The Difference Between an Anesthesiologist and an Anesthesia Technician
The difference between an anesthesiologist and an anesthesia technician lies primarily in their education and, secondly, in their academic training, among other aspects. In this article, we will discuss anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians, the differences between them, what each studies, their importance, the number of years of study, and the costs of the two specialties in Turkey.
The Difference Between an Anesthesiologist and an Anesthesia Technician
There is a significant difference between an anesthesiologist and an anesthesia technician.
- An anesthesiologist is defined as a person who has obtained a bachelor's degree in Human Medicine—that is, a general physician—who then specialized in the field of anesthesia and also completed a master's in anesthesia for at least three years. In total, the study period for anesthesia in Turkey is not less than eight years.
- An anesthesiologist is responsible for evaluating the patient’s condition, reviewing and preparing the patient’s complete medical file, preparing the patient for anesthesia, monitoring their condition during the procedure, and attempting to resolve any emergency issues.
- As for an anesthesia technician, this is the person whose job is to operate, manage, and read reports generated by anesthesia equipment.
- The responsibility in the operating room lies with the doctor, not with the technician or anesthesia technician.
Can an Anesthesia Technician Become an Anesthesiologist?
Yes, an anesthesia technician can continue their studies to become an anesthesiologist. This is achieved by studying anesthesia for four years after completing a degree in medicine.
Since an anesthesiologist is exclusively a graduate of a medical college, after completing their basic medical studies and then pursuing specialized anesthesia training—whether a doctorate or a diploma in anesthesia—they are responsible for tasks such as evaluating the patient's condition before anesthesia, preparing the patient for anesthesia, administering medications, performing endotracheal intubation, and managing complications. They are the primary guardians of the patient’s life.
Advantages of Studying the Anesthesia Specialty
Since anesthesia is a fundamental aspect of medicine and surgical procedures, there are several advantages to studying this specialty in Turkey, including:
- The anesthesia specialty is one of the prestigious fields in medicine and healthcare.
- There are numerous job opportunities in the medical field for graduates of the anesthesia specialty.
- It holds a high, valued, and indispensable status in society.
- The high salaries for anesthesia graduates, driven by the high demand for this specialty in medicine.
- One of the most important advantages of the anesthesia specialty is its humanitarian nature, as it ensures that patients experience minimal pain—especially during surgical procedures.
Admission Requirements for Studying the Anesthesia Specialty in Turkish Universities
There are several requirements set by Turkish public and private universities for admitting students into anesthesia specialties and their subfields, which include:
- Passing the Turkish university entrance exam (YÖS) or the American SAT.
- Obtaining a high school certificate with a minimum average that varies by university, along with submitting a certified copy of it.
- If you choose to study in English, a TOEFL score is required; for Turkish proficiency, the TÖMER test is required.
As for the admission requirements of private universities for the anesthesia specialty, it is sufficient to have a high school certificate with a minimum average of 50% and a language certificate.
Types of Anesthesia
There are several types of anesthesia, which vary depending on the type of surgery, its duration, and the area of the body involved. In Turkey and worldwide, the types are classified as follows:
General Anesthesia (Total Anesthesia)
This type of anesthesia, medically referred to as rendering the patient “asleep,” completely induces sleep in the patient, so that they do not feel any pain signals and their muscles are completely relaxed.
Regional Anesthesia
In this type of anesthesia, the patient loses sensation in a specific area of the body, and only the muscles in that area become relaxed. The most well-known and widely used example of this type is epidural anesthesia, which is applied only to the lower part of the body.
Local Anesthesia
This type is administered via an injection of a local anesthetic, numbing only a small area of the body—specifically, the area where the procedure is performed. It is most commonly used in dental treatments and minor cosmetic procedures.
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The Work of an Anesthesia Specialist
The tasks of an anesthesia specialist are:
- Preparing and setting up the anesthesia equipment in the operating room.
- Preparing and administering the appropriate doses of anesthesia medications and gases to the patient under the supervision of a consultant.
- Monitoring and tracking the patient’s vital signs (such as breathing, pulse, and blood pressure) throughout the procedure.
- Attempting to communicate with and attend to the patient.
The Importance of Studying the Anesthesia Specialty
The importance of studying the anesthesia specialty is evident in the great responsibility borne by both the anesthesiologist and the anesthesia technician, which is demonstrated in several ways:
- The importance of studying anesthesia is recognized as one of the most crucial initial steps at the start of a surgical procedure.
- The anesthesiologist prepares the patient and ensures a painless experience during medical procedures; this is achieved through three types of anesthesia.
- Carefully evaluating the patient's condition to achieve stability during the procedure.
- Consulting with the surgical team to develop a suitable and tailored operative plan for each patient.
- Managing the airways and continuously monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and after the procedure.
The Costs of Studying the Anesthesia Specialty in Turkey
The study of the anesthesia specialty in Turkey is divided into two parts:
First: Specialization in the field of anesthesia after completing a degree in human medicine, after which the student becomes an anesthesiologist.
Second: Studying the anesthesia specialty in high institutes, which lasts for 2 academic years, after which the student graduates as an anesthesia specialist.
The cost of studying the anesthesia and resuscitation specialty in institutes affiliated with private universities in Turkey ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 US Dollars.
The Number of Years to Study Anesthesia in Turkey
To study anesthesia in Turkey, one must first complete 6 years of general medical studies (human medicine), followed by a specialization in anesthesia for no less than three years.
As for studying the anesthesia and resuscitation specialty in the high institutes affiliated with universities, the duration is only 2 years if the student does not require a preparatory language year.
In this article, we have discussed the difference between an anesthesiologist and an anesthesia technician in Turkey. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us, and we will answer all your questions.