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ANZSCO 311211

Anaesthetic Technician

STSOLCSOLSkill level 2Assessed by VETASSESSNo Shortage

General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.

About this occupation

ANZSCO 2022

Prepares and maintains anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assists Anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

Skill level 2

Unit group 3112

Medical Technicians

Medical Technicians operate anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, perform and assist with laboratory tests, and fill prescriptions in support of Health Professionals.

Indicative skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia

  • AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand

  • NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupations Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist and Operating Theatre Technician have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia

  • AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand

  • NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks include

  • Operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
  • Undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
  • Recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
  • Taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
  • Preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
  • Performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
Show all 10 tasks
  • Testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
  • Setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
  • Referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
  • Operating and maintaining equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders

Occupations in this unit group

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.

ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)

Title in this edition: Anaesthetic Technician, skill level 2

Major group
3 Technicians and Trades Workers
Sub-major group
31 Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
Minor group
311 Agricultural, Medical and Science Technicians
Unit group
3112 Medical Technicians

The title and groups are the same in ANZSCO 2013 v1.2 and ANZSCO 2022.

Occupation Shortage List (2026)

National rating
No Shortage
Confidence
Clear
Rated on
ANZSCO 2022

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation