How To Become An Anesthesiologist Tech

Last Updated on December 23, 2022

You can become an Anesthesiologist Tech by completing an accredited program that provides you with the practical and medical training required by hospitals and billing companies.

If you’re someone who is passionate about medicine and helping others, than the job of Anesthesiologist Tech might be the best fit for you to start a career. If you have no idea what an Anaesthesiologist or Anesthesiologist Tech is, this page will give you all the information you need!

Getting a job is often hard, but getting an an anesthesiologist technician job can be even harder, especially for someone who doesn’t want to go to college for four years. Here’s some expert advice on all things concerning how to become an anesthesiologist tech.

Becoming an anesthesiologist tech requires a set of skills most people generally do not possess. This article will discuss the most important steps that most individuals take in order to become an anesthesiologist tech. Invest time in your education and it will pay off in the end.

Being an anesthesia technician can be a good choice because of its low education requirement and positive job outlook. However, it can also be a disadvantageous choice because of its low salary and job duties. Anesthesia technicians typically hold an associate’s degree, which takes one to two years to complete. Do you still want more answers to question like How to Become an Anesthesiologist Tech, how to become anesthesia technician, anesthesiologist technician salary & anesthesia technician schools near me.

You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on anesthesiologist technician salary. Read on to learn more.

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Are you interested in becoming an Anesthesiologist Tech? How do you become an Anesthesiologist Technician? What is the best school to attend? These are all questions that I had when beginning my journey as a student at Burlington Technical Center.

How To Become An Anesthesiologist Tech

An anesthesiologist tech is a medical assistant that works under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Anesthetists monitor vital signs during surgery and make adjustments to equipment. A certified medical assistant (CMA) is prepared for any role where care and support are needed in a doctor’s office, laboratory, skilled nursing facility, or clinic.

Anesthesiology Medical Billing

Do you have an interest in helping people in the operating room? What if you could work in a hospital setting, but also have the benefits of working in a private practice?

Becoming an Anesthesiologist Tech is a great career choice for a person who wants to help others and does not mind working in a stressful environment. One of the reasons a person should consider becoming a medical assistant is because this is a relatively high paying job without any formal education required. Anesthesiology Tech Training prepares you for working as an Anesthesiologist Tech assisting in the care of patients before, during and after anesthesia.

If you’re an aspiring medical professional looking for a rewarding and prestigious career, you would be wise to consider becoming an anesthesiologist tech. These specialized professionals work behind the scenes to administer anesthesia and monitor patients on the operating table. They play a critical role in providing safe and reliable pain relief for patients of all ages. To become an anesthesiologist tech, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. You’ll also need to complete an accredited program at a college or vocational school. The courses available are typically certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Most people have misconceptions about what an anesthesiologist technician does, and if you’ve ever wondered what it is they actually do, the following guide is the perfect place to start. This article will give a brief overview of what training and requirements one needs in order to become a certified Anesthesiologist Tech, along with some information regarding job duties, job outlook and salary information.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BECOMING AN ASATT-CERTIFIED ANESTHESIA TECH

STEP 1: GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR TAKE THE GED (FOUR YEARS)

Students who wish to pursue a career as an ASATT certified anesthesia technologist will first need to complete high school or earn a passing score on the GED. High school students can prepare for this career by taking courses in math, biology, anatomy, and psychology. Advanced Placement (AP) classes and tests can often provide students with college credit before graduation.

STEP 2: COMPLETE AN APPROVED ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM (TWO YEARS)

ASATT requires students to complete a program at one of their accredited or approved programs, many of which have been recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Several programs are available at community, city, and technical colleges across the country.

Upon successful completion of requirements, students receive an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree. Many programs also offer a certificate upon graduation. All of the accredited or approved programs guarantee graduating students are board eligible. New institutions are being added and students should take care to ensure that the program conforms to CAAHEP standards.

Anesthesia technologist programs take roughly two years to complete. Some programs have prerequisites such as anatomy, medical terminology, advanced math, and biochemistry. Core courses taught in these programs include pharmacology, anesthesia technology, and medical ethics. Courses are available on campus or online depending on the institution. All programs have a clinical component where students get hands-on experience working directly with patients.

STEP 3: APPLY FOR ASATT’S CER.A.T.T. CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION (TIMELINE VARIES)

Once a student has completed an approved ASATT-approved associate degree, they can then apply to sit for the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) exam.

First, students will need to submit a paper application found in the national certification examination handbook, along with the appropriate fee. The fee for eligibility can range from $325 to $550, depending on the membership status with the ASATT and whether or not the student is in the United States.

