FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If students have an associate or bachelor's degree in the U.S., do they still need general education classes at PCC to complete the anesthesia tech program?

Students with an associate degree or higher earned from a regionally accredited college in the U.S. are waived from having to take the PCC general education courses. Students with prior degrees will receive a certificate in anesthesia tech, not an associate degree from PCC.

Do students need to have an associate degree to apply?

It is highly recommended that all applicants complete an associate degree or complete the PCC general education requirements prior to applying. To apply to the AT program, a high school transcript is required unless the applicant has an associate degree (or higher) posted to college transcripts.

Will in-progress coursework be accepted?

Yes, in-progress coursework will be considered if you are applying while taking your required courses.

What is the selection criteria for the anesthesia technology program?

Honorably discharged veterans and legal spouses of veterans will be given priority. For all other applicants, we will use random selection.

Would it hurt my chances of getting selected if the general education courses are taken from another college?

No, students can take general education courses from other colleges. Coursework must be equivalent.

How many students apply and are admitted to the program each year?

About 50 apply, and 20-25 students will be selected.

When are applications available?

Application period is November 28th – February 15th for Summer admissions. The online application is accessible during application periods on our website.

When and how will applicants be informed about their acceptance?

Via email, approximately one week after the personal interview.

If I was not selected to the program, do I have to submit everything again the following year?

Yes, a new application and new transcripts must be submitted.

Why are there changes to the application and program criteria?

The five required courses are currently under review to be removed as prerequisites. The removal of these courses is pending approval and are still required until noted otherwise.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available through PCC’s Student Financial Aid Office located in the L Bldg.

What tasks do anesthesia technologists perform?
  • Assist licensed anesthesia providers with procedures
  • Assist with the application of various types of anesthesia equipment
  • Troubleshooting, maintenance, and recording of inspections for equipment
  • Assembling and calibrating medical devices for use
  • Setup of the operating room to meet the needs of the anesthesia provider and patient
  • Assist licensed anesthesia providers in the care of the patient in a variety of settings
  • Anticipate the needs of the provider and patient during surgery and procedures
  • Provide support for surgical cases by assisting in the preparation and maintenance of patient equipment and anesthesia delivery systems before, during, and after anesthesia care
What are the starting and mid-career salaries for anesthesia technologists?

On average, starting salary ranges from $34,000 – $44,000 and mid-level salary ranges from $43,000 – $50,000. Top salary ranges from $51,000 – $72,000.

Where have the graduates of the program found employment?

Multiple Kaiser Permanente facilities in both northern and southern California, including but not limited to:

  • Children’s LA
  • UCLA
  • UCI
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Hoag Hospital
  • Torrance Memorial
  • Huntington Hospital
What are the employment opportunities for students once they graduate from the program?

To date, all our graduates have obtained employment. The job market is viable.

Does the program provide a good foundation for registered nursing?

Anesthesia technology can be considered a pathway program for many healthcare fields, including nursing.

What is the website for the AT national certification board?
How much does it cost to attend the anesthesia technology program?

Estimated cost is $3,360.

What happens if a student fails a test or course?

Students are counseled and tutored if they fail a test. If a course is failed, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Do students need an associate degree to take the national certification examination?

An associate degree in AT or a degree in a different major along with a certificate in AT are required to take the national certification examination.

What if students do not have a social security number?

A social security number is required for the background check upon acceptance to the program.

If students have a criminal conviction on their records, can they still enter the program?

Applicants with criminal convictions should speak with the program director prior to applying. Certain criminal convictions will prevent an applicant from attending the required clinical component.

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