Anästhesietechnischer Assistent/Anästhesietechnische Assistentin

Anesthesia technical assistants are trained through theoretical and practical lessons, as well as practical training. Learning locations include vocational schools (Berufsfachschule), where lessons are conducted in classrooms, and hospitals or outpatient facilities, where practical training takes place in operating rooms, laboratories, medical departments, and patient wards.

This is a vocational training (Ausbildung) profession, acquired through training at vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen), which is uniformly regulated nationwide in Germany. The training duration is 3-5 years (full-time/part-time). Learning locations are vocational schools and hospitals or outpatient facilities. In this profession, anesthesia technical assistants control narcotics and pain medication and prepare equipment such as ventilators or infusion bottles. During an intervention, they monitor vital signs like breathing and circulation. They care for patients before and after surgery and pay attention to their physical condition. After an operation, they handle the sterilization, care, and maintenance of instruments and medical devices, as well as the disposal of items like drapes and disposable materials. They also document the course of anesthesia and ensure that there are always sufficient narcotics and pain medication in stock. Anesthesia technical assistants find employment in anesthesia departments of general hospitals.

The job title is Anesthesia Technical Assistant. It is a vocational school (Berufsfachschule) profession. The training duration is 3-5 years (full-time/part-time). Typically, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) is required. In this profession, anesthesia technical assistants control narcotics and pain medication and prepare equipment such as ventilators or infusion bottles. During an intervention, they monitor vital signs like breathing and circulation. They care for patients before and after surgery and pay attention to their physical condition. After an operation, they handle the sterilization, care, and maintenance of instruments and medical devices, as well as the disposal of items like drapes and disposable materials. They also document the course of anesthesia and ensure that there are always sufficient narcotics and pain medication in stock. Anesthesia technical assistants find employment in anesthesia departments of general hospitals.

Full-time training is 3 years, while part-time training is a maximum of 5 years.

Vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen) select applicants according to their own criteria. Admission is usually based on academic performance (especially in natural science subjects) and a personal interview; an aptitude test may also be conducted if necessary.

The distribution of hours according to the training and examination regulations is as follows: Theoretical and practical lessons are provided. Competence focus 1: Independently planning and structured execution of professional tasks in outpatient and inpatient settings (880 hours). Competence focus 2: Participating in medical diagnostics and therapy and independently carrying out medical orders (340 hours). Competence focus 3: Actively shaping interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration (120 hours). Competence focus 4: Taking responsibility for the development of one's own personality (lifelong learning), developing professional self-understanding, and coping with professional demands (120 hours). Competence focus 5: Aligning one's actions with legal requirements and quality criteria (140 hours). Competence focus 6: Communicating with patients of all ages and their caregivers, considering sociological, psychological, and cognitive factors.

For this Ausbildung (vocational training), exemption from tuition fees and training material costs is legally mandated. However, additional costs may arise, such as for travel to the training facility or external accommodation. In certain situations, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) may receive training support under the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (Federal Education Assistance Act). For more information, please refer to the BAföG website.

During theoretical and practical lessons, one learns, for example, how to support and monitor patients of all ages before, during, and after anesthetic measures, considering their individual physical, cognitive, and psychological situations. Knowledge is gained about the medications used in anesthesia, how to independently plan and structure anesthetic measures, what to observe in medical diagnostics and therapy, and how to contribute to them. Proper coordination within a team, legal, political, and economic contexts in the healthcare system, legal requirements, and training and profession-related rights and duties are also covered. Building professional relationships with patients and approaching them with empathy, as well as managing emergency situations in outpatient settings, are part of the curriculum.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this profession: At the Berufsfachschule (vocational school), lessons are conducted in a classroom setting, possibly with project work and self-study at home. In the hospital or outpatient facility, practical work (under guidance) involves tasks such as patient care, preparing and post-processing anesthesia, and creating documentation. The working environment is often operating rooms with artificial lighting. Sterile work clothing, such as disposable gloves, medical masks, work coats, trousers, and shoes, is worn. Working hours may involve shift work in hospitals and outpatient facilities. Diligence and a sense of responsibility (e.g., when preparing ventilators or infusion bottles, checking anesthetic and pain medications in the operating room, and monitoring vital functions like breathing and circulation in anesthetized patients), empathy (e.g., when caring for patients before anesthesia and in the recovery room), and psychological stability (e.g.,...) are important.

