Columbia State Community College recently honored 11 anesthesia technology graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

“Our graduates in anesthesia technology are entering the workforce with the knowledge, technical skill and professionalism needed to support safe, high-quality patient care in the operating room,” said Sue Christian, Columbia State anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the impact they are prepared to make in healthcare.”

The Anesthesia Technology Associate of Applied Science degree academic plan involves two or more semesters of general education coursework followed by a 12-month, three-semester series of core courses designed to provide classroom and clinical-based competencies that provide students with the skills required for credentialing exam success and immediate in-field employment.

“Anesthesia technologists ensure everything is prepared and continuously monitored so patients can have procedures done in a safe environment with minimal pain,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These graduates are entering careers which are exciting, challenging and rewarding!”  

Anesthesia technologists support the licensed anesthesia provider with the acquisition, preparation and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of anesthesia. Other job responsibilities of the anesthesia technologist include maintaining the anesthesia machine, assisting with vascular access and regional anesthesia procedures, troubleshooting equipment, assisting with difficult airways, performing point-of-care lab tests and operating rapid infusers. More advanced duties might include the operation of autotransfusion equipment or intra-aortic balloon pumps.

View more photos from the event on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc.