Columbia State Community College recently honored five anesthesia technology graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

“Our students should be commended,” said Sue Christian, program director and instructor of anesthesia technology. “They met the challenges of the rigorous and demanding anesthesia technology program and remained steadfast in achieving their goals even when faced with shifts in the environment due to COVID-19. Columbia State’s anesthesia technology program has prepared these graduates to enter the field at a time of great demand for anesthesia technologists.”

The anesthesia technology Associate of Applied Science degree includes two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three semester series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies which provide students with the skills required for credentialing exam success and immediate in-field employment. 

“Thanks to the success of program graduates, area medical facilities are beginning to appreciate the importance of hiring formally trained anesthesia technologists as valued members of the healthcare team,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. “Columbia State is excited to offer students another pathway to a rewarding career.” 

Anesthesia technologists support the licensed anesthesia provider with the acquisition, preparation and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia. Other job responsibilities of the anesthesia technologist include maintaining the anesthesia machine, assisting with vascular access and regional anesthesia procedures, troubleshooting equipment, assisting with difficult airways, performing point of care lab tests and operating rapid infusers. More advanced duties might include the operation of autotransfusion equipment or intraaortic balloon pumps.