Program Overview

Anesthesia technology focuses on fundamental and advanced clinical procedures which assist the anesthesia provider in the safe and efficient care of patients under anesthesia. Cognitive abilities involve knowledge of anatomy/physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and principles of anesthesia technology. Additionally, independent judgement is required for rapid response to quickly changing circumstances in the patient care environment. Anesthesia Technologists work under the direction of an anesthesia provider as a vital member of the anesthesia care team. Anesthesia Technologists are proficient in the acquisition, preparation, and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia care as well as professionalism in patient and staff interactions.

Anesthesia technologists may work in a variety of clinical settings including hospital operating rooms, interventional and diagnostic radiology, labor and delivery units, intensive care units, emergency rooms, outpatient procedure suites, and ambulatory surgery centers.

Graduates who complete a minimum of an associate degree and major coursework completed from a CAAHEP-accredited program are eligible to take the national ceritifcation exam for Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.). For more information, visit www.asatt.org.

Please note, the Certificate of Achievement is for students who have already obtained a minimum of an Associate's Degree and have completed required preparatory science courses.


ADMISSION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted into the program once each year. Admission to the Anesthesia Technology Program is by special application only. Special application forms are available from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Division Office and the College website. See application for submission dates. Applicants who have previously applied, and wish to reapply, must submit updated application materials. Selection of students is based on criteria approved by the Skyline College Administration and consistent with State regulations. For further information on the Anesthesia Technology Program, please call 650-738-4310 or 650-738-4470. Admission to the Anesthesia Technology Program requires the following minimum entrance requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Chemistry equivalent to CHEM 192 or CHEM 410
  • CPR for Healthcare Provider equivalent to EMC. 425
  • Human Anatomy equivalent to BIOL 250
  • Medical Terminology equivalent to HSCI 484 or MEDA 484

NOTE: Human Physiology equivalent to BIOL 260 must be completed prior to or by the end of the first semester of the program.

Communication in the healthcare setting is vital to effective patient and colleague interaction. The AS Degree requires completion of Composition English (ENGL 100 or ENGL 105) and a college-level Intermediate Algebra course, or higher. It is advised to complete these requirements prior to application to the program.

Credit may be given for previous comparable coursework. A minimum grade of "C" is required in all Anesthesia Technology courses and prerequisites.

Prior to starting classes, students admitted to the program are required to complete a satisfactory physical examination, immunization documentation verifying freedom of communicable disease, a social security referenced background check, and drug test.

Program Requirements

Required Courses Units
ANST 400 Professional Aspects of Anesthesia Technology 2 units
ANST 405 Basic Principles of Anesthesia Technology 3 units
ANST 410 Basic Anesthesia Equipment 3 units
ANST 415 Anesthesia Pharmacology 3 units
ANST 420 Application of Principles in Anesthesia Technology 3 units
ANST 425 Anesthesia Technology Clinical Experience I 6 units
ANST 430 Advanced Anesthesia Equipment 3 units
ANST 435 Anesthesia Technology Clinical Experience II 6 units
ANST 440 Anesthesia Technology Examination and Review 3 units
Total Required Major Units: 32

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.