How to Be Anesthetic Surgical Technologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist is to prepare the operating room for surgical procedures, set up equipment, and help administer anesthesia for patients. This job requires a high degree of responsibility and expertise as the success of a surgical procedure often hinges on the anesthetic technologist's ability to accurately monitor and adjust the anesthetic during surgery. As a result, anesthetic surgical technologists must possess strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a strong knowledge of anesthetic-related equipment and supplies.

Furthermore, they must understand the different types of anesthesia, the effects they will have on the patient, and the side effects they may cause. With these skills, anesthetic surgical technologists can help ensure that a patient's anesthetic is administered safely and effectively, leading to a positive outcome for the patient.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist, you must first have a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Undergo Training. Attend an accredited Anesthetic Surgical Technologist program. You can either pursue a certificate, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in this field.
  3. Get Certified. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers the Certified Anesthetic Surgical Technologist (CAST) certification. To become eligible for the certification, you must complete a CAST-approved program and pass the national board exam.
  4. Apply for an entry-level position as an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist. Once you have acquired the necessary qualifications, you can apply for a job as an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
  5. Advance Your Career. Once you have gained some experience and have been working as an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist for a few years, you can consider taking up advanced positions in the field such as becoming an operating room supervisor or instructor.

Being an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist requires staying up to date with the latest developments in the field in order to be competent and provide the best possible care. Keeping informed of new techniques and technologies is critical for success in this profession. Staying current means attending conferences, taking courses and webinars, reading industry magazines and journals, and networking with peers.

These activities allow technologists to keep their skills sharp and stay abreast of the latest trends. In addition, staying current with certifications and continuing education credits is essential for maintaining good standing with the organizations that license, certify, and accredit Anesthetic Surgical Technologists. By staying informed and taking advantage of opportunities for continuing education, Anesthetic Surgical Technologists can ensure that they are providing the highest quality care for their patients.

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Job Description

  1. Prepare the operating room for surgery by setting up instruments, equipment and supplies.
  2. Assist the surgeon in scrubbing, gowning and gloving before surgery.
  3. Monitor anesthesia machines and adjust controls as necessary during surgery.
  4. Maintain a sterile field throughout the procedure.
  5. Pass instruments, sutures and other supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
  6. Provide assistance to the anesthesiologist and the circulating nurse in administering anesthesia and in caring for the patient.
  7. Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
  8. Document patient care activities in accordance with established standards.
  9. Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment before and after use.
  10. Dispose of contaminated supplies according to regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of sterile techniques and aseptic methods.
  2. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
  3. Ability to read and interpret surgical instructions.
  4. Ability to set up and maintain equipment.
  5. Ability to accurately prepare, assemble, and maintain sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment for surgical procedures.
  6. Ability to accurately select and handle medications and anesthetics as directed by a physician.
  7. Knowledge of safety protocols and infection control practices.
  8. Ability to support and assist the surgical team during procedures.
  9. Ability to accurately document supplies and instruments used during procedures.
  10. Ability to maintain a clean and organized operating room environment.
  11. Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures.
  12. Ability to provide patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Anesthetic Surgical Technologists are necessary members of any surgical team, and require a unique set of skills in order to perform their duties. To be successful in this role, they must possess a combination of technical knowledge, physical dexterity, and emotional stability. Technical knowledge includes understanding the instruments used in surgery, and the principles of aseptic technique.

They must possess physical dexterity to handle the instruments and equipment with precision, accuracy, and speed. The technologist must also have emotional stability to remain calm in stressful situations and to be able to react quickly to any changes or problems during the procedure. Without these skills, a technologist would be unable to safely and effectively provide anesthesia care, which is essential for a successful surgical outcome.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What inspired you to pursue a career as an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist?
  • What experience do you have with operating room procedures and the use of anesthetic agents?
  • How do you ensure the safety of patients during surgery?
  • Describe your experience with instrumentation, supplies and equipment used in the operating room?
  • How have you managed difficult situations in the OR?
  • What is your approach to patient assessment and monitoring during surgery?
  • What strategies do you use to collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other medical staff in the OR?
  • How do you remain current on changing trends in anesthesia and surgical techniques?
  • How would you handle a situation where a patient is experiencing a reaction to an anesthetic agent?
  • What do you consider your greatest strengths as an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Surgical Scissors. Used to cut tissue and sutures during surgery (eg: Metzenbaum Scissors).
  2. Surgical Forceps. Used to hold tissue during surgery (eg: Adson Forceps).
  3. Surgical Retractors. Used to hold back tissue during surgery (eg: Balfour Retractor).
  4. Surgical Suction. Used to suction out fluid and debris during surgery (eg: Mayo-Hegar Suction).
  5. Surgical Needle Driver. Used to hold and guide needles during suturing (eg: Mayo-Hegar Needle Driver).
  6. Surgical Clamps. Used to hold tissue during surgery (eg: Kelly Clamps).
  7. Surgical Drills. Used to create holes in bone during surgery (eg: Stryker Orthopaedic Drill).
  8. Laparoscopic Instruments. Used to perform minimally invasive surgery (eg: Laparoscopic Grasper).
  9. Electrocautery. Used to cauterize and seal blood vessels (eg: Bovie Electrocautery).
  10. Endoscopic Instruments. Used to perform endoscopic procedures (eg: Endoscopic Grasper).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
  2. National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  3. American College of Surgeons (ACS)
  4. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
  5. International Association of Healthcare Professionals (IAHCP)
  6. American Association of Surgical Technologists (AAST)
  7. National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists (NAOT)
  8. International Federation of Surgical Technologists (IFST)
  9. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
  10. American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABCOP)

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Common Important Terms

  1. Surgical Technologist. A surgical technologist is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room of a hospital or medical facility. They assist the surgeon and other medical team members during a variety of surgical procedures.
  2. Anesthetist. An anesthetist is a healthcare professional who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients prior to, during, and after a surgical procedure.
  3. Sterilization. Sterilization is a process used to make materials and equipment free of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This is done by using either physical or chemical methods.
  4. OR (Operating Room). An operating room is a sterile environment where surgery is performed. It is equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment for performing surgery.
  5. Surgical Instruments. Surgical instruments are specialized tools used by surgeons during an operation. They include items such as scalpels, forceps, and retractors.
  6. Preoperative Care. Preoperative care is the process of preparing a patient for a surgical procedure. This typically includes assessing the patient's medical history and performing any necessary tests or procedures.
  7. Postoperative Care. Postoperative care is the process of caring for a patient after a surgical procedure has been completed. This typically includes monitoring the patient's condition, providing medication and wound care, and educating the patient on proper recovery techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist?

An Anesthetic Surgical Technologist is a healthcare professional who assists in anesthesia delivery and provides support to the patient during surgery.

What qualifications are needed to become an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist?

To become an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist, one must complete a minimum of an associate's degree in a surgical technology program from an accredited institution, as well as pass the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (CAT) exam.

What type of duties does an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist perform?

An Anesthetic Surgical Technologist is responsible for preparing and maintaining the anesthesia equipment and supplies, monitoring the vital signs of the patient during surgery, and providing support to the anesthesia team during the surgery.

What type of environment does an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist work in?

An Anesthetic Surgical Technologist works in the operating room of a hospital or medical facility, ensuring that the patient is safe and comfortable during surgery.

What is the average salary of an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist?

The average salary of an Anesthetic Surgical Technologist is $47,000 per year.

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