Career Profile:Why Pursue An Anesthesia Technician Career?

Also known as Anesthesia Technologist.

The anesthesia technician/technologist is a vital part of the anesthesia team, operating in a surgical setting. Used to dull pain and cause unconsciousness, anesthesia is administered to a patient via inhalation or injection. Working under the direction of an anesthesiologist, the anesthesia technologist assists with administering this aid to patients by helping with the preparation of the anesthesia. They also maintain patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before, during, and after the anesthetic is administered.

Anesthesia technician work mainly in hospitals, though some may work in physicians’ offices where outpatient surgery is performed. They usually work a regular 40 hour week, but due to the nature of their job, may work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Their salary varies according to the area in which they are located, but the average salary is around $25,330.

Anesthesia technicians are usually trained on the job, but there are more colleges now offering programs with degrees at the associate’s or bachelor’s level. Upon graduation from one of these programs, students may take the National Certification Exam in Anesthesia Technology in order to obtain certification as an anesthesia technician. Anesthesia technicians with two years experience as a Certified Anesthesia Technician can then take the exam to certify them as a Certified Anesthesia Technologist.

The growth outlook for anesthesia technician is very good, with this occupation expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due in part to advances in medical technology which make surgery a corrective method for more illnesses or afflictions, and also in part to the fact that the nation’s largest population, the baby boom generation, is passing into old age, and will require more healthcare and medical attention.

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