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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