8000 Healthcare subject sub_topic Anesthesia technologists assist anesthesiologists before, during, and after surgery. Getting an anesthesia technology degree will qualify you for many jobs in this field. 0 1 1 8020 <p>Anesthesia is one of the most complicated aspects of surgery. Being anesthetized is a necessary part of surgical risk, and anesthesia technologists are vital members of a patient's care team. Those seeking employment in this field may consider a traditional training program or an online healthcare program in order to obtain the right background for this sort of work. </p> <p>Anesthesia techs do not administer anesthesia; that is left to the anesthesiologist, who is a medical doctor. However, they assist this complex process in many ways: preparing equipment and supplies, cleaning, maintaining, and operating equipment; testing equipment; and recording servicing information. Other tasks within the scope of an anesthesia tech's job include maintaining inventory and disposing of expired materials appropriately. </p> <p>In an operating room setting, an anesthesia tech works closely with surgical staff, setting up necessary equipment and helping prepare the patient for invasive monitoring procedures. An anesthesia tech may also record patient information during anesthesiology procedures and assist with patient monitoring. The anesthesia tech provides important backup to the anesthesiologist, readying all necessary tools and devices for a surgical procedure, helping with ongoing patient evaluation, and ensuring that equipment is sterilized and recalibrated for subsequent patients. </p> <strong>Earning Potential </strong> <p>The median annual earnings for surgical techs were $36,080 in 2006, with the top 10% earning over $51,140. Most employers also offer good benefits to full-time workers, including health insurance and paid vacation and sick leave. </p> <strong>Where a Degree Will Take You</strong> <p>Although entry-level work as an anesthesia tech requires only a high school education and some additional training, certified anesthesia techs will have the best job options. Certification from the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians requires either a high school degree plus two solid years of work experience; graduation from an ASATT-approved two-year program; or completion of an ASATT-approved program and a clinical component. Although it is possible to obtain an anesthesia tech job with a G.E.D. or high school diploma, candidates may find that it is much easier to get a foot in the door with the appropriate educational background. Training can be obtained in vocational and technical colleges, on-site in hospitals, or in the military. </p> <p>The educational background for an anesthesia tech may include courses in anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, sterilization and infection control techniques, patient safety, medical ethics, hemodynamics, and other relevant topics. As individuals obtain more experience in the field of anesthesia technology, additional training may be required in order to advance. </p> <strong>Anesthesia Tech Careers</strong> <p>Anesthesia techs usually work a standard 40-hour week, although this may include evening and weekend shifts, as well as overtime as necessary. </p> <p>Helpful traits for succeeding in this career include attention to detail; compassion towards patients; the ability to keep track of numerous things at once; mechanical aptitude; mathematical ability for performing basic calculations and conversions; and good communication skills. </p> <p>Those who seek employment as anesthesia techs will become critical supporting staff within a hospital community, helping doctors help patients every day. The stability of healthcare work and the satisfaction gained from helping people on a daily basis combine to make anesthesia tech positions appealing to many. </p> <p><strong>Article References </strong></p> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<br> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos106.htm </a><br> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm </a><br><br> American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians<br> <a href="http://www.asatt.org/sop.html" target="_blank">http://www.asatt.org/sop.html</a><br> anesthesia-tech Become an anesthesia tech or assistant - get training and certification Anesthesia Technician, Technolgist, Assistant, Training, Certification Anesthesia Tech Anesthesia Tech 8920, 8545, 8430 Healthcare Anesthesia Technician, Technolgist & Assistant Training, Certification 1 0