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College of Advanced Health Science & Technology

Anaesthesia Assistant Diploma

Course Description

This course trains students to work as part of the anaesthesia care team in a medical setting, assisting anesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists with patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Students in this program typically learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment and monitoring, anaesthesia equipment and supplies, and anaesthesia administration techniques. They also learn about patient safety and ethical considerations in administering anaesthesia. Upon completion of the program, graduates may be eligible to take certification exams to become a Certified Anaesthesia Technician or Assistant.

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to provide assistance to anaesthesiologists during surgical procedures. It covers a wide range of topics including anaesthesia administration, patient monitoring, and airway management. Students will receive hands-on training in the use of anaesthesia equipment and will have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations.

This is an entry-level course. The program usually lasts between one and two years and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

Some of the topics that may be covered in an Anaesthesia Assistant Diploma program include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology: Students learn about the structure and function of the human body, with a focus on the respiratory and circulatory systems, which are essential to anaesthesia administration.
  • Pharmacology: Students study the drugs and medications used in anaesthesia, including their effects on the body, dosages, and potential complications.
  • Anesthesia Techniques: Students learn how to prepare patients for anaesthesia, administer anaesthesia, monitor vital signs during surgery, and manage complications that may arise.
  • Medical Ethics and Legal Issues: Students gain an understanding of the ethical and legal principles that guide the practice of anaesthesia and healthcare in general.
  • Clinical Experience: Students participate in supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, surgical centres, and clinics, to gain practical experience in anaesthesia administration and patient care.

Upon completion of the Anaesthesia Assistant Diploma program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of anaesthesia administration
  • Perform patient assessments and develop anaesthesia care plans
  • Administer anaesthesia medications and manage airways
  • Monitor patient vital signs during surgical procedures
  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations that may arise during surgery
  • Communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team

Prerequisites

  • A minimum of five (5) O’level credits in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Must meet the minimum age requirement for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria (usually 18).
  • Must have completed their secondary school education and obtained a secondary school certificate or its equivalent.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English, as it is the primary language of instruction.
    Must pass the entrance examination or meet the minimum cut-off mark in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria. (Or any equivalent examination required for entry into Colleges of Health.)
  • Undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are physically and mentally fit to work in the healthcare field.
  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
  • Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the respiratory and circulatory systems, and how they relate to anaesthesia administration.
  • Understanding of pharmacology, including the drugs and medications used in anaesthesia, their effects on the body, dosages, and potential complications.
  • Ability to prepare patients for anaesthesia, administer anaesthesia, monitor vital signs during surgery, and manage complications that may arise.
  • Understanding of medical ethics and legal issues that guide the practice of anaesthesia and healthcare in general.
  • Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex patient cases and make informed decisions regarding anaesthesia administration.
  • Effective communication skills to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and other members of the surgical team.
  • Professionalism and ethical behaviour in the workplace, including adherence to safety protocols, patient privacy, and maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Exposure to various healthcare settings through supervised clinical rotations, which provide practical experience in anaesthesia administration and patient care.
  • Preparation for certification exams to become a Certified Anaesthesia Assistant (CAA) or Certified Anaesthesia Technologist (CAT), depending on the certification board.

Additional Information

How much does an Anaesthesia Assistant make at Saskatchewan Health Authority in Canada?

The average Saskatchewan Health Authority Anaesthesia Assistant hourly pay in Canada is approximately $42.06, which meets the national average.

What about Nigeria?

Every Tertiary Hospital hires Anaesthesia assistants who work with surgeons in the theatre.

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SCAM ALERT! Don't let anybody use your brain!

Important warning: All students are hereby warned not to make any payment to or purchase any forms from any staff or person(s) who claim to operate on behalf of CAHST in order to help them secure admission. All payments must be made to the bank directly and all applications for admission must be submitted online on the college website. Any payments not made to the bank directly is probably made to a scammer. Any application submitted via any other means other than the website will be discarded.