Perioperative Practice Major - Bachelor of Health Science

Allied Health

A course by

AUT

Prepares graduates to become registered anaesthetic technicians, caring for patients in the operating theatre setting, with a mix of online, classroom, clinical and simulation-based learning across three years.

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This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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Blended study

This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions

Available in 2 locations

It will take a total of 3 years

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Understand and apply perioperative patient care principles

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the perioperative journey, providing care and support to patients before, during, and after surgery.

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Develop technical competencies for anaesthetic technology

Master critical clinical skills such as intravenous cannulation, ECG monitoring, airway intubation, and use of life support and anaesthetic machines.

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Work effectively within multidisciplinary surgical teams

Collaborate with anaesthetists, nurses, and other health professionals to provide high standards of patient care in the operating theatre.

What You're Signing Up For

The Perioperative Practice major within the Bachelor of Health Science at AUT is designed for students aspiring to become anaesthetic technicians. The programme provides a blend of online and on-campus learning alongside extensive clinical placements to train students in all aspects of perioperative patient care. Graduates are equipped with key competencies including intravenous cannulation, ECG monitoring, airway management, and are eligible for registration as anaesthetic technicians with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand. The programme emphasises real-world practice through partner hospital placements and simulation experiences, leading to strong career prospects in New Zealand’s health sector.

Course Content

  • Lifespan Development and Communication
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Health and Environment
  • Hauora Māori
  • Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
  • Pathology and Pathophysiology
  • Introduction to Anaesthesia and Perioperative Theory and Practice
  • Methods of Research and Enquiry
  • Pharmacology for Professional Practice
  • Anaesthetic and Perioperative Practice I-IV (with clinical practice elements)
  • Fundamentals of Surgery
  • Haemodynamics in Perioperative Practice
  • Cardiology in Perioperative Practice
  • Advanced Resuscitation in Perioperative Practice
  • Clinical Reasoning in Perioperative Practice
  • Clinical Risk Reduction
  • Health Law and Policy
  • Clinical placements in hospitals throughout New Zealand

What you need to know first

University Entrance (or equivalent secondary school qualification)

Recognition of prior learning available for registered nurses, paramedics, or registered anaesthetic technicians

Good communication skills, physical fitness, ethical disposition

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Health

  • Hospital and Healthcare Services

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Anaesthetic Technician

  • Senior Anaesthetic Technician

  • Operating Theatre Team Leader

  • Clinical Educator (Anaesthetic Technology)

  • Clinical Resuscitation Team Member