Difference between Anesthesia technologist and anesthesia technician

Introduction

In this article, we are going to discuss briefly what the difference between an anesthesia technician and an anesthesia technologist is and what the roles and scope of an anesthesia technician and an anesthesia technologist are.

If we look on the academic side, those students who have done a two-year diploma are called anesthesia technicians, and those who have done four bachelor's degrees in anesthesia are called anesthesia technologists. On the other hand, if we look at the roles and scope of the anesthesia technician and technologist, so there is a difference between both of them. Let's discuss it.

 

Role of an ATs:

This role was first developed in hospitals as the complexity of anesthesia increased and the anesthesia care team required more assistance in and out of the operating room. 

The first ATs became responsible for the anesthesia equipment and medication cart, stocking supplies, and running small errands for the anesthesia team. Over time, the role has evolved into becoming a significant, integral part of the anesthesia care team with numerous clinical responsibilities. 

These responsibilities typically include maintaining the anesthesia machine, assisting with vascular access and regional anesthesia procedures, assisting with difficult airways, troubleshooting anesthesia equipment, assisting with resuscitations and other operating room emergencies, and running point-of-care lab tests. In some institutions, ATs operate sophisticated blood collection equipment or even intraaortic balloon pumps to support patients with severe congestive heart failure. 

The American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT), established in New Orleans, LA, in 1989, has a recommended scope of practice for these roles, which are outlined below, but each institution will have its own unique job description and preemployment requirements.

What are the qualities of an anesthesia technician?

An AT must possess detailed knowledge of anesthesia procedures; must have solid technical skills to be able to operate numerous electronic devices and equipment; must have good communication skills to interact with anesthesia staff and patients; must be able to think on his or her feet while working in stressful situations; and must be able to work well in a team environment.

Anesthesia technicians and technologists: scope of practice

The ASATT’s recommended scope of practice details the duties at three levels of practice: 

the AT, the certified anesthesia technician (Cer.A.T.), and the certified anesthesia technologist (Cer.A.T.T.). As stated on ASATT’s Web site, “Their role is to assist licensed anesthesia providers in the acquisition, preparation, and application of the equipment and supplies required for the administration of anesthesia.” Outlined below are the common duties and responsibilities for each position as well as their educational requirements. However, as stated above, job duties may differ depending upon where the AT works.

AT Responsibilities

• Providing support for routine surgical cases by assisting in the preparation and maintenance of patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before, during, and after anesthesia
• Assisting the licensed anesthesia providers in various settings
• Performing duties under the direct supervision of a licensed anesthesia provider and/or registered nurse (RN)
• Performing first-level maintenance on anesthesia equipment, cleaning, sterilizing, disinfecting, stocking, ordering, and maintaining routine anesthesia equipment and supplies

Education of ATs

An AT should also show proficiency in basic life support, physiologic monitors relating to the administration of anesthesia, handling of biologic hazards, infection control practices, and safe use and handling of anesthetic gases. The AT should also be aware of the indications for local, regional, and general anesthesia.

Cer.A.T. Responsibilities

• All of the above for the AT as well as the items listed below
• Demonstrate practical knowledge and expertise in all areas of anesthesia with a thorough experience of the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of anesthesia equipment and devices
• Knowledge of institutional guidelines, policies, and safety requirements
• Understanding of anatomy and physiology as it applies to anesthesia
• Administrative duties that include scheduling, evaluations, payroll, job descriptions, etc.
• Assisting the licensed anesthesia provider with patient assessments, evaluations, transport, positioning, insertion of intravenous and other invasive lines, as well as airway management and regional anesthesia procedures 

Cer.A.T. Education

• Successful completion of the ASATT certification exam. (To qualify for the exam, you must have a high school diploma or greater, a minimum of 2 years of AT experience, or graduation from an approved AT program.)
• A Cer.A.T. will show the same proficiencies as an AT, in addition to demonstrating the ability to perform technical duties in complex clinical situations, coordinating daily routines of the AT staff, delegating responsibilities, understanding the expenses incurred for anesthesia procedures, participating in quality improvement, as well as ensuring a safe environment for patient care. 

Cer.A.T.T. Responsibilities

• All of the above duties for the Cer.A.T. in addition to the items listed below
• Assisting the anesthesia provider with intraoperative fluid management including volume resuscitation
• Operating autotransfusion equipment
• Maintaining current basic cardiac life support (BCLS) and/or advanced cardiac life support

In summary

• Education:

·         Anesthesia technicians usually hold a two-year diploma.

·         Anesthesia technologists complete a four-year bachelor's degree in anesthesia.

• Roles & Responsibilities:

·         ATs originally performed basic tasks like stocking supplies and maintaining anesthesia equipment, but their role has expanded to clinical support, including assisting with vascular access, airway management, and troubleshooting anesthesia equipment.

·         The ASATT (American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists) outlines levels of practice, ranging from ATs to certified anesthesia technicians (Cer.A.T.) and certified anesthesia technologists (Cer.A.T.T.).

·         Cer.A.T.T. professionals handle advanced clinical responsibilities, such as intraoperative fluid management, operating autotransfusion devices, and maintaining advanced cardiac life support.

Difference Between Anesthesia Technician & Anesthesia Technologist

Aspect	Anesthesia Technician (AT)	Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.)
Education	2 year diploma	4 years bachelor degree
Primary Role	Basic anesthesia support	Advanced clinical procedures
Certification	May work under supervision	Must pass ASATT certification exam
Responsibilities	Equipments maintenance, assisting anesthesia providers	Airway management, resuscitation, fluid management
Scope of Practice	Entry-level, assists anesthesia providers under direct supervision	Specialized, performs technical duties in critical care situations

In simple words we can say that, anesthesia technologists have a higher level of education, certification, and responsibility compared to technicians. They are involved in complex anesthesia procedures, administration, and patient care.