Anesthesia Technology
Occupational Description
Anesthesia technicians (AT) assist the anesthesiologist and anesthetists in acquiring, preparing, and using the equipment and supplies required to administer anesthesia.
Job Description
The duties of the AT may include equipment maintenance and servicing such as cleaning and sterilizing, assembling, calibrating and testing, trouble shooting, requisitioning and recording of inspections and maintenance, and operating a variety of mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic equipment used to monitor the patient undergoing anesthesia. They may also be responsible for purchasing and distributing supplies and equipment, and maintaining inventories and service records.
Employment Characteristics
The AT provides support to the anesthesia providers for routine and complex surgical cases before, during and after anesthesia care. In this role, the AT may work in a variety of clinical settings such as hospital operating rooms, interventional and diagnostic radiology, post anesthesia care units, intensive care units, cardiac catheterization laboratories, emergency rooms, endoscopies, dental suites, and ambulatory surgery centers.
Educational Programs
Length. Fifteen months to four years. A certificate of achievement and an Associates of Science (AS) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the Anesthesia Technology curriculum. For students who have an existing Associate of Science Degree, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of the program.
Inquiries
Hospitals continue to use both certified and non-certified ATs. The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians has the only nationally recognized certification for the anesthesia technicians (Cer AT). In order to maintain certification, technicians must earn 20 continuing education contact hours. Certification is granted for a 2-year period. Certification for technologist level has been developed. Technologists must obtain a minimum of 30 continuing education hours to maintain certification.