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.
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
Core skills this course teaches
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.
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.
Work effectively within multidisciplinary surgical teams
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
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Hospital and Healthcare Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Anaesthetic Technician
Senior Anaesthetic Technician
Operating Theatre Team Leader
Clinical Educator (Anaesthetic Technology)