Program Statistics

The education and skills training you receive at KPAT will prepare you for a fulfilling career in anesthesia technology. Here’s what you can expect.

Student Achievements

• Five students published in the ASATT Sensor (2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2015)
• ASATT Region 6 Director: Allison Kohn (2018-2021)
• PCC/KPAT Outstanding Community Recognition Award (2021)
• Kaiser West LA – Perioperative Service Award (2013)
• Student speakers at 2013 CANA in Monterey, CA (2013)
• Two students earned the Sharn Judy Tomlinson Scholarship (2013)
• ASATT Award to KPAT (2012)

Post Graduate Job Placement

• Kaiser Permanente Northern California
• Kaiser Permanente Southern California
• Cedars-Sinai
• Children’s LA
• Hoag Hospital
• Little Company of Mary
• Loma Linda
• Rush Memorial Hospital – Chicago
• Torrance Memorial
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Los Angeles – Santa Monica
• UC San Diego

Educational Objectives

The main objective of the anesthesia technology program is to provide the preparation necessary to become an integral member of the anesthesia patient care team.

The program emphasizes the fundamental and advanced clinical procedures to assist licensed anesthesia providers in the acquisition, preparation, and application of various equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia care.

Job Responsibilities

Job responsibilities may include equipment maintenance and servicing, such as:

• Cleaning
• Sterilizing
• Assembling
• Calibrating
• Testing
• Troubleshooting and recording of inspections and maintenance

Clinical Settings

Anesthesia technologists may work in a variety of clinical settings, such as:

• Hospital operating rooms
• Interventional and diagnostic radiology
• Post-anesthesia care units
• Intensive care units
• Cardiac catheterization laboratories
• Emergency rooms
• Endoscopies
• Dental suites
• Ambulatory surgery centers

Overall Goal

The overall goal of the anesthesia technology program is to prepare the student for eligibility to take and pass the written American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT) National Certification Examination to become certified as an Anesthesia Technologist (Cer. ATT). A certificate of achievement and an associate of science (AS) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the anesthesia technology curriculum. For those students who have an existing associate of science degree, a certificate of achievement will be awarded upon completion of the program.

Curriculum

Through our academic partnership with Pasadena City College, the KPAT program offers the following curriculum.

Anesthesia Technologist Certificate Courses (31 Unit, Full-Time Program)

Occupational & Technical Skills

Set Up and Break Down Anesthesia Equipment

Anesthesia techs engage in various pre-operation responsibilities such as setting up the anesthesia gas machine and checking gas lines. They prepare supplies for intubation, central breathing lines, oxygen measurement tools, and more. After surgery is complete, anesthesia techs also break down this equipment.

Perform Equipment Testing

Checking, calibrating, and testing medical equipment such as machines, monitors, invasive lines, and pharmaceuticals is also the job of anesthesia techs. Furthermore, techs are responsible for keeping daily records of equipment inspections and troubleshooting problems. When anesthesia equipment malfunctions, techs make sure it is repaired or replaced.

Conduct Preventative Maintenance and Sterilization

Sterilization and cleaning of anesthesia equipment is another primary responsibility. Techs perform aseptic techniques according to established standards of care and infection control, as well as oversee all equipment to ensure it is safe and sterile for patient use.

Facilitate Patient Care

Anesthesia techs may be called upon to transport a patient to the operating room and often operate a variety of mechanical equipment to evaluate and manage a patient’s condition while they are undergoing anesthesia. Successful techs maintain an effective working relationship with staff, managers, physicians, patients, and their families while positively contributing to team culture.

Stock Anesthesia Supplies

Stocking supplies is another vital responsibility of anesthesia techs. They restock supplies in bronchoscopy carts, pediatric carts, emergency room airway bags, and other supply locations. Anesthesia techs also spot opportunities for improving efficiency and containing costs in their department.

Clinical Affiliations

Career Information

Upon program completion, graduates can take the national certification examination which provides the opportunity to work in anesthesia departments throughout the U.S. and internationally. Students can become employed as clinicians in anesthesia technology education or healthcare administration. In addition to being a terminal career, graduates from approved and/or accredited anesthesia technology programs who become certified anesthesia technologists may also pursue careers in nursing and other healthcare professions.