Anesthesia Technician Program

Transcription

1 Anesthesia Technician Program The Distance Learning/Online Anesthesia Technician Program of Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS) is designed to help experienced medical professionals in the Anesthesia profession to prepare for national exam certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). This program is currently only available in an online/distance learning format under the Continuing Education Department at CCHS. This program is a 36 week program and starts every fall in September. The courses are continuing education/non-credit hour courses. Upon successful completion of each class in the program, a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.

2 The Anesthesia Technician Program The program is designed to assist current Anesthesia Technicians in preparing for the National Certification Exam. The program does not guarantee job placement or passing of certification exam! It is extremely helpful if you are currently working as an Anesthesia Technician, preferably with at least one year of experience. The program is not required for you to take the national certification exam. You are only be eligible to take the certification exam after you have reached current status of working 2 years as an Anesthesia Technician and You must be a current member of the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians to receive the discount examination fee! Students are responsible for securing positions as Anesthesia Technicians, as our program is for continuing education only.

3 Anesthesia Technician Program According to ASATT guidelines, to take the National Exam, you must have: A. Work Experience Have a minimum of two (2) years of full-time day shift work experience or twenty-four (24) hours a week as an anesthesia technician in a healthcare setting or with a provider of services to the healthcare industry, with the job duties dedicated to the anesthesia department. A signed letter from the current employer must be attached. B. Education Have a high school transcript or its equivalent (GED) or An official copy of your college transcript

4 Curriculum For the AT Program Course/Module Numbers and Offerings ATC102 Fall Course Title Anesthesia-related Anatomy & Physiology ATC105 Fall Basic Pharmacology to Anesthesia ATC 106 Winter ATC108 Winter Anesthesia Machines, Medical Gases and Scavengers Clinical Monitoring ATC110 Spring Critical Care Procedures ATC114 Spring Survey of Perioperative Administration

5 Are Online Classes Right For You?? Are you thinking about enrolling in this online program, but you're not sure what an online course is and if it's right for you? Consider the following: What is an online course? An online course is a course conducted over the Internet. In an online course, you log into your course to access class documents, read announcements, communicate with your instructor and classmates, complete assignments, participate in discussions and group work, and take quizzes and tests. All of the online courses in the AT Program are predominantly asynchronous, meaning that you do your coursework at whatever time of the day you want. If you want to participate in a class discussion at 2 a.m. in your pajamas and bunny slippers, feel free to do so. The exception is participating in your instructor's online office hours. Sure, you can still wear your pajamas, but these office hours typically will take place through a virtual office/chatroom or discussion blog. General orientations are not class-specific.

6 Are Online Classes Right For You?? continued Taking courses online works well for many students, however, they are not right or recommended for everyone!! If you are an independent learner, self-motivated, and have basic computer skills, you're a good candidate to succeed in an online course. Conversely, if you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation and can not use a computer very well, online classes are definitely not for you!!

7 Three Main Examples of Why Students Take Online Courses Lifestyle. Many students juggle work and family, and are not able attend classes on a campus at specific times. Students with these circumstances, who are also organized and disciplined tend to do well in online classes. Format. Many students like the interactive nature of online courses. For example, active learner students may feel more confident participating in online classes because they have adequate time to organize their thoughts and post something they feel proud of. Some students just enjoy using computer technology. Students that are passive learners and/or don't enjoy technology, tend to not be successful with online classes. Convenience. Distance learning students do not have to deal with traffic, parking problems or inclement weather to participate in classes.

8 Please Complete a Self-Assessment Survey to Determine if an Online Class/Program is Right for You! Note: Online learning may not be for you if you are a procrastinator or not selfmotivated/disciplined to complete tasks. The benefits of studying online could be outweighed by the difficulties you may encounter depending on your self-discipline and motivation. Benefits include: Access to your course materials at your convenience (at any time, from any place), Attend lectures or seeing study information multiple times if necessary, Having extra time to think and reflect before participating in class discussions and assignments Difficulties you may encounter, include: Not being extremely self-disciplined Not having minimal computer skills Not being able to communicate through writing with the possibility of not ever meeting your instructor or class peers face to face.

9 Why Become Certified??? Whether you are just starting your journey or well on the path of a successfully completing your journey of becoming a Certified Anesthesia Technician---considering certification ensures greater success in your career. Certification is a mark of excellence. To our patients, certification demonstrates, you are knowledgeable and proficient in the principles and best practices of providing quality and excellent patient care and services. Certification is an investment in yourself, your career and your future! The benefits and rewards for certification include: Improve your earning potential Open the door to more opportunities for career advancement Increase your job mobility and choices even in the face of a tough job market Reach not only your short-term job goals, but also position yourself for success in your longterm career Provide a foundation of broad and deep understanding within your profession Association with a strong and long-standing reputation and background of integrity and excellence. Networking with other certified peers in addition to belonging to a prestigious community with ongoing support. Local, state and national recognition Continuing education required by certification will keep you current in the healthcare industry and profession Gives you a competitive edge

10 What Does Your Employer See When You Are Certified??? Certification represents a high level of achievement and professional development Demonstrates proficiency and a broad base of knowledge Reflects a deep personal commitment and sense of accountability Ensures credibility and confidence of an employee's professional knowledge to the patients and to the organization Thus, employers are better able to: Increase the competence level of the entire staff Build a strong, dedicated team that is committed to high standards of quality care and best practices Promote ongoing enhancement of knowledge and skills Improve the quality of information and care available to staff and patients Minimize job errors and reduce exposure to fraud and neglect charges Increase efficiency and reduce cost to both the patients and the hospital system.

11 What are the Expectations for Anesthesia Technicians? Main Duties Of An Anesthesia Technician In addition to assisting the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and the Anesthesia Medical Doctors in the operating room and ancillary departments, according to the American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT), you must be proficient with: Operation and maintenance of several pieces of equipment, (including anesthesia delivery systems, ancillary devices and monitors). Cleaning, calibrating and troubleshooting all of an Anesthesia tools and equipment. Usage of many types of mechanical and electronic maintenance and testing devices to ensure proper functioning of equipment. Additional Duties Of An Anesthesia Technician In addition to the main responsibilities, you may also be required to keep an inventory of all the supplies. Depending on your job role within the department, you may also be responsible for purchasing equipment and supplies from vendors or you may be responsible for keeping records of any equipment maintenance and inspections performed in the day to weekly routines of the department. The Duties Of A Certified Anesthesia Technician If you become certificated by the ASATT, depending on the hospital where you work, opportunities through clinical advancement will modify your responsibilities as an Anesthesia Technician or Technologist---including training new technicians and a more active role in administering anesthesia and patient evaluations. All technicians will be familiar with all safety procedures and policies in the operating room department.

12 Recommended Reference Books for the Certification Exam In addition, the following are other publications recommended by the ASATT should be included in your study for the National Certification Examination: Understanding Anesthesia Equipment, Construction, Care and Complications By Dorsch and Dorsch - 5th Edition (2008) Clinical Anesthesia Handbook By Barash, Cullen and Stoelting 5th Edition (2006) Basics of Anesthesia By Robert K. Stoelting and Ronald D. Miller 5th edition (2007) Clinical Anesthesiology By Morgan, Makhail and McMurray 4th Edition (2006)