Entry requirements, skills and interests (anaesthesia associates)

Entry requirements

To enter training as an anaesthesia associate, you will need to apply for a post as a trainee anaesthesia associate and either be:

• a registered health care practitioner (eg, nurse, operating department practitioner) and have one or both of the following:
• at least three years’ full-time, post-qualification work experience in a relevant area, and evidence of recent (within three years) and successful academic activity
• a first degree in a health-related subject

Or

• a new entrant to health care (a graduate or graduate equivalent) with:
• a biomedical science or biological science background, with:
  • preferably a second-class Honours degree or better, or other evidence of recent and successful academic activity
  • a demonstrable commitment to a career in health care

For further information about entry requirements please visit the Royal College of Anaesthetists website [1]

Skills, qualities and interests needed

To work as an  anaesthesia associate, you’ll need:

• an interest in science
• to pay attention to detail
• good communication skills, as you will be working directly with patients as well as staff colleagues
• to be an effective team member
• good organisational skills
• the ability to remain calm under pressure

If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you're applying for a university course funded by the NHS.

The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution [2]. Find out more about the NHS Constitution. [3]