This article will explain how to become an anesthesia tech.

In addition to that, we’ll list duties, the average salary & job outlook, and the required academic qualifications. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Anesthesia Tech Schooling

Do you want to become an anesthesia tech? If yes, you’re making the right professional choice.

It will allow you to join the clinical industry with minimal essentials compared to other medical fields. Moreover, you’ll have a strong knowledge of various anesthesia equipment, technology, and techniques.

Since you’re interested in this profession, understanding how to become an expert is critical. It will help you determine whether or not it is the ideal career path for you.

The Roles of Anesthesia Tech

Anyone entering this profession has several responsibilities to match up to.

Among them are monitoring patients and equipment during surgeries, sterilizing medical supplies, and identifying problems with anesthesia devices.

Moreover, you’ll help transport patients, advise the surgical team, operate simple equipment, and explain procedures to patients.

Administering anesthesia, taking vital signs, keeping records of equipment inspection and maintenance, ordering replacement supplies, securing clients’ airways, etc., are additional roles of practitioners in this field.

Anesthesia Tech Requirements

The steps to becoming an expert in this profession are pretty simple.

Anyone with determination and passion can get started and have a satisfying career. This section will outline the various steps to becoming an anesthesia tech.

  • Have the Minimum Academic Qualification

The minimum educational requirement to become a practitioner in this field is a high school diploma or G.E.D.

You’ll be prepared for this profession by taking foundation courses like biology, physiology, math, and anatomy. These classes will give you the credits you need to advance your career.

  • Advance your Education 

While you can enter this profession with just a high school diploma or G.E.D., an associate degree can give you excellent standing. Most employers prioritize candidates with an associate degree in the field or related disciplines.

The curriculum of such education will provide you with basic knowledge of anesthesia. These include pharmacology, anesthesia instruments, monitoring vitals, anatomy, etc.

That said, ASATT demands students finish their studies in anesthesia tech schools certified by CAAHEP. Their certificates will qualify you to take the professional exams set for graduates of this field.

Some courses you’ll take during your studies include clinical monitoring, compliance, regulation and ethics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology.

It takes around two years to finish an associate degree in anesthesia. Within these periods, you’ll cover classroom instructions and on-site clinical placement.

  • Acquire Hands-on Experience 

Having industry experience is critical when becoming an expert in this field.

For that, most institutions include field experience in their study syllabus. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience to start a fulfilling career straight out of school.

Moreover, it will ultimately let you serve real clients and help them become conversant with anesthesia tools and medication.

Besides getting field experience in school, you can also shadow professional technicians before taking a university or college program.

Entry-level jobs can also provide you with relevant experience while on the job.

  • Become Certified 

Once you’ve gained the needed experience to succeed in the industry, the next step is to get certified. Certification as an anesthesia tech is an option when entering this profession.

However, it’s advantageous to have one.

The credential will portray your knowledge and skills to prospective employers. Moreover, it will qualify you for top-paying roles or give you an edge when negotiating a salary.

Some certifications you can obtain are Cer. A.T.T. and Cer. A.T.

ASATT provides these credentials to candidates who meet certain conditions. They include having a high school diploma, at least two years of experience, and passing the professional test.

The professional exams are comprised of multiple-choice questions from different field domains.

We refer to the basic sciences, pharmacology, advanced principles, professional ethics, equipment, instruments, & technology. Once you pass the test, you’ll be issued a certificate to prove your competence.

Essential Skills for Anesthesia Technicians

You’ll require specific skills beyond clinical knowledge to succeed in this field.

Remember, you’ll be working directly with the clinical team and patients. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will facilitate your interaction with colleagues and patients.

Other skills you’ll need are sterilizing techniques, ventilator operation, anesthesia machine operation, attention to detail, and knowledge of drugs.

All these competencies are critical for your safety and that of patients.

Your knowledge of machine operation will help you restore or replace the machine in case of damage or a fault. Then, your understanding of anesthesia drugs will help you prepare, store, and give medication correctly.

As you pay attention to details, you can follow the instructions and closely monitor a patient’s vital signs. In addition, you’ll avoid making errors to ensure your client’s safety.

Average Salary for Anesthesia Techs

Having seen the steps to becoming an expert in this field, you must learn about their average pay.

This will help you make the right program choice and know whether or not this profession will meet your financial demands.

Based on B.L.S. reports, the median salary of practitioners in this field is around $65,239 annually.

While true, the amount is subject to change based on certain factors. These include your geographical location, years of experience, academic background, place of work, and sometimes your area of specialty.

Before accepting any job offer, you’ll need to consider these factors.

Meanwhile, statistics show that this profession will experience job growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is faster than the average employment growth for all other jobs in the workforce.

Perks of Becoming an Anesthesia Technician 

It pays handsomely to become a practitioner in this field.

Since it’s a new and growing industry, the demand for fresh graduates is increasing daily. This gives the profession ample work opportunities for experts in this field.

Moreover, the profession has a stable work environment. Most healthcare facilities employ these experts to make the workspace clean, quiet, and habitable for patients.

There are also possibilities for career advancement for technicians who are fully certified.

What’s more? The occupation has a flexible working schedule. You can choose between daily and night shifts, as well as weekends. This makes it ideal for those with family commitments.

Anesthesia tech is a fantastic career for anyone interested in healthcare. You’ll have the chance to help people in critical conditions recover.

Additionally, you help physicians and other clinical teams provide quality healthcare.

If you’re after money, you can see that the occupation pays handsomely. The guide above will lead you to a successful career as an expert in this field.