Endoscopy Technician
An endoscopy technician, also known as a “gastrointestinal tech (GI)”, works alongside physicians and nurses who diagnose and treat patients for gastrointestinal issues using an endoscope. An endoscope is a small flexible tube with a light and camera attached so doctors can see inside a patient’s digestive tract.
Endoscopy technicians prepare rooms and equipment before endoscopic procedures and clean up and sterilize after procedures. Endoscopy technicians work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, specialty clinics, nursing homes, and care facilities where health care providers perform endoscopic procedures.
Responsibilities
• Maintaining an inventory of equipment and supplies for endoscopic procedures
• Ensuring equipment functions properly
• Preparing waiting and recovery rooms or procedures suites
• Maintaining endoscopic equipment, including cleaning, disinfecting and calibrating instruments according to manufacturer guidelines
• Transporting patients according to medical personnel instructions.
• Helping physicians and nurses perform endoscopic procedures
• Attending training as necessary to enhance or refresh skills
• Collecting specimens from patients
• Collaborating effectively with other care providers regarding procedures and patients’ conditions
• Staying current on endoscopy developments by reading literature, speaking with colleagues or participating in professional organizations
Requirements and skills
• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) credential. If you want to increase your hiring potential, consider pursuing an associate degree with courses in endoscopy, like an Associate of Science in surgical technology. Some facilities may require that you have a degree or an endoscopy certificate from an allied health care training program.
• On-the-job training programs are often offered at health care facilities. These programs ensure that endoscopic technicians have the specific skills and knowledge required for the job. Students right out of school often participate in these on-the-job training programs as an alternative to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Attention to detail, physical stamina, interpersonal and communication skills, and medical knowledge.