The Field

An Anesthesia Technologist (AT) assists the Anesthesia Care Provider in the safe and efficient care of patients under anesthesia.  Anesthesia is a fundamental and advanced clinical procedure where the Anesthesia Care Provider relies on well-trained personnel to ensure everything is ready for the patient.  This is a satisfying, interesting, and fast-paced profession that offers job security and mobility as a vital member of the anesthesia care team.

The Anesthesia Technology Program at Skyline College

Skyline College’s Anesthesia Technology Program combines academic and clinical instruction that includes learning to prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot complex anesthesia equipment and suctions fluids, and assembling complex equipment.  Skyline College offers an 18-month program admitting one cohort each Fall semester, and includes clinical practice. With an additional 30 units of General Education credits, a graduate of the program may apply for an Associate of Science degree in Anesthesia Technology.

The Skyline College program is by special application only (to be available as soon as possible on this website.)  Anesthesia Technology applications are accepted (once available) until June 1.

Program Accreditation

As a new program, the anesthesia technology program at Skyline College has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation for Anesthesia Technology Education (CoA-ATE). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status; it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation Standards through Letter of Review application materials and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the American Association of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT) for eligibility to take the credentialing exam. However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.

The CoA-ATE's Letter of Review for Skyline College can be found here  .

Program Prerequisites

To apply for Skyline College’s Anesthesia Technology Program you will need to have completed the following prerequisites:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• English: Eligibility for Skyline College ENGL 100 or equivalent
• Math: Transfer-level Math course
• Chemistry with a lab equivalent to CHEM 192 or CHEM 410
• Human Anatomy with a lab equivalent to BIOL 250
• Medical Terminology equivalent to HSCI 484 or MEDA 484
• CPR for Healthcare Providers equivalent to EMC 425

All the above prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. Eligibility can be demonstrated through successful course completion in which Intermediate Algebra (Math 120) or Path to Statistics (Math 190) courses are the prerequisites. Be sure also to work with a Skyline College academic counselor to determine your general education courses requirement towards the Anesthesia Technology A.S. Degree.

Program Scheduling

All classes will be held in the evenings; however, students are expected to be available for day and evening shifts during clinical rotations in the Spring semester and the final Fall semester. Classes will average 3-4 evenings per week throughout the program.

Other Program Requirements

Prior to starting classes, all 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.

Career Outlook

A typical day for an Anesthesia Technologist starts at 7:00 am.  The AT reports to the anesthesia workroom, reviews the patients and plans how to assist the Anesthesia Care Providers for the day. Anesthesia Technologists may work in a variety of clinical settings, including general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.