Personal tools

Navigation

You are here: Home › Careers › New Zealand Careers › Careers Descriptions › Health Services Careers › Anaesthetic Technician

Anaesthetic Technician

Anaesthetic technicians assist anaesthetists and prepare operating theatres and clinics for anaesthetic procedures.

Tasks & duties

Anaesthetic technicians may do all or some of the following:

check and set up life support and anaesthetic machines by following specific procedures
check and prepare the equipment required, such as breathing circuits, infusion pumps, positioning and warming equipment
order and prepare medical supplies
make sure equipment and consumables are maintained in a safe, ready-to-use condition
meet patients and explain procedures to them, and provide support and reassurance
check whether patients have any medical conditions that could create problems under anaesthesia
document procedures and results
assist with placement of breathing tubes and the insertion of intravenous lines in patients
assist the anaesthetist to administer anaesthetics to patients
administer intravenous fluids and basic anaesthetic agents to patients under the supervision of the anaesthetist
watch patients and monitor their vital signs before, during and after the operation
help to wake patients after their treatment
make sure that all equipment is disposed of, decontaminated or sterilised as appropriate, and that all areas are cleaned
ensure that patients' rights and confidentiality are respected
take blood samples

Specialisations

Anaesthetic technicians can specialise in departments and procedures where anaesthetics are given.

Specialisation areas include:

paediatrics
neurosurgery
cardiology
emergency and resuscitation
liver transplants
autologous blood transfusions

Skills & knowledge

Anaesthetic technicians need to have:

knowledge of operating theatre procedures and protocols
knowledge of anaesthetic machines, life support machines, and drugs and equipment
knowledge of emergency procedures, and the ability to administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
understanding of human anatomy, physiology and biophysics
the ability to identify medical conditions that may put the client at risk during anaesthesia, such as an adverse drug reaction
an awareness of the likely consequences and treatment required in these situations
good communication and people skills to relate to patients and team members
understanding of a range of different cultures
technical skills
measuring skills
observational skills
computer skills for operating computerised machines used in hospital theatres

Entry requirements

To become an anaesthetic technician you need to complete the Diploma in Applied Science (Anaesthetic Technology) through the Auckland University of Technology. This is a three-year extramural course that involves 6,240 hours of on-the-job training.

The extramural course and on-the-job training hours can be shortened if you have previous appropriate clinical experience. Trainees must be employed in an NZATS-approved training hospital.

Secondary education

To enter a training position you need to have NCEA Level 2 physics and NCEA Level 3 biology or equivalent. Other secondary school-level science subjects may also be helpful.

Tertiary education

If you have not completed the necessary secondary education science requirements, you can do catch-up courses in human anatomy and physiology at tertiary level.

Training on the job

Most hospitals and clinics offer anaesthetic technicians ongoing training. This can include regular refresher courses in key areas such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or specialised areas such as advanced resuscitation techniques and autologous blood transfusion (where a client donates blood so that it is available to them if they require a blood transfusion during future surgery).

Medical companies also provide anaesthetic technicians with training on the use of new drugs, machines and medical equipment.

Registration

To become registered as an anaesthetic technician you need to have a Certificate of Proficiency from the New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians' Society Inc.

Useful experience

Work in an operating theatre is the most useful experience for anaesthetic technicians; for example, as a registered or enrolled theatre nurse. Other hospital or medical experience, such as working as a registered nurse or intensive care technician, is also very useful.