How to Become an Anesthesia Technician - TheJobNetwork

How to Become an Anesthesia Technician - TheJobNetworkWhen you think about surgery, you might think of the scene how its often portrayed on TVa surgeon, plus one or two nurses assisting. In reality, surgery requires a team of professionals people to set up the operating room and equipment, someone to prep the patient, at least one surgeon, surgical nurses, surgical assistants, and (last but not least) anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians who enkoranvers that the patient is out cold and feels none of the pain of whats going on. Every team member is an essential parte of every surgery. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832388529-0) ) All of these surgical team professionals have a major part to play in the healthcare industry, so if youre looking for a solid healthcare career path, its time to think about whether you should become an anesthesia technician.The Role of Anesthesia TechniciansAn anesthesia technician (tech for short) is an allied healt h professional who works with the anesthesiologist and other operating room team members to make sure that patients are sedated and properly anesthetized before surgery. Anesthesia technicians handle many of the practical (technical) details of anesthetizing patients, allowing the anesthesiologist to focus more fully on the patients needs. Anesthesia technicians responsibilities may includePreparing equipment in the operating roomMaintaining equipment and troubleshooting as necessaryTesting and maintaining equipment ahead of surgeryManaging operating room supply inventoryPreparing anesthesia drugs under the direction of the anesthesiologistConnecting and operating equipment that monitors patients vital signs during surgeryAssisting with IVs and airway devicesHelping to transfer patients to post-op care roomsBasically, if it involves patient anesthesia or monitoring patients while theyre under sedation, the anesthesia tech has a hand in it. Anesthesia techs typically work in hospital settings, but they may also be found in private clinics/doctors offices or outpatient care facilities.The BenefitsBecoming an anesthesia technician brings many of the benefits of an allied health career pathA growing industry. The healthcare field is expanding all the time, with greater demand for medical professionals at every level.A varied day-to-day. Patients change, their needs change, and every day has its own set of challenges.A stable work environment. Hospitals will always need to be staffed with qualified professionals, and typically provide a clean, quiet workspace.A path for advancement. Working as an anesthesia tech opens the door to other healthcare/surgical jobs, especially with certification.No four-year degree required. Anesthesia technicians usually have a high school degree plus specialized training and classes.The QualificationsBecause anesthesia technicians are working in a high-stress environment and handling life-or-death details, this is a job that has some very specific requirements. After all, you dont want Joe Schmo off the street holding your vital signs in his hands while youre on the operating table. As an anesthesia tech, you can expect these preliminary requirementsA high school degree (or equivalent), minimumAn associates degree in an accredited Anesthesia Tech program may be preferredCompletion of a training program and at least 1 year of clinical internships and apprenticeshipsFor more on schools and training programs that offer degrees for Anesthesia Technicians, see the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) for the most up-to-date information on available programs.Anesthesia technicians may also choose to get certified by the ASATT. To get this certification, youd need to pass the ASATTs national certification exam, in addition to having a high school diploma, 2+ years of experience, and completion of an anesthesia tech program or degree that includes clinical training. The certification is o ptional, but it could help with career advancement and give anesthesia techs an edge when it comes to seeking more opportunities in the field.This is also a job that requires a rather specific skill set. If youre thinking about becoming an anesthesia technician, you should have these skills (or be willing to build them in the meantime)Verbal and written communication skillsProblem solving skills in high-pressure situationsComputer skillsComfortwith technology and mechanicsBiomedical equipment skillsA hintergrund in math, science, pharmacology, and medical terminologyMaking the DecisionIf youve got the baseline skills and are thinking of committing to this path of becoming an anesthesia technician, its time to think about the whole picture.Are you comfortable in a fast-paced, pressure-filled medical environment with potential crisis situations?Are you extremely detail-oriented?Are you unfazed by blood and bodily fluids in your professional environment?Are you able to keep calm and do what you need to do no matter whats going on around you?Can you commit to the education and training it takes to become an anesthesia tech?Can you work well as a member of a team and under the direction of doctors and surgeons?Do you have good mechanical skills and a knack for troubleshooting tricky equipment?Are you willing and able to keep on top of medical equipment and technology trends?If the answer to all of these is yes, then you should seriously consider pursuing a career in anesthesia technician. If youre seeing a lot of maybes, probablys, or uhhhhnos, then the good nachrichtensendung is that there are tons of other healthcare career opportunities that might fit you better.The OutlookOnce youve figured out whether youre personally equipped to make this your career path, you also need to figure out if its worth your future investmentafter all, you dont want to invest your time, energy, and education money in a career thats going to stall out on you down the line. Like most other healthcare fields, the demand for anesthesia techs is growing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in related surgical technology fields will grow by about 15% by 2024. And not only is the field stable, but its also a solid salary choice as well $38,700 is the median salary. Certified anesthesia technicians can make more, as can techs with significant experience, so there are plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement once youre in the door.If you decide that becoming an anesthesia technician is the path for you, great Youre on your way to a demanding-but-fulfilling career. Good luck