How do I become one? Im thinking it would be a good idea to learn more about the profession and also get some hands on experience (Im still working toward my BSN). Thanks for any advice...

Look for positions on hospital websites, and apply

Look for positions on hospital websites, and apply

haha, obviously... I meant to ask is there any type of special training/schooling that I have to have, any certs?

Most hospitals I know of do not require any experience, just that you not be a total clutz every now and then, and I suppose each hospital is different. Anesthesia techs do different things in different hospitals. At my hospital, they mostly keep the equipment organized, clean, and help set up the equipment and lines for surgeries. Occasionally you will see them assisting with line insertions or intubations. It's always nice I guess to have another set of hands there for cricoid pressure if you need it, or just an extra set of hands. But basically what I was trying to say is each hospital is different, and you will have to contact them to find out their job description and different responsibilities.

contact the hospitals you are interested in and ask there HR department and maybe their OR.

I was a Anest tec as I worked on my RN, My Hospital required you to be a nurse's assistant, everything else was on the job training. I actully volunteered in in the OR as a tec until there was a position open

good luck

Matt

the CRNA schools I interviewed at loved the fact that I had worked in an OR and had been a tech. big +

thanks everyone, I think I'll call some HR dept's and see what I can do...

Check out asatt.org sometime. They are the certifying body for anes. technicians and technologists. I was a tech during nsg. school and ended up getting my certification. The experience definitely made up my mind for a career in Nurse Anesthesia. I think it helped in my interview for school as well....Darin

thanks for the the site. I didnt even know there was a org. It looks however that there are only 3 anesth tech programs in the whole US??? Im in Hawaii and the closest program in is Wisconsin ...

Not sure what your ultimate career goal is, but if you a currently working toward your BSN, I don't think it would be worth your time to go to school for anesthesia technology. Its been several years since I took the cert. exam, but with some basic university science couses and a lot of studying from study guides that ASATT can help you with, I was able to pass the exam easily. It did not make any difference in my job in the long run, but my goal was to eventually get to anesthesia school anyway, and I think that helped. I didn't make very good money as a tech, and the money and experience I got in ICU nursing was much better. Good luck