BACKGROUND

The Diploma in Anaesthetic Science program was approved by the Council of the University of Papua New Guinea in 2002 and the first students enrolled in 2003. The Diploma program which is a one year program replaces the Anaesthetic Technical Officer course, which operated under the auspices of the PNG Department of Health for over 30 years.

The course is available as direct entry only for nursing and health extension officers, or as a conversion course for existing Anaesthetic Technical Officer course. Graduates will be able to pursue a career as Anaesthetic Scientific Officers whose responsibilities are:

• assisting the Specialist Anaesthetist in providing anaesthesia with its associated components of preoperative assessment, choice and administration of anaesthesia, and immediate preoperative care;
• care and maintenance of anaesthesia equipment;
• promoting occupational health and safety in the operating theatre, including infection control;
• managing an anaesthetic service in the absence of a specialist anaesthetist; and
• participating in research.