Anesthesia Technician
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Department Overview
The department consists of 49 operating suites in four separate locations, as well as 19 outside OR Anesthesia delivery locations, three pre-operative areas, and three post-operative areas. These areas support Surgical Specialties and a Level One trauma program with a caseload of >125 cases daily. The department provides both inpatient and outpatient services. The Anesthesia Technician provides assistance to anesthesiologists by maintaining and stocking anesthesia instruments and supplies for the operating rooms, assembling and setting up anesthesia equipment, performs complex and moderately complex laboratory tests, transports blood for massive transfusion protocol,and performs common and complex anesthesia procedures to ensure the best possible patient care is attained. Functions in all areas of OHSU where anesthesia could be administered in both inpatient and outpatient services on Marquam Hill and South Waterfront.
Function/Duties of Position
Anesthesia Equipment, Instrument and Supplies Maintenance:
- Checks inventory and, if appropriate, requisitions and restocks supplies; rotates dated items on shelves; participates in equipment and supply evaluations; troubleshoots and maintains equipment and supplies such as ETCO2 gas analyzer, anesthesia machine, EKG monitor, pulse oximeter, and blood gas instrument; makes minor repairs or refers to Clinical Engineering for repairs; calibrates equipment such as blood gas instrument and pressure transducers, ETCO2 Analyzer, pressure transducers, and oximetric swans; cleans and sterilizes anesthesia machines and equipment after surgeries and performs necessary maintenance; performs stat analysis of patient blood samples.
Assists anesthesia provider with a wide variety of procedures including:
- Induction/intubation; rapid sequence induction; difficult intubation; LMA insertion; nasal intubation; endo-brochial tube placement; bronchial blocker tube placement; awake fiber-optic intubation; IV placement; central line placement; PA catheter placement; antecubital central line placement; use of ultrasound; RIC catheter placement; epidural catheter placement; spinal placement; combined spinal – epidural; nerve blocks following sterile techniques. Is a sterile member of the team while assisting with line placements. Performs intra-operative blood recovery and re-infusion per procedures. Assists operating room personnel with handling, checking of blood and blood products per procedures. Provides Autotransfusion services and STAT laboratory functions including Point Of Care Tests (POCT) to all OR areas. Releases POCT orders written by anesthesia providers prior to testing. Manages the Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) carts and assists in MH crisis.
Anesthesia Equipment Set Up:
- Monitors surgery schedule to ensure operating rooms are equipped with appropriate anesthesia supplies and equipment;checks anesthesia machines and monitors prior to surgery assembles and assists with insertion of invasive monitoring lines; sets up anesthesia equipment prior to surgery including arterial transducers, cardiac output computer, and humidified breathing circuits.
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
- National Certification as an Anesthesia Technician OR
- Associates degree or higher in a health-related field from an accredited institution of higher education with course work in Anatomy, Physiology and Chemistry OR
- Completed 2 years full-time college-level courses including Anatomy, Physiology and Chemistry OR
- 2 years experience as an Anesthesia Technician And
- BLS Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
Additional Details
Must be able to work under the following conditions: Surgical setting requiring a strict dress code and adherence to infection control policies; function and participate in a learning environment; work beyond regular scheduled hours, as needed; take 24-hr calls as assigned by Manager. Assist with trials of new products and equipment.
Benefits:
- Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
- Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
- Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
- Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
- 8 paid holidays per year
- Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
- Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
An anesthesia technician in Portland often juggles tasks such as prepping anesthesia machines, managing inventory, performing equipment calibration, and assisting with invasive procedures. Given Oregon Health & Science University's complex surgical caseload, technicians must adapt swiftly to varied inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring seamless support for anesthesiologists.
Employers in Oregon, including OHSU, highly value national anesthesia technician certification or equivalent academic backgrounds with coursework in anatomy and chemistry. Additionally, BLS certification is crucial. While a bachelor's degree can boost prospects, hands-on experience and adherence to local healthcare protocols remain vital.
In Portland, anesthesia technologists typically have advanced responsibilities, including more complex monitoring and equipment troubleshooting. Technicians primarily focus on equipment preparation and assisting anesthesiologists. The distinction often lies in certification levels and scope of practice, with technologists requiring deeper technical training.
Portland shows moderate to high competition for anesthesia technician roles due to OHSU's reputation and comprehensive surgical services. Candidates with certifications and hands-on experience in anesthesia equipment handling have a competitive edge, while local demand remains steady given the region’s expanding healthcare infrastructure.
OHSU's main campuses on Marquam Hill and South Waterfront are accessible but can involve steep inclines and variable traffic patterns. Many technicians rely on TriMet transit or bike routes, benefiting from employer discounts. Navigating Portland’s urban environment demands schedule flexibility, especially for 24-hour call shifts.
OHSU’s trauma program is among the region’s busiest, requiring anesthesia technicians to be versatile across multiple operating suites and delivery locations. The university emphasizes cross-training, advanced equipment handling, and participation in crisis scenarios like malignant hyperthermia, promoting a highly collaborative and high-stakes work environment.
Anesthesia technicians in Portland typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, influenced by certification status and experience. Institutions like OHSU may offer salaries on the higher end, factoring in specialized skills and shift differentials, aligning with Oregon’s cost of living and healthcare sector growth.
OHSU supports anesthesia technicians with opportunities to engage in new equipment trials and continuous education. Their commitment to a learning environment encourages skill enhancement, including advanced certification preparation and participation in clinical research, fostering career growth within the institution.
At OHSU, anesthesia technicians undertake tasks like managing malignant hyperthermia crisis carts, performing point-of-care blood testing, and assisting with complex catheter placements under sterile conditions. These specialized duties underline the institution’s comprehensive approach to perioperative patient care.