Entering an anesthesiology assistant program is great career choice, for men and women who have completed pre-med programs or nurses who have completed the equivalent coursework. Anesthesiology assistants work directly under the anesthesiologist, gathering information from patients and assisting with the anesthetic procedure.

Functions of an Anesthesiology Assistant

It’s the responsibility of the anesthesiology assistant to be the anesthesiologist’s interface with the patient. Anesthesiology assistants collect medical information from the patient, perform pre-anesthetic exams and relay the information to the anesthesiologist. If necessary, anesthesiology assistants will also perform blood tests.

Before a procedure, the anesthesiology assistant will be responsible for placing invasive and noninvasive monitoring devices. It’s the anesthesiology assistant’s duty to read the medical monitoring devices during the procedure and to assist the anesthesiologist with inducing and maintaining the anesthesia, or adjusting levels. Anesthesiology assistants must be prepared, at all times, to assist with resuscitating patients and administering advanced life support. The duties of an anesthesiology assistant are nearly identical to a nurse of anesthetists.

How to Become an Anesthesiology Assistant

Anesthesiologist assisting programs are available in colleges across the country, including colleges in Savannah like South University. Before entering in an anesthesiology assistant program, applicants must have a bachelor’s level degree. Pre-med courses with science and advanced math are generally the preferred prerequisite curriculum, but requirements vary from school to school.

Most schools include a mixture of classroom learning and hands-on clinical work in their anesthesiologist assisting training. Classroom learning generally occurs during the early phases of the program, while clinical work takes place after students gain a functioning knowledge of their duties. Working hands-on in clinics helps students prepare themselves for situations that arise during the work of an anesthesiology assistant.

Interested? Look into Anesthesiologist Assisting Programs Near You

If you’re interested in enrolling in an anesthesiologist assisting program you should investigate what schools in your area offer the program. With some time and commitment you could be working as an anesthesiology assistant.