The payment of an Ausbildungsvergütung (training allowance) is legally mandatory during the Ausbildung (vocational training). Auszubildende (vocational trainees) undergoing training with an institution covered by a public service collective agreement receive the following monthly gross training allowances: 1st year of training: €1,491, 2nd year of training: €1,552, 3rd year of training: €1,653. Source: Tarifvertrag für Auszubildende des öffentlichen Dienstes - Allgemeiner Teil und Besonderer Teil Pflege (TVAöD-Pflege). These figures are for orientation only and no claims can be derived from them.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training): Biology (e.g., to understand body reactions to anesthetics), Chemistry (e.g., to know the mode of action of disinfectants), German (e.g., to care for patients).

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Anästhesietechnische/r Assistent/in (Anesthesia Technical Assistant): In the medical field, Surgical Technical Assistant, Medical Technologist for Functional Diagnostics, Medical Technologist for Radiology, Medical Technologist for Laboratory Analysis, Medical Assistant, and Nurse (Ausbildung). The commonality is caring for patients in clinics or doctor's offices or operating medical technical devices.

Development of the Anesthesia Technical Assistant (Anästhesietechnischer Assistent/Anästhesietechnische Assistentin) vocational training (Ausbildung): In 2005, the first school-based training for Anesthesia Technical Assistants began as a pilot project in Halle and Frankfurt. In 2008, the Federal Working Group of Schools for Anesthesia Technical Assistants (BAG-ATA) established normative guidelines for the training and examination of Anesthesia Technical Assistants. In 2011, the German Hospital Association (DKG) published nationwide recommendations for the training and examination. In 2022, the nationally regulated training and examination ordinance for Anesthesia Technical Assistants and Surgical Technical Assistants (ATA-OTA-APrV) came into force.

The training (Ausbildung) to become an Anesthesia Technical Assistant (Anästhesietechnische/r Assistent/in) is a nationally standardized program offered at vocational schools (Berufsfachschulen) and in hospitals or outpatient facilities. It lasts 3 years full-time, or a maximum of 5 years part-time, and concludes with a state examination.

Shortening the training period: Those who have completed or started a training program with equivalent content may be able to shorten their training. Extending the training period: The training can be extended upon request by the trainee, but the total duration of the training may not exceed five years.

Qualification title: Anesthesia Technical Assistant (Anästhesietechnischer Assistent/Anästhesietechnische Assistentin).

Finding suitable employment after training: After their training, Anesthesia Technical Assistants primarily work in anesthesia departments of hospitals, private clinics, or university hospitals. Securing employability: Through adaptive continuing education (Anpassungsweiterbildung), Anesthesia Technical Assistants can keep their specialized knowledge current or update it. The range of topics extends from medical-technical assistance to hygiene in the healthcare sector. Career advancement: Advanced training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. A logical step is to complete further training as a Business Administrator for Healthcare Management (Betriebswirt/in für Management im Gesundheitswesen). With a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), one can also pursue university studies (Studium) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in Health Management or Health Economics.

Legal regulations and recommendations: Training and Examination Ordinance for Anesthesia Technical Assistants and Surgical Technical Assistants (Anästhesietechnische- und Operationstechnische-Assistenten-Ausbildungs- und -Prüfungsverordnung - ATA-OTA-APrV) promulgated as Article 1 of the Ordinance of 04.11.2020 (BGBl. I S. 2295), last amended by Article 8z6 of the Act of 12.12.2023 (BGBl. 2023 I Nr. 359). Act on the Profession of Anesthesia Technical Assistant and Surgical Technical Assistant (Anästhesietechnische- und Operationstechnische-Assistenten-Gesesetz - ATA-OTA-G) of 14.12.2019 (BGBl. I S. 2768), last amended by Article 8 of the Act of 20.07.2022 (BGBl. I S. 1174).

A secondary school leaving certificate or a primary school leaving certificate in conjunction with at least two years of completed vocational training is generally required. Furthermore, depending on the educational provider, requirements may include a minimum age (e.g., 17 years), proof of health suitability, and possibly an internship before starting the Ausbildung (vocational training). Proof of measles protection is necessary for practical training in community and medical facilities. Additionally, institutions may require further vaccinations (e.g., against Hepatitis A and B) or corresponding proof of immunity.