What It Takes
To Become An Anesthesia Technician
Requirements and Responsibilities
High school diploma or equivalent experience and at least two years experience in a hospital with similar anesthesia operations is preferred. Completion of Anesthesia Technician Certification program and certification as an Anesthesia Technician is preferred.
The profession requires at least a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in the sciences such as chemistry and biology. If possible, students should attend an accredited college or university with a good science or pre-med program. Some responsibilities are to maintain supplies on-hand as may be required by Anesthesiologist. Clean and perform minor maintenance on anesthesiology equipment. Perform assigned duties promptly and efficiently.
Training and Personality Advantages
Most schools require a minimum number of job-shadowing hours with an anesthesia care team (or ACT) before approving admission to the graduate program. Others opt for an alternate approach of contacting a local operating room (OR) supervisor, as these health care professionals sometimes work with the anesthesia department to arrange for job-shadowing opportunities. Anesthesia assistants must be good listeners, capable of following critical instructions from the anesthesiologist. Possessing a strong sense of ethics, AAs are observant, patient, compassionate, responsive, open-minded, tolerant and dedicated professionals.
Pay Ranges
Minimum (starting pay)
According to the AMA, in 2006 (the most recent job-specific data) anesthesiologist assistants earn from $95,000 to $120,000 per year.
Example
More experienced salary
Credentialing and experience may increase an annual salary to anywhere from $160,000 to $180,000.
How I'd Spend My Salary
Housing
I'd manage my money at a realistic rate, but also acquire things I desire. I'd live in a decent and updated 2 story home with at least 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half bathrooms, & a living room upstairs and downstairs, with a husband, two children and a yellow python in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Minimum amount I'd spend on purchasing a house could range from 440 to 500K. My average monthly spending rate could be around 5,000 dollars a month, strictly on myself.
Transportation
I imagine of having at least two reliable vehicles that can get me to and from work with ease. Minimum amount I'd spend on purchasing a new car would be between 30 and 32K.