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Field Description
Gastroenterology (GI) is a specialty practice area in which health-care staff provide care to patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal problems who are undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic treatment or procedures. This care is provided by specially trained endoscopy nurses and technicians.
The Endoscopy Technician is an integral member of the Endoscopy team who provides support for physicians and RN’s throughout endoscopy procedures by preparing, providing and caring for instruments and equipment, obtaining specimens, and maintaining a sterile field where applicable.
The Endoscopy Technician is responsible for:
- Room set-up and tear-down
- Scope reprocessing
- Specimen collection
- Assisting the doctors and nurses during endoscopy procedures
The following program is offered:
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for endoscopy technicians are excellent. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. As the public awareness of the need for colorectal cancer screening increases, the number of colonoscopies performed will continue to rise.
With the advancement and improvement of endoscopic procedures, endoscopy is being used for many types of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thus, there is a growing demand for trained endoscopy technicians.
Endoscopy technicians are employed in physician offices, inpatient and outpatient endoscopy departments, ambulatory endoscopy centers and inpatient hospital units.
Earning Potential
The median annual earnings of endoscopy technicians in 2004 were $26,000. According to a survey of hospitals across the United States, the national median annual salary of full-time endoscopy technicians in 2004 was $28,500. This represents base pay only; earnings such as shift differentials provide additional compensation.
Salary levels may vary with geographical location, scope of responsibility and availability of applicants.
Professional Organization
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about endoscopy technicians:
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