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

“The only accredited anesthesia technology program in Tennessee is sponsored by Columbia State,” said Sue Christian, Columbia State anesthesia technology program director and assistant professor. “Our graduates play a crucial role in raising awareness about the profession and highlighting the significant contributions that formally educated technologists bring to an anesthesia team. The spring graduates are poised to enter a field with boundless opportunities for exciting, high-demand careers that offer excellent earning potential.”

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.

Not Pictured: Williamson County graduate Kazman Yarbrough.