Anesthesiologist Assistants in Surgery
Anesthesiologist Assistants in Surgery work on medical teams to keep patients safe and comfortable before, during, and after operations. They help anesthesiologists choose and give anesthesia medicines, set up and test equipment like anesthesia machines and patient monitors, and watch vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing using tools like EKGs and arterial pressure lines. They also manage airways with techniques such as tracheal intubation or fiber-optic scopes, give IV fluids and blood products, respond to emergencies with CPR and advanced life support, and help train other staff on safe anesthesia practices.
Did you know?
Anesthesiologist Assistants are only licensed to practice in approximately 17 states, significantly limiting job opportunities and requiring careful consideration of practice location.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$131,800 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Top skill
Active Listening
Things to consider
Rigorous Educational Requirements
The profession requires completion of a master's degree from one of the few accredited AA programs in the United States, making admission highly competitive.
Supervision and Scope Variations
Practice scope and supervision requirements vary significantly by state, affecting autonomy and career advancement opportunities in different regions.
Key responsibilities
Assist in the application of monitoring techniques, such as pulmonary artery catheterization, electroencephalographic spectral analysis, echocardiography, or evoked potentials.
Provide airway management interventions including tracheal intubation, fiber optics, or ventilary support.
Assist in the provision of advanced life support techniques including those procedures using high frequency ventilation or intra-arterial cardiovascular assistance devices.
Collect samples or specimens for diagnostic testing.
Verify availability of operating room supplies, medications, and gases.