What Anesthesiologist Assistants Do

Anesthesiologist assistants work with nurse anesthetists and physician anesthesiologists as part of the operating team. Before a patient enters the operating room, anesthesiologist assistants will take a pre-anesthesia health history to make sure that the anesthetic planned is appropriate and in line with the patient's health. After an operation, an anesthesiologist assistant will make patient rounds and monitor their conditions as they recover from anesthesia. During a surgical procedure, an anesthesiologist assistant will administer and monitor the anesthetic, adjusting or maintaining the level of anesthetic as necessary. Anesthesiologist assistants might also assist in laboratory work, drawing blood, and conducting tests. They work with a variety of technology and on a vast array of procedures. For more information concerning the job description of an anesthesiologist assistant, visit the "FAQs" page on the website for the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.

Types of Work Environments

  • Hospitals, always a part of the anesthesiology team in surgical settings.

Education and Training Requirements

Anesthesiologist assistants earn a Master of Science in anesthesia and are certified by passing an exam administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants. To recertify, an anesthesiologist assistant must complete 40 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take the Continuing Demonstration of Qualification Exam every six years.

Salary

According to salary.com, the median salary for anesthesiologist assistants is approximately $47,340 per year.

Professional Organization

The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

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