Anesthesia Technician
Anesthesia Technician
People often refer to being “put under” or “knocked out” during a medical procedure. However, the process of administering anesthesia medications to a patient is a subtle and precise science. Everything from a patient’s body weight and height to medical allergies must be considered. There is also the potential for the patient to awaken too early, or too late, and as such they must be constantly monitored while anesthetized. So that the doctor (anesthesiologist) can focus on the patient, an anesthesia technician is put in charge of preparing, maintaining, cleaning, and disinfecting, all monitors and tools. They may also transport patients, and fill in the necessary charts.
Fast Facts
Minimum Degree Required: Associate’s
Top 3 Skills: Attention to detail, organization, cleanliness
Average Starting Salary: $22,000/year
Job Description
Anesthesia technicians typically work in hospitals, under either an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. However, some smaller practices also employ anesthesia technicians to assist in out-patient procedures. While individual positions may vary, duties typically include:
- Maintaining equipment
- Maintaining stock
- Charting doses and other relevant data
- Transporting patients to and from the operating room
- Administering treatment as directed by supervisor
As most surgeries are scheduled in advance, anesthesia technicians can expect to have fairly regular hours. However, there is usually need for at least a few technicians to be available nights and weekends, in case of emergencies.
Education
An associate’s y will provide students with all the necessary skills, information, and experience to succeed in the field. Students will learn about the proper practices and procedures expected of an anesthesiology technician.
In high school, students can prepare for a career as an anesthesiologist technician by focusing on biological science classes.
Certification/Licensing
Some states require technicians to hold certification, as administered by the state’s medical boards. CPR certification is also often required.
Job Outlook: Good
The median salary for an anesthesia technician is $35,000/year, with the upper 10% of workers earning over $47,000/year. The industry is expected to grow over 20% between the years 2010 and 2020, as our healthcare systems continue to expand.
- Summary
- Career:
- Anesthesia Technician
- Ave Starting Salary:
- approx. $22,000yr
- Ave Median Salary:
- approx. $35,000yr
- Job Outlook:
- Good
- Education Required:
- Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist (2 Yr Associate, 4 Yr Bachelors)
