Healthcare

How to become an Anesthesia Technician

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

6–18 months

Typical pay

$46k–$62k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–6 months

   Get hired into an OR support role

   Sterile processing or a patient care tech job is the usual door in.

   Course that covers thisCSPDT Exam Prep: 2026 Sterile Processing Practice TestsUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Train on the anesthesia machine and airway carts

   Setup, checkout and turnover between cases — usually taught on the job.

3. 3

   Certify with ASATT

   The Cer.A.T. credential. Some employers require it, most pay more for it.

   ◆ Cer.A.T. (ASATT)

4. 4

   2+ years

   Move toward the advanced credential

   Cer.A.T.T. covers point-of-care testing and more complex equipment.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Anesthesia Technician

   Browse jobs now →

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