Once the application is received, ASATT will determine if the student is eligible for the test. If they determine the student is eligible, they will send a confirmation letter. This letter is valid for 90 days and a student must schedule and complete the test within that timeframe or they forfeit their application and fee. If more than 90 days have elapsed, a new application and fee will have to be submitted.

The letter will contain a toll-free number for the student to use to contact Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP), who administer the test at one of their 170 nationwide test sites. There is no deadline to apply to take the test so students may apply at any time.

When a student calls to schedule the test they should be prepared to confirm a time and date during that call. Written notices about the test date and time will not be mailed so it is imperative that the student take notes during the call. Walk-in appointments are not accepted. If special accommodations are needed, they must be submitted in writing 45 days prior to the desired test date.

STEP 4: PASS THE ANESTHESIA TECHNOLOGIST EXAMINATION

Students should arrive at least 15 minutes early to the examination center and bring government-issued photo identification. Student IDs and other temporary identification will not be accepted.

A careful review of all materials covered for the certification and associate degree is highly recommended before taking the exam. There are eight reference books recommended by the ASATT prepare for the test. The exams comprise six sections. They are:

  • Equipment, Instrumentation, and Technology
  • Basic Sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Basic Principles of Anesthesia
  • Advanced Principles
  • Professional Aspects

On the examination day, prior to taking the test, students are allowed to take a practice test on the computer. The time taken on the practice test will not affect the time they will receive on the official exam. Students will have a total of three hours to complete 125 questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so if a student doesn’t know an answer, guessing won’t harm the overall score.

Six to eight weeks after the test, students will receive a score report with either a pass or fail. Once a student receives a passing score report, they can use the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) designation.

STEP 5: OBTAIN AN ENTRY-LEVEL ANESTHESIA TECHNOLOGIST POSITION

People who hold the CerATT designation can look for work in radiology centers, emergency rooms, dental suites, and ambulatory surgery centers. Healthcare-centric job boards such as Health eCareers and the ASATT career center are a great first place to begin an anesthesia technologist job search. General job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster also have numerous listings for jobs in this field.

STEP 6: MAINTAIN ASATT CERTIFICATION WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS (EVERY TWO YEARS)

Once a certification has been obtained, an anesthesia technologist must begin earning continuing education credits. Certification is valid for two years and during that time period technologists are required to complete 30 continuing education credits.

anesthesia tech job description

When you think about surgery, you might think of the scene how it’s often portrayed on TV—a 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 ensure that the patient is out cold and feels none of the pain of what’s going on.

Every team member is an essential part of every surgery. All of these surgical team professionals have a major part to play in the healthcare industry, so if you’re looking for a solid healthcare career path, it’s time to think about whether you should become an anesthesia technician.

Becoming an anesthesiologist tech requires a set of skills most people generally do not possess. This article will discuss the most important steps that most individuals take in order to become an anesthesiologist tech. Invest time in your education and it will pay off in the end.

Becoming An Anesthesiologist Technician is a detailed, step-by-step instruction for anyone who is interested in or curious about the job. The book addresses pay, expected salary, education requirements, school selection, and whether to get a BScN or Diploma. Tips on passing the certification exam are shared. You will also find tips on how to interact with others, details on patient safety and dealing with death, and suggestions for studying. There’s even a section about making a good first impression at work.  

Anesthesia Technician Certification Program Online

What is an Anesthesia Technician?

Working alongside doctors in hospitals and surgical units are anesthesia technicians, also called anesthesiologist technicians and anesthesia technologists. Anesthesia techs, as they are colloquially referred to, assist doctors known as anesthesiologists, who specialize in the sedation of patients, by getting patients ready, cleaning and maintaining equipment and supplies, and filling out forms and medical charts with information on the patient and the procedure. Anesthesia techs may be present throughout the surgery, or only assist in the early stages.

Anesthesia Technician Quick Facts

Anesthesia TechAssists in sedating patients prior to undergoing medical procedures
Education RequiredAssociate’s degree
Average Salary*$40,997 (2019)
Available CertificationCertified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) through ASATT

Source: * Payscale.com

Required Anesthesia Tech Schooling

The most common level of education for anesthesia technicians, and that required for certification, is an associate’s degree, although certificate programs and bachelor’s degrees in anesthesia technology do exist. Associate’s degree programs in anesthesia technology include a general education, laboratory courses, and often some form of hands-on clinical experience. An anesthesia technology program will consist of courses such as:

  • Introduction to anesthesia technology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Medical terminology
  • Pharmacology related to anesthesia technology

Associate’s degree programs typically take about two years to complete, and clinical experiences or internships are likely to take place near the end of that period. Online anesthesia tech programs are rare, often still require some clinical or lab experience in person, and may be limited only to those who already have some relevant education. Programs may also include prerequisite courses outside of the context of the anesthesia technology program which must be taken before applying. Other possible requirements include CPR training, basic health screening, and background checks before admission.

