Anesthesia Technology: Accelerated Alternate Delivery, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: (ATAD-AAS)

About the Program

The purpose of the Anesthesia Technology Accelerated Alternate Delivery Associates of Applied Science is to prepare working professionals in the Anesthesia Technology field to sit for the National Certification Examination sponsored by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians, ASATT.

The instructional format for this program is hybrid delivery. The Anesthesia Technologist assists with care of the surgical anesthesia patient before, during and after surgery as a member of the anesthesia care team (Anesthesiologist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Anesthesia Technician, Anesthesia Technologist, Anesthesia Assistant, Surgeon, Surgical First Assist, Surgical Technologist, Registered Nurse, and other surgical personnel). The Anesthesia Technologist is proficient in the acquisition, preparation, and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia care.

This Program Offers

• Associate of Applied Science: 60 credit hours

Program Goals

• To prepare the student with the knowledge and technical skills to effectively perform as a team member of the anesthesia care unit under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
• To prepare the anesthesia technology student to proficiently maintain and service equipment by cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, calibrating, testing, troubleshooting, requisitioning, and recording of inspections and maintenance. The student will use critical thinking skills to become an intricate member of the anesthesia care team.
• To prepare the student to successfully pass the National Certifying Examination for Anesthesia Technologist sponsored by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians, ASATT.

Program Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate and apply technical competency as it applies to the anesthesia technologist profession.
• Exhibit proficiency in successfully completing the National Certifying Examination for Anesthesia Technologists with an 80% or better proficiency rate.
• Demonstrate expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique.
• Apply principles of pharmacology as related to the Anesthesia Technologist and the surgical patient.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills during peri-operative procedural management according to the facility policies, procedures, and anesthesia preferences.
• Perform competently in the Anesthesia Technologist role in accordance with American Society of Anesthesia Technologist and Technicians standards.
• Maximize patient safety by facilitating a safe surgical / anesthesia environment
• Demonstrate self-direction and responsibility for maintaining anesthesia competency and patient safety.
• Effectively use written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills operating as a member of a diverse team of medical professionals.
• Incorporate safety principles, practices and standards as governed by the profession.baccalaureate institution
• Model a self-sufficient Anesthesia Technologist who displays positive values, integrity, and professionalism.
• Recognize and verbalize indications for anesthesia intervention and the associated risks and benefits.
• Anticipate the needs of the anesthesia provider to assist with the delivery of safe patient care.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain and update all relevant anesthesia equipment and troubleshoot, as necessary.

Admission Requirements

An applicant for Anesthesia Technology Accelerated Alternate Delivery (AAD) Program is required to:

• Apply to WCCCD for college admission.
• Complete a WCCCD Health Science Program Application and submit to the Campus Academic Officer.
• Be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Fulfill course placement requirement based on ACCUPLACER assessment.
• Submit official transcripts from previous institutions of higher education.
• Valid state picture I.D.
• Meet with Program Dean to review and complete appropriate paperwork.
• Students will only be provided two attempts for successful program completion.

Programmatic Admission / Portfolio Requirements

• Valid and current AHA-BLS (Provider) card.
• Current ASATT Membership.
• All science courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology I and II) must be taken within the previous five-years when transferring the credit(s) into the anesthesia technology program.
• Complete criminal background check (paid for by student).
• Physical exam / assessment by primary care physician (PCP).
• Provide documentation of the following vaccines:
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Tetanus
  • Seasonal Flu
• Negative Tuberculosis examination - tested within previous 12-months
  • Negative chest x-ray (CXR) may also be provided.
• Two reference letters (should speak of your character and why you should be considered for entry)
  • 1 professional letter (examples include)
    • Chief or Co-Chief Anesthesiologist
    • Chief or Co-Chief CRNA
    • Staff Anesthesiologist
    • Staff CRNA
    • Chief Anesthesia Technologist / Technician
    • Operating Room Director
    • Education Director that has worked closely with you over the years.
  • 1 personal letter (examples include) This letter should come from someone that you’ve worked with over the years.
    • Surgical Technologist
    • Registered Nurse
    • Central Processing Technician
    • Pharmacist(s)
    • Volunteer Organization Leader / Member
    • Church Congregation Member
    • Educational Leader
• Negative Urine Drug Screening
  • This will be completed and submitted before attending clinical education for graduate checkoffs.
• Submit documentation verifying clinical experiences for at least 300 anesthesia surgical procedures in the anesthesia technician role. Upon submission of the documentation, a student will prepare the appropriate paperwork so that experiential credit can be granted as part of the AAD curriculum. Credit will be recorded on the student’s academic record, without grade as follows:
• Anesthesia Technologist ANE 200 - Anesthesia Technology Clinical I  - 4 credit hours, and 240 contact hours. Experiential learning credit is given to a student that has worked in the role as an Anesthesia Technician with worked hours between 6240 (ambulatory surgery), 4160 hours within level 2 trauma, or 2080 hours in level 1 trauma.
• Anesthesia Technologist ANE 210 - Anesthesia Technology Clinical II  - 4 credit hours, and 240 contact hours. Experiential learning credit is given to a student that has worked in the role as an Anesthesia Technician with worked hours between 6240 (ambulatory surgery), 4160 hours within level 2 trauma, or 2080 hours in level 1 trauma.
• Anesthesia Technologist ANE 230 - Anesthesia Technology Clinical Experience III  - 180 contact hours. Experiential learning credit is given to a student that has worked in the role as an Anesthesia Technician with worked hours between 6240 (ambulatory surgery), 4160 hours within level 2 trauma, or 2080 hours in level 1 trauma.

Degree Requirements

• Students must complete 180 hours of clinical experience time, outside of their “home” or “employer” facility.
  • This unbiased approach will provide exceptional opportunities for the student so he/she can showcase their skills and education gained throughout the program.
• Students must complete all core course work with a grade of “B” or better to meet graduation requirements for Anesthesia Technology AAD program.
  • Anesthesia Technology Course Grading Scale
    A = 100 - 95%
    B = 94 - 85%
    C = 84 - 70%
    D = 69 - 60%
    E = 59% and Below
• Students must achieve a minimum score of *85% or higher on their first attempt of the mock national certification examination.
  • Exam will take place in ANE 230 .
  • Exam will be proctored, timed, and challenged through a Blackboard learning shell.
• Student must obtain American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). This training will be provided by the college at no additional cost to the student. This course has been incorporated into the ANE 230  Clinical course.

*The score of 85% is reflective of the passing score needed to become national certified anesthesia technologist through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).

Based upon Michigan Law

Students applying for admission to the Anesthesia Technology Program will be subject to a criminal background check, the results of which could preclude an applicant from admission to Wayne County Community College District’s Anesthesia Technology Program based on any of the following: A felony conviction, or conviction for an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony within the past 15 years. Any misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, assault, battery, or criminal sexual conduct within the past 10 years. Any misdemeanor conviction involving fraud or theft.