Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is now offering an Associate in Applied Science degree in Anesthesia Technology with core courses to begin June of 2018.

The program is being created through the combined efforts of the University of Oklahoma (OU), the OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) and OCCC. Through innovative programming, students will have access to lectures by excellent anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), as well as lab and clinical experiences.

The A.A.S. in Anesthesia Technology is a two-year program in which the general education coursework builds the foundation for student competencies and the anesthesia core coursework utilizes cutting-edge theory, lab and clinical experiences to prepare students to sit for the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) certification exam.

The A.A.S. in Anesthesia Technology is designed to meet the needs of students who are new to the field as well as those currently working as uncertified anesthesia technicians and want to become certified anesthesia technologists. Technicians who become certified technologists can expect an increase in salary and in job placement opportunities.

“We are incredibly excited about this innovative program created in collaboration with OU and the OUHSC,†says OCCC Dean of Health Professions Debbie Myers. “The collaborative work put into the program ensures the production of quality technologists. We are confident this program will provide an amazing opportunity for students and employers.â€

Anesthesia technologists are trained to work in a variety of clinical settings such as hospital operating rooms, interventional and diagnostic radiology, post anesthesia care units, intensive care units, cardiac catheterization laboratories, labor and delivery units, emergency rooms, endoscopy labs, dental suites and ambulatory surgery centers.

OCCC is the only institution offering this 64-66 credit hour associate in applied science degree in the state of Oklahoma. Additional program and curriculum information can be found on the program webpage at: /academics/programs/anesthesia-technologist.html

Additional information about the profession of the certified anesthesia technologist can be found on the ASATT website: www.asatt.org

For questions concerning this degree, contact Nancy Sweet-Fitzgibbon, MSN, APRN-CRNA at nsweet-fitzgibbon@occc.edu or the Health Profession’s Division office at 405-682-7507.

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.