What Types of Anesthesia Technician Programs Are Available Online?

In most cases, the only anesthesia technician programs that you can find online will be certificate programs. These programs, which are intended for experienced anesthesia technicians seeking professional development, are very rarely available online. In such a program, you can complete exclusively online coursework in an asynchronous format to accommodate your schedule. Your online program will use an Internet-based learning platform to provide you with access to videos, presentations and homework assignments. You may also complete interactive simulations.

Anesthesia technician programs are also available at the associate degree level. These programs are rarely offered online, but you may be able to find a program that offers classroom instruction online, with a clinical requirement off-site.

Degree OptionsAssociate’s programs, rarely fully online; certificate programs, only online for experienced technicians
PrerequisitesRelated work experience, professional certification, coursework in mathematics and English
Topics of StudyAnatomy, physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia equipment, response to emergency situations
CertificationOptional certification offered through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT)
Median Salary (2021)$43,116 (for anesthesia technicians)*
Job Outlook (2019-2029)7% growth (for all surgical technologists)**

Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Are There Any Prerequisites?

To enroll in an anesthesia technician certificate program, you will need to have accumulated prior work experience either directly in this field or in a related field. Some programs require you to hold a professional certification, such as a medical assisting certification or a practical nurse (LPN) license. Prior coursework in mathematics and English may be required; additionally, if you have already studied topics such as pharmacology and anatomy, you may be able to begin your program at an accelerated pace.

anesthesiology technician salary

According to payscale.com in 2019, an anesthesia tech’s salary is, on average, $40,997 each year, or about $17 per hour. Salary may vary depending on education, location, and experience. Certification can also help to increase pay. Different levels of anesthesia tech positions may also exist, often delineated with simple names like anesthesia technician I and II. These are usually determined by experience or seniority, with anesthesia technician II positions being granted some supervisory responsibilities over those designated anesthesia tech I. Such positions may see higher pay as a result of the added responsibilities.

how long does it take to become an anesthesiologist tech?

Training at an anesthesia technician school takes about two years and prepares students to find work in this important health care field. Anesthesia technician are trained professionals who work with doctors and nurses to prepare patients for surgery.

how to become anesthesia technician in canada

Nationally recognized anesthesia tech certification is done through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT), using a certification called Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer. A.T.T.). In order to gain ASATT certification, a candidate must complete an approved or accredited anesthesia technology program at the associate’s degree level, or a recertification program for experienced professionals. The certification exam consists of 125 questions, on topics like anesthetic delivery systems, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. Certification is good for two years, at which time it must be renewed through payment of fees and completion of 30 hours of continuing education. While anesthesiologist tech certification is not required, some employers may prefer it, and it is sometimes required for higher level positions such as anesthesia technician II.

Step 1: Research Anesthesia Technician Career Duties

As an anesthesia technician, you’ll clean and sterilize equipment and order replacement supplies. You may test and troubleshoot the equipment used during these procedures. You’ll work in a team with anesthesiologist assistants, nurses, and anesthesiologists to prep patients for surgery, and you’ll remain with them during the surgery and post-op. In some instances, you may comfort or calm patients who remain conscious during surgery. You’ll likely work in hospitals or outpatient medical centers.

Step 2: Complete High School

The first step to becoming an anesthesia technician is to complete high school. Before entering college you’ll want to prepare with classes in math, science, and computer science. If given the choice of sciences, biology and chemistry are most appropriate to this career.

Step 3: Go to College

To prepare for this career, you’ll want to look for associate degree programs in anesthesia technology. These 2-year programs are offered both online and on campus, though online programs will still require in-person clinical experiences. Courses in these programs teach you the basics of working with anesthesia, such as pharmacology, anatomy, medical ethics, medical terminology, anesthesia instruments, monitoring vitals, and procedures.

Some colleges offer 1-year technical skills programs in anesthesia technology. This type of program is taught year-round and includes a clinical experience.

Step 4: Complete a Clinical Experience

While some degree programs include clinical experiences, others don’t. This clinical experience can be gained on the job if you move directly into a career out of high school. In some cases, you may be able to shadow current technicians prior to college admission, to decide whether the career is right for you. You’ll become familiar with anesthetic instruments, medication, and working with real patients during these practicums.

