Have you ever considered how closely your job title aligns with your actual responsibilities? In many cases, the title “anesthesia technician” does not accurately reflect the role being performed. Although many facilities use this title, they often mean something quite different. So, what exactly is your role?

An Anesthesia Associate ( Anesthesia Aide) helps the anesthesia department with :

1. Stocking the anesthesia carts.

2. Cleaning equipment or instruments.

3. Locating equipment and storing it in its appropriate places.

Anesthesia Technician II's responsibilities include all of the above, plus:

1. Check out the anesthesia machine and other equipment.

2. Troubleshooting equipment.

3. Prepare for procedures by placing new circuits on the machine, EKG, and blood pressure cuffs.

4. Locate and deliver equipment to the operating room.

5. Assist with IV placement, intubation, and setup for sterile procedures as needed.

The Certified Anesthesia Technician or Technologist

All of the above responsibilities plus:

1. Assist the anesthesiologists with:

(A) Intubation and Difficult Intubation

(B) Extubation

(C) IV placement

(D) Arterial Line Placement

(E) Central Line placement

2. Set up sterile fields.

3. Cellsavers

4. Belmont

5. Prepare IV's

6. Prepare and set up transducers for sterile procedures.

7. Set up Level 1

8. Troubleshoot the anesthesia machine and monitors during procedures.

9. Manage supplies

10. Train new residents to use various technologies.

11. Train new employees.

12. Restock medications between or during procedures.

13. Patient positioning.

14. Interpret blood gas parameters.

An anesthesia associate or aide may occasionally be asked to perform duties beyond their designated scope or compensation level. In such situations, they may either decline the task or choose to perform it. Nurses frequently encounter this issue and often state that certain responsibilities are outside their role, redirecting them to the appropriate personnel. Anesthesia aides may do the same, provided patient safety is not compromised. Their roles include stocking the anesthesia workroom, cleaning, locating, and delivering equipment to various locations such as MRI, Interventional Radiology, and the Operating Rooms.

An Anesthesia Technician II must have operating room experience or hold a medical certification such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assistant, or another credential that includes formal medical education and exposure to the healthcare environment. Relevant coursework may include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, human biology, and related subjects.

A Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.) or Certified Anesthesia Technologist is a healthcare professional who has successfully passed the American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT) examination. ASATT certification is internationally recognized. In most settings, a Cer.A.T. works closely with anesthesiologists, Anesthesia Residents, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to support the delivery of anesthesia care.