exam but must submit proof of current certification and complete an oral practice exam.
Salary and Job Outlook
Anesthesia technicians generally earn a salary that is comparable to other medical technicians. However, those who work in larger metropolitan areas or who have more experience may earn a higher salary. The average annual salary for an anesthesia technician was $58,920 in May 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this career is good, with an expected 11% growth in employment from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