Step 5: Become a Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.)

The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) provides certification for anesthesia technicians (www.asatt.org). ASATT offers several routes to becoming a Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.). As a high school graduate, you can acquire two years of experience through an internship then sit for the certification exam. You can also sit for the exam if you have completed a 2-year accredited college program in anesthesia technology.

anesthesia technician certification program near me

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the preferred level of education for an entry-level position as an anesthesia technician is a high school diploma or a GED. That being said, the ASA also notes that as the demand for anesthesia technicians grows, so does the demand for specialized skills among them. This means that more and more positions are requiring a two-year degree for incoming anesthesia technicians. These positions may even require official certification from the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). In order to qualify for the anesthesia technologist certification, aspiring technicians must have completed an ASATT approved program and must pass the exam. The only certification currently offered by ASATT is the certified anesthesia technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) credential. While not all positions require certification, it can be important for career advancement as well as compensation.

As of 2018, there are a few anesthesia tech schools that offer degree and certificate programs that prepare anesthesia technicians to enter the workforce with relevant education. Each of the programs listed here has been approved by ASATT meaning successful completion of these programs makes graduates eligible for the Cer.A.T.T. exam.

  • City College: With locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Altamonte Springs, City College is the only institution where students can obtain an ASATT-approved education in anesthesia technology in Florida. The program, which spans two years and culminates in an associate of science degree in anesthesia technology, includes courses in anatomy, medical ethics, and pharmacology. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the anesthesia technologist certification exam.
  • Milwaukee Area Technical College: The Milwaukee Area Technical College School of Health Sciences in Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in anesthesia technology. Applicants to the program must have completed at least one year of high school level biology, chemistry, and algebra to be eligible for this program. Students at MATC complete classroom-based courses in theoretical concepts as well as clinical rotations. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for the Cer.A.T.T. exam.
  • Pasadena City College: On the west coast, aspiring anesthesia technicians can study at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California. PCC offers a two-year program that culminates in a certificate of achievement as well as an associate of science degree. Students at PCC will take courses such as anesthesia technology instrumentation and anesthesia pharmacology, as well as participate in clinical experience and seminars demonstrating anesthesia care techniques. The Pasadena program is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, so students are able to complete their clinical studies at Kaiser locations.
  • Renton Technical College: At Renton Technical College, in Renton, Washington, students can enroll in an anesthesia technologist program that culminates in an AAS-T degree, meaning that graduates will earn general education credits that can be applied when transferring to a bachelor’s degree program, should they choose to do so. Anesthesia-related coursework in the program includes terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, EKG analysis, equipment, and general medical knowledge.

Anesthesia Technicians Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically track the demand for Anesthesia Technicians. However, statistics for Surgical Technologists, who require similar educational backgrounds and work in similar clinical environments, are promising. Demand for Surgical Technologists is expected to grow at a rate of 12 percent through 2026, which is much faster than average (BLS 2017).

According to the ASATT, specific demand for Anesthesia Technologists is also increasing. One of the major reasons for the increased demand, as well as the growth of the healthcare industry overall, is the rising age of the U.S. population. As more baby boomers retire and begin to require more medical attention, resources are going to continue to be strained in the healthcare industry. Anesthesia technicians, who are able to work in pain management, surgery, and other clinical environments, will be particularly in demand.

CAREER FACTSANESTHESIA TECHNICIAN
Related CareersSurgical Technologist, Radiation Therapist, Endoscopy Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Common Job TitlesAnesthesia Technician, Anesthesia Technologist, Anesthetic Technician
Technology & EquipmentAnesthetic Machine, IV Therapy Administration Equipment, Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment (EKG, EEG, Blood Pressure), Endotracheal Tube, Laryngeal Mask

ASATT Certification

Anesthesia Technicians Licensing & Certification

Anesthesia Technicians can become certified by sitting for an exam administered by the ASATT. As of 2018, the ASATT only offers the certified anesthesia technologist credential. Although the exam is computer-based, in order to complete an ASATT test, technicians must visit a physical testing facility. There are more than 100 facilities around the U.S. and a number of locations outside of the country as well. The handbook for the technologist test is available on the ASATT website. There is no oral or practicum part of the certification exam.

ASATT certification is currently the only professional certification available to anesthesia technicians. This certification can be beneficial in the job market as some hospitals and clinics require it. However, the certification is not required by any state or local governments. In fact, there are currently no state licensing requirements for anesthesia technicians.

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