Anaesthesia Technical Assistant (ATA)

Training is carried out in accordance with the Anesthesia Technician and Surgical Technician Assistant Act (ATA-OTA-G) of 14.12.2019 and the training and examination regulations (ATA-OTA-APrV) of 04.11.2020. It lasts three years and concludes with a written, a practical and an oral examination. To ensure the quality of theoretical and practical training, Heidelberg University Hospital has concluded the "Regulatory Agreement on Training Quality in ATA Training".

Theoretical training

The theoretical training comprises 2,100 hours and is divided into 8 main areas of competence:

1. Independently plan and carry out job-related tasks in outpatient and inpatient settings in a structured manner (880 hours)
2. Assisting with medical diagnostics and therapy and carrying out medical orders independently (340 hours)
3. Responsibly help shape interdisciplinary and interprofessional action (120 hours)
4. Taking responsibility for the development of one's own personality (lifelong learning), developing professional self-image and coping with professional demands (120 hours)
5. Align their own actions with legal requirements and quality criteria (140 hours)
6. Communicate and interact with patients of all ages and their caregivers, taking into account sociological, psychological, cognitive, cultural and ethical aspects (120 hours)
7. Act purposefully in life-threatening crisis and disaster situations (40 hours)
8. Comprehensively master and observe hygienic working methods (140 hours)
9. Free allocation to the main areas of competence (200 hours)

Practical training

At least 2,500 hours of practical training must be completed in various areas:

1. Compulsory assignments in anesthesia: visceral surgery, trauma surgery or orthopedics, gynecology or urology, outpatient context (hospital/day clinic/practice), recovery unit
2. Compulsory elective assignments in anesthesia according to the specifications of the ATA school: thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ENT, oral and maxillofacial surgery, vascular surgery, etc.
3. Compulsory assignments in functional and care areas: nursing internship, central sterile supply department, surgical service, pain outpatient clinic/pain service, emergency room and outpatient clinic, interventional functional units (endoscopy, catheter laboratories, etc.)

Prerequisites for access to training

• Secondary school leaving certificate or higher school leaving certificate
• Secondary school certificate with successfully completed vocational training of at least two years or completed training as a nursing assistant or geriatric nursing assistant

The ability to work in a team, manual dexterity and physical resilience are important prerequisites for the profession of ATA. To check these requirements, we recommend that you do an internship in a hospital anesthesia department. Proof of an internship should be enclosed with your application.

Applications can be submitted by post or e-mail with the following documents:

• Letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• School leaving certificate or current (half-year) school report (copy)
• Proof of training already completed
• Certificates or attestations of previous activities and internships (copy)
• For applicants who have obtained their school-leaving certificate abroad: Assessment of the school-leaving certificate by the Stuttgart Regional Council
• Residence and work permit, if necessary

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an interview.

If you are accepted for an apprenticeship, you will still need to provide the following documents:

• health suitability and proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and pertussis (form will be sent with the acceptance letter)
• Police clearance certificate

The training contract is concluded with Heidelberg University Hospital. The basis for the training contract is the collective agreement.

The training allowance at Heidelberg University Hospital is (as of 01.05.2024)

• Training year: 1,517 euros
• Year of training: 1,578 euros
• Year of training: 1,674 euros

In addition, there is a company pension scheme, capital-forming benefits and a special annual payment (Christmas bonus). Uniforms, work shoes and an iPad are provided. You can apply for a job ticket or a MAXX ticket for local public transport; if the journey to your parents', spouse's or guardian's home takes at least 1.5 hours, we will reimburse your travel costs once a month.

Vacation
30 days/year

Accommodation
Rooms of varying sizes and furnishings are available in staff residences in Heidelberg-Neuenheim (Neuenheimer Feld campus) and Heidelberg-Schlierbach (Orthopaedic University Hospital). In Neuenheim, rents range between € 175 and € 239/month, in Schlierbach between € 295 and € 302/month. (as of January 2024)

Guaranteed employment in accordance with the collective agreement at Heidelberg University Hospital

ATA trainees with an average grade of better than 3.4 in their three final grades are offered permanent employment immediately after passing their final examination or, at the trainee's request, up to six weeks later. The remaining trainees (worse than 3.4) are offered full-time employment for a fixed term of one year.