14 Reasons to Become an Anesthesia Technician 

A career as an Anesthesia Technician is highly rewarding. As a healthcare professional, you make a difference in patients' lives, learn from the doctors and nurses with years of experience, and contribute to the success of medical procedures. After meeting the minimum requirements, you can begin 12 months of training to gain the knowledge and skills you need to start your career. 

While the annual increase in surgical procedures is growing the demand in this field, is being an anesthesia tech worth it? We've put together 14 reasons why you should choose this career path. 

1. Make a Difference in Patients' Lives

You're responsible for preparing operating rooms and creating a safe environment for patients' surgeries by cleaning, sterilizing and organizing the supplies and equipment. Sometimes you will also be with patients as they wake from the anesthesia and move them to post-op care. Undergoing surgery is a life-changing experience for patients. Through kindness, compassion and ensuring patient safety, you make a difference in your role. You'll be there every step of the way to ensure your patients are comfortable.

2. Work in a Dynamic Environment

Surgeries and medical procedures are unpredictable. Your planned schedule may change daily and keep you on your toes. You'll need to be flexible in your role as the anesthesiologist and doctors may request sudden procedure changes. If you enjoy working in fast-paced environments, you'll thrive as you may need to move quickly from one procedure to another with little time in between for breaks. 

3. Gain Exposure to Different Medical Professionals

You'll work alongside several medical professionals and gain exposure to their varying expertise. You'll work under an anesthesiologist who will administer the anesthetic to the patient and require your assistance to monitor the patient during surgery. Working in an operating room, you'll also gain exposure to the surgical team and nurses. 

4. Be the Planner That Supports Your Team

Meticulous planning is how your day will start. The anesthesiologist will start each day by giving you a list of upcoming procedures and the necessary equipment. It will then be up to you to ensure the equipment is ready and available for each operation. If you love to plan, you can put your skills to good use. 

4. Complete Training in 12 Months

Completing a 12-month training program will qualify you to become an anesthesia technician. This program consists of online and practical training in a lab environment. Once you've completed the classroom sessions, you'll intern at a clinical site and gain relevant work experience. 

5. Experience Professional Workplace Training 

Before you begin your career as an anesthesia technician, you will complete a mandatory internship of 500 hours. You'll work directly with a qualified and experienced anesthesia technician who will help you get acquainted with the role and daily duties. Your internship will be during regular working hours from Monday to Friday. 

6. Put Your Organizational Skills to Good Use

You'll need excellent attention to detail and a knack for staying organized in this role. The team will rely on you to prepare, clean, sterilize and gather equipment and supplies before surgery. You'll return the supplies and reorganize the operating room before and after every surgical procedure. Regularly inspecting, maintaining and testing the relevant machinery will also be part of your role. Equipped with organizational skills, you'll enjoy keeping a detailed supply inventory.

7. Join a Career With a Growing Need and Demand

Are anesthesia technicians in high demand? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical advances are resulting in more surgeries to treat various ailments. The increase in the number of operations is growing the need for anesthesia technicians, and this demand will continue to rise. The projections for the employment rate of health technologists and technicians show an increase of 7% between 2021 and 2031.

8. Work in a Variety of Industries

While 86% of anesthesia technicians work in healthcare, other industries are available for you to choose from. You can work in education, government, nonprofit or other professional fields. Outside of hospitals, anesthesia technicians can also work in physician offices or outpatient facilities requiring anesthesia administration to patients.

9. Choose Your Geographical Location

Job opportunities are available to you across the country. Los Angeles, CA, is the city with the highest demand for anesthesia technicians. However, Boston, MA and Houston, TX, are the most popular choice of cities to work in for anesthesia technicians. There are healthcare facilities across the country so you will have numerous options available to you. 

10. Enjoy High Earning Potential

According to Salary.com, the average yearly salary of an anesthesia technician is $52,026 in New Jersey. Anesthesia technicians in California, earn the highest annual salary of $55,161. As you gain more experience over the years, your salary will increase. The medical industry is constantly advancing, and by acquiring new skills and training in new techniques, you can also improve your salary. 

11. Pursue a Career in Medicine

Why is an anesthesia technician a good career choice? If you dream of working in healthcare and medicine, it's the perfect place to start. It's a great introduction to the field of medicine that may inspire you to study further. You can pursue a bachelor's degree and become a nurse or doctor. Working under the guidance of an anesthesiologist may also inspire you to qualify as one yourself. 

12. Benefit From Excellent Perks and Benefits

The rising demand for anesthesia technicians means healthcare facilities want to attract the best talent. Many roles offer excellent medical and dental benefits packages that accommodate dental insurance and health insurance and offer adequate sick leave and vacation days. Before choosing a facility to work at, inquire about and compare their benefits.

13. Treat Diverse Patients

Working in an operating room, you'll be exposed to various patients and work alongside surgeons who deal with different cases. You'll be able to learn and observe multiple medical practices and gain firsthand in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures. 

14. Work With Advanced Medical Technology

Innovation and technological advances in the medical industry are ongoing. Part of your duties will be to work on medical equipment and ensure it functions for operations. When new equipment is needed, the team will rely on you to order and research the best equipment to help the anesthesiologist and surgical team achieve the best results for patients.

Apply to Our Training Program and Become an Anesthesia Technician

Our Anesthesia Technician training is a hybrid program offering online classes and in-person training to prepare you for an incredible career. If you are interested in enrolling in our training program in New Jersey, fill out an online form to request more information or register for an anesthesia technician info session to learn more about the program.