Anesthesia Technician
Summary
Prepare and maintain anesthesia supplies and equipment.
What does an Anesthesia Technician do?
Anesthesia technicians support anesthesiologists, nurses, anesthesiologist assistants, and other members of anesthesia care teams. Their main job is preparing and maintaining anesthesia supplies and equipment.
Generally, anesthesia technicians support members of the anesthesia care team. More specifically, you’re in charge of all anesthesia equipment. Duties include sterilizing, calibrating, and cleaning equipment, as well as testing it. You’re required to keep records of equipment inspections and troubleshoot any problems. In addition, you perform other duties such as monitoring patients who are under anesthesia and transporting patients to surgery.
As an anesthesia technician, you’re an excellent multi-tasker. You have excellent knowledge of procedures for anesthesia and the equipment associated with them. Your experience is extremely helpful if you wish to ultimately become an anesthesiologist or an anesthesiologist assistant.
Many anesthesia technicians receive on-the-job training, but some technicians complete anesthesia technology training at the certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree levels. You should obtain ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certification. Certification is not a requirement to work as an anesthesia technician.
