How to become an Anaesthetic Technician
Anaesthetic technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres and clinics, and assist anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.
Personal requirements for an Anaesthetic Technician
- Good communication and people skills
- Attention to detail
- Able to work under pressure
- Good technical and measurement skills
- Aptitude for working with computers
- Organised and methodical
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Education & Training for an Anaesthetic Technician
To become a qualified anaesthetic technician you usually have to complete a VET qualification in anaesthetic technology. To get into these courses you usually have to be employed in the anaesthetic area of a hospital or medical clinic, working under an appropriately qualified supervisor. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Additional information
Before undertaking the clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate and immunisations, and undergo a Working with Children Check. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.Voluntary registration and membership of the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (ASAPO) may be available upon graduation. Student membership is also available. Registration with ASAPO is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended as many employers require anaesthetic technicians to be registered as a condition of employment. See the ASAPO website for further information.
Duties & Tasks of an Anaesthetic Technician
Anaesthetic technicians:
- Set up, check and maintain anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
- Order and prepare medical supplies for anaesthesia
- Discuss medical procedures with patients and check whether they have any medical conditions that could cause problems under anaesthesia
- Assist the anaesthetist to insert breathing tubes and intravascular lines in patients
- Assist the anaesthetist to administer anaesthesia to patients
- Monitor patients and their vital signs before, during and after procedures
- Maintain documentation before, during and after surgery
- Assist with basic life support and post-operative care
- Assist the anaesthetist in emergencies.
Tasks
- Undertakes and assists with medical analytical procedures and assists anaesthetists and surgical teams.
- Operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, kidneys, nervous system and in anaesthesia.
Employment Opportunities for an Anaesthetic Technician
Anaesthetic technicians are employed primarily in large public and private hospitals. Opportunities also exist in smaller hospitals, medical clinics and remote area medical assistance.
Specializations
Anaesthetic Technician
Anaesthetic technicians prepare and maintain anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres and clinics, and assist anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.
Average age
45 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
53% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,159
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
74% Full-Time
Employment Size
620 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.0%
NSW: 11.7%
NT: 0.0%
QLD: 34.6%
SA: 0.5%
TAS: 0.0%
VIC: 10.2%
WA: 43.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.5%
20-24: 4.9%
25-34: 18.1%
35-44: 26.2%
45-54: 26.9%
55-59: 14.3%
60-64: 6.5%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 48.6%
Bachelor degree: 17.2%
Certificate III/IV: 10.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 20.8%
Year 10 and below: 0.5%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 2.2%
