Schools Offering Anesthesia Technician Degrees

Career Specializations

Anesthesia techs do not typically have specializations within their careers because they are trained to complete a certain specialized job. However, some technicians may choose to specialize in a specific clinical environment. For example, one may specialize in anesthesia for emergency surgical procedures or in an outpatient setting. The equipment used and the tasks of the job are consistent across surgical settings.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians may hold a high school diploma or a GED and complete a specialized training course called Certified Anesthesia Technician Training. Individuals can enter this career with very little academic training, but the requirements vary depending on the hiring institution, and some institutions may require an associate degree and formal certification through the anesthesia technician training program.

Students in these programs learn to identify and manage equipment used to connect and administer anesthesia during surgical procedures. They will learn terminology, uses, and proper care of specific medications and medical equipment Students also learn how to assist in an operation room setting, although they do not typically participate in any direct patient care or contact.

The length of a training program varies depending on the institution, and it also varies depending on whether students participate in full-time or part-time programs. Legal requirements for technician training also vary between states. Some states have specific courses that they require technicians to complete, while other states accept a variety of certification programs as long as the technician provides proof of his training.

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Salary Information:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical technicians such as anesthesia technicians can earn between $27,900 and $55,600 per year depending on the geographic location and the individual's level of experience. Wages may also vary greatly depending on the place of work. Private hospitals or clinics may offer higher wages than public facilities. Cities or states with highly regarded medical facilities, such as university hospitals or clinics may also provide more competitive salaries.

There are no wage levels based on postsecondary degrees, such as a bachelor's or master's degree because these positions are entry level, and workers typically do not complete education beyond the level of an associate degree. (U.S. Department of Labor)

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Job Outlook

Job placement for anesthesia technicians is quite stable. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that there is a strong trend for an increase in the number of jobs available for certified medical technicians in general, and there is an expected increase in job availability of 25 percent by 2018. Job candidates should be sure to research the cities and states with the highest availability if they are considering relocation for employment. It is also important to note that job stability can be lower in workplaces such as government clinics or hospitals that rely on federal or state funding. (U.S. Department of Labor)

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Related Careers

Medical Assistant: Medical assistant training encompasses a wide variety of medically related tasks. Medical assistants typically have contact with patients and assist a physician with basic tasks such as collecting health information about a patient and preparing medical charts for the patient's appointment. Medical assisting is an entry-level position that gives individuals an excellent opportunity to become experienced in the medical field.

Patient Care Technician: Patient care technicians typically work in clinic or hospital settings where they assist the nursing staff with patient needs. They may transport patients within the facility to have lab exams completed, or they may be on call to check patient's medical equipment to ensure proper functioning. A patient care technician has limited contact with medications and does not administer medical care.

Pharmacy Technician: A pharmacy technician works with a licensed pharmacist to help fill prescription medications and completed tasks related to patient care. A technician may also be responsible for answering phone calls and ensuring that the pharmacy area is well organized and maintained. The pharmacy technician position is considered entry-level, and their authority to work with certain controlled prescriptions is limited. This position provides excellent training for individuals who aim to work in higher levels of pharmacology.

Physicians Assistant: A physician assistant works directly with medical patients under the supervision of a licensed doctor. A physician assistant can assess patient needs, order necessary tests, and even prescribe certain medications. Physician assistants work in consultation with a medical doctor to complete more advanced medical tasks, such a forming a diagnosis or making medical referrals for surgery or treatment.

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