Anesthesia Technologists play a key role during the administration of anesthesia to the patients who are in chronic pain or undergoing surgery. They assist the licensed anesthesia providers at various level of anesthesia delivery system. Their responsibilities include ensuring careful patient care, collecting and testing blood samples to determine anesthesia levels, preparing intravenous drugs, observing vital symptoms of the patients and maintaining the required equipments properly before, during and after anesthesia.
Anesthesia Technologists work in both public and private healthcare institutions under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider. They are employed at anesthetic departments, outpatient clinics, operating theaters, trauma centers, emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU) etc.
Anesthesia Technologists hold an extensive knowledge in anesthesia techniques, instruments, supplies, and computer science. They also carry an expertise with the operation and maintenance of several pieces of equipment, including anesthesia delivery systems, ancillary devices, and monitors. Besides, they possess a various skills such as pleasant communication and interpersonal skills, ability to assist the patients emotionally and physically, work with compassion so on and so forth.
Educational Requirements
To become an Anesthesia Technologist, aspiring candidates must have to obtain a Diploma certificate, or an Associate’s degree. For better job opportunities, students can go for a degree programs with the course work of medical terminology, pharmacology and anesthesia equipment functions etc.
The students can also acquire training on the job during their academic session. They can gain hands-on experience in operating rooms, learn about fluid management, blood products and the devices used to administer anesthesia.
Certification
The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT) offers certification for the Anesthesia Technologists. The aspiring candidates need to pass an examination administered by ASATT to obtain the certification.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for an Anesthesia Technologist remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30 per cent during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of an Anesthesia Technologist was $35,715 in 2014.