The field of anesthesia technology continues to grow as healthcare systems expand, surgical procedures increase, and hospitals rely on trained professionals to support anesthesia teams. If you’re considering a healthcare career that combines hands-on technical skills with patient care, an Anesthesia Technologist program may be the ideal path for you.
Below is a detailed overview of the Anesthesia Technologist program offered by the Western School of Health and Business Careers in Pittsburgh (WSHBC), along with additional insights to help you decide whether this career track aligns with your goals.
Program Overview
The Anesthesia Technologist program at WSHBC is designed to prepare students to work alongside anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. Students learn how to set up, test, maintain, and troubleshoot anesthesia equipment as well as prepare essential supplies used during procedures.
The curriculum emphasizes safety, accuracy, and professional responsibility—all critical components of a successful anesthesia care team. Students also gain experience maintaining a sterile and organized work environment, an essential part of supporting smooth and safe surgical operations.
What Students Learn
The core curriculum includes three main components: lecture-based learning, hands-on laboratory training, and clinical experience. This progression ensures students not only understand the theory behind anesthesia equipment and procedures but also develop real-world competency.
- Lecture Component: Covers foundational knowledge including anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, anesthesia principles, and patient safety guidelines.
- Laboratory Component: Students practice preparing devices, assembling equipment, calibrating machines, and following standard operating protocols.
- Clinical Component: Supervised training in a professional healthcare environment, where students apply classroom knowledge to actual clinical scenarios.
Externship: Real-World Experience
The program concludes with an externship, placing students in a clinical setting under supervision. During this portion of training, students complete competency checklists, maintain logs, and undergo evaluations conducted by clinical staff.
By the end of the externship, graduates should feel prepared to seek entry-level positions as anesthesia technicians—provided they have attended classes consistently, practiced diligently, and demonstrated strong professional performance.
Certification Information
Graduates of the WSHBC Anesthesia Technologist program are eligible and encouraged to take the certification examination offered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technicians and Technologists (ASATT). While certification is voluntary, it may significantly enhance employment opportunities.
However, it is important to understand that:
- WSHBC does not control ASATT certification requirements
- Eligibility guidelines may change without notice
- WSHBC cannot guarantee that graduates will qualify for the exam at any given time, even if they were eligible during enrollment
State Licensure and Registration Requirements
Licensure and registration requirements vary by state. Although Pennsylvania does not currently require anesthesia technicians to be licensed or registered, other states may have their own regulations.
Since WSHBC does not govern state-level requirements, the school cannot guarantee employment eligibility in Pennsylvania or any other state. Prospective students should always verify the most up-to-date licensure guidelines for the state where they plan to work.
Is the Anesthesia Technology Program Right for You?
If you enjoy working with technology, have strong attention to detail, and want a role that supports patient care without requiring years of medical school, anesthesia technology could be an excellent fit.
You may be a strong candidate for this program if you:
- are comfortable working in fast-paced medical environments,
- have an interest in surgical or critical care settings,
- enjoy technical tasks and troubleshooting equipment,
- are motivated to learn complex medical procedures,
- value teamwork and professional responsibility.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
The demand for trained anesthesia technologists continues to grow across hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and emergency care settings. As healthcare facilities expand their surgical services, skilled technologists are essential for maintaining patient safety and supporting anesthesia teams.
The career offers:
- competitive entry-level wages,
- potential for advancement into supervisory or specialized roles,
- a dynamic workday with a mix of patient contact and technical tasks,
- opportunities to work closely with anesthesiologists and perioperative teams.
For individuals seeking a stable and meaningful healthcare career, anesthesia technology provides both job security and professional growth.
How to Get Started
Pursuing a career as an anesthesia technologist can open the door to rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field. With the right training, dedication, and certification, you can play an essential role in patient care and support safe surgical experiences.