Anaesthetic Training Programme

(Auckland Region)

Supporting career development for Anaesthetic Technicians

Southern Cross Hospitals is able to offer career support through an Anaesthetic Training Programme, which is run subject to demand within the organisation.

Please note: This training programme is not currently running at Southern Cross Hospitals, and so we are not accepting applications for 2011-2012.

When the programme is running, up to 4 training places are typically offered at each programme intake, and the course runs for 3 years.  Those who have studied/completed Bachelor of Science papers may be able to have some of the modules cross-credited.

The course features modules like:

• Sterilisation
• Operating Room Skills
• Surgical Specialties - General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology,
  Cosmetics, Paediatrics, ORL and Recovery
• Medical Emergencies

SKILLS:
Anaesthetic technicians need to have good technical, measuring and computer skills. They need to have excellent observational and crisis management skills. Good communication and people skills are also important.

KNOWLEDGE:
Anaesthetic technicians need to know about operating theatre procedures, anatomy, physiology, and biophysics. They need excellent knowledge of life support and anaesthetic machines, procedures, drugs and equipment. They also need to know about cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), other emergency procedures, and possible medical conditions associated with anaesthesia such as malignant hyperthermia.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Anaesthetic technicians must enjoy patient contact and they must be culturally sensitive. They need to be calm in emergencies and able to work and make decisions under pressure. They should also have an eye for detail and be organised, precise and practical.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Anaesthetic technicians must have good general health and fitness.

SECONDARY EDUCATION:
To enter tertiary training, anaesthetic technicians usually need to have completed Year 12 or 13 in biology and physics or an equivalent catch-up course. Other science subjects and mathematics may also be helpful.

TERTIARY EDUCATION:
Anaesthetic technicians can complete the Certificate in Anaesthetic Technology extramurally. Students who do not have the necessary secondary education science requirements can do catch-up courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology at tertiary level or an Introductory course (Summer School) at AUT.

For further information contact Auckland University of Technology.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
To become registered, anaesthetic technicians need to register as a trainee and complete a course of study recognised by the New Zealand Association of Anaesthetic Technicians and Nurses. They also need to complete up to 6240 hours of on-the-job training at a recognised training hospital.

USEFUL EXPERIENCE:
Experience in the operating theatre environment may be helpful for example, as a theatre nurse or other healthcare alliance professional group (medical technician, physio therapist).

TRAINING ON THE JOB:
Anaesthetic technicians can complete the three year extramural course while working. It may be completed in less time if the student has had a previous extensive operating theatre experience. Further training, in areas such as advanced resuscitation techniques, are also generally available. Some anaesthetic technicians undertake training to become specialists in areas such as cardiac technology, paediatrics and trauma/burns.

Most hospitals and clinics offer anaesthetic technicians ongoing training. This may include regular refresher courses in key areas such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Medical companies also typically provide in-service programmes on equipment supplied by their Company.

SOME ACQUIRED SKILLS:
Equipment used by anaesthetic technicians includes:

• Anaesthetic Machines and life support equipment
• Blood transfusion/ warming devices
• Blood pressure equipment ( invasive and non-invasive)
• Patient Vital Signs Anaesthetic Monitors
• Heart-Start Monitors
• Equipment used in anaesthetic procedures such specialised needles, and intravenous catheters
• Computers
• Intravenous fluids and lines

For further information visit the NZATS website:  www.nzats.co.nz