Perioperative Practice Major - Bachelor of Health Science

Want to become an anaesthetic technician and care for patients throughout their operating theatre journey? Study the Perioperative Practice major in the Bachelor of Health Science, with online learning options.

Interested in a career in operating theatre patient care? An operation is often an important step along a patients journey in returning to normal life, and you’ll become a key member of a team that cares for patients at a vital time, and really make a difference to their lives.

You can study course content online from outside of Auckland, and access clinical placement experiences in real-life settings with one of our hospital providers, as close to your preferred location as possible. Some on-campus attendance may be required.

As a graduate of this programme you can apply for registration as an anaesthetic technician with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand. You learn from staff who are anaesthetic technicians, anaesthetists, nurses, midwives and medical specialists. There’s a focus on practical experience with clinical placements in a range of operating theatre specialities to ensure that the Perioperative Practice major prepares you for a successful lifelong career.

Perioperative practice describes the care which is provided to patients during their journey through the operating theatre department as they undergo their surgical operation. This includes anaesthetic care, surgical care and post-anaesthetic care.

When a patient needs an operation there are times when they are required to be unconscious. There are other times when a patient would like to be fully aware, just not in pain. Both of these scenarios are examples of requiring anaesthetic care.

Surgical care is the care provided during the surgical procedure by the whole operating theatre team to ensure the patient is well cared for during a time of vulnerability.

Post-anaesthetic care, is the immediate time after the surgical operation, whereby the patient recovers or wakes up from their anaesthetic.

Throughout this journey, the patient requires a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable health professionals. Anaesthetic technicians are one of these health professions, and they work alongside doctors and nurses to deliver these high standards of anaesthetic and perioperative care.

Responsibilities of an anaesthetic technician

• Supporting anaesthetists in providing high standards of anaesthetic care, including airway management
• Working alongside the anaesthetist to place patients' breathing tubes and intravenous lines, including placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
• Working alongside the anaesthetist to administer anaesthetics, including local anaesthetics and nerve blocks
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs (such as heartbeat) while under anaesthesia
• Checking and setting up life support and anaesthetic machines
• Delivering high standards of patient care after surgical operations

Where you could work

• District Health Boards (DHBs)
• Private hospital organisations

There are excellent career progression opportunities for anaesthetic technicians, including moving into management, education or advanced clinical roles such as resuscitation teams.

Professional registration

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Health Science in Perioperative Practice, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand, and on registration will have the protected title of registered anaesthetic technician.

Fantastic employment opportunities

Anaesthetic technicians are a valued role within the operating theatre. With a Bachelor of Health Science in Perioperative Practice you’ll be highly employable nationally. Starting salaries for anaesthetic technicians range from approximately $51,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.

• Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)