Document Type
Brief Report
Abstract
The Anesthesia Technology Fast Track Program (ATFTP) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center was initiated in 2024 to mitigate a significant national deficit of trained anesthesia technologists. This 40-hour continuing education program, developed in accordance with the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians’ (ASATT) Practical Experience Pathway, assists experienced yet non-certified anesthesia technicians in obtaining the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) credential. The fully online, asynchronous 10-week CEU program is tailored for working professionals. The course focuses on patient safety, evidence-based practice, and certification preparedness and concludes with two extensive practice examinations and an ASATT CEU requirement–aligned framework. Since the launch of the program, the ATFTP has registered more than 100 participants nationwide, with a 94% completion rate and substantial employer sponsorship from prominent healthcare organizations. The program's success underscores the need for adaptable, workforce-oriented educational opportunities that enhance clinical upskilling, facilitate institutional succession planning, and elevate perioperative care. The ATFTP provides a scalable framework for addressing technician shortages via specific credentialing processes.
Grants and Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Phillips MM, Sizemore M, Raty S, Khan T, Lozano H. Advancing the Anesthesia Workforce: The MD Anderson Anesthesia Technology Fast Track Program. Advances in Cancer Education and Quality Improvement. 2026; 2(1).
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Quality Improvement Commons