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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Endoscopy Technician

💰 $22 - $38 per hour

HealthcareMedical TechnicianGastroenterologyClinical Support

🎯 Role Definition

As an Endoscopy Technician, you are the backbone of the GI/Endoscopy unit. You will work side-by-side with gastroenterologists and registered nurses to provide exceptional care to patients undergoing procedures like colonoscopies, EGDs, and bronchoscopies. Your primary focus will be on two critical areas: first, the meticulous preparation, high-level disinfection, and maintenance of all endoscopic instruments and equipment, ensuring absolute sterility and functionality. Second, you will provide hands-on assistance during procedures, anticipating the needs of the physician, managing specimens, and ensuring the patient's comfort and safety. This position requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strict adherence to protocols, and compassionate patient interaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant (MA)
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Endoscopy Technician / GI Team Lead
  • Endoscopy Unit Supervisor or Coordinator
  • Surgical Technologist (with further education)
  • Registered Nurse (with further education/degree)

Lateral Moves:

  • Surgical Technologist
  • Anesthesia Technician
  • Central Sterile Supply Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization of endoscopic equipment, including leak testing, manual cleaning, and operating automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs), ensuring strict adherence to manufacturer's instructions (IFUs) and infection control protocols.
  • Prepare and set up procedure rooms with all necessary endoscopic equipment, instruments, and supplies prior to the arrival of the patient, ensuring everything is functional and readily available.
  • Provide direct, hands-on assistance to the physician during diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, including passing instruments, managing snares, deploying clips, and performing polypectomies.
  • Manage and handle patient biopsies and specimens, ensuring accurate labeling, proper preservation, and precise documentation before transport to the laboratory for analysis.
  • Operate and troubleshoot a wide range of complex endoscopy equipment, including video processors, light sources, irrigation pumps, and CO2 insufflators, reporting any malfunctions for repair.
  • Perform daily quality control checks and maintain detailed logs for automated endoscope reprocessors and other disinfection equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Assist the registered nurse in patient care activities, including patient transport, positioning for procedures, and monitoring vital signs under direct supervision.
  • Maintain a sterile and aseptic field during procedures, demonstrating a strong understanding and application of sterile technique to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Anticipate the needs of the physician and the procedural team by preparing and organizing specialized instruments and accessories based on the scheduled procedure (e.g., EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP, EUS).
  • Safely handle and dispose of hazardous materials, bio-hazardous waste, and sharps according to established hospital policies and OSHA guidelines.
  • Document all reprocessing activities, including scope and patient identification, in the appropriate electronic tracking system or manual logbook for traceability and quality assurance.
  • Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of endoscopes and related accessories to identify damage or wear, and coordinate repairs as needed.
  • Manage inventory of endoscopy supplies, instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE), communicating needs to the unit supervisor to ensure adequate stock levels.
  • Respond effectively to urgent or emergent situations within the endoscopy suite, demonstrating composure and providing rapid support as directed by the clinical team.
  • Assist in obtaining patient consent and completing pre-procedure checklists to ensure all safety measures and required documentation are in order.
  • Provide clear, step-by-step instructions to patients before, during, and after procedures to ensure their understanding and cooperation.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the scope processing area and procedure rooms, performing terminal cleaning between cases.
  • Calibrate and test equipment to ensure it is functioning within prescribed parameters before use in patient procedures.
    adds- Calibrate and test equipment to ensure it is functioning within prescribed parameters before use in patient procedures.
  • Participate in the unit's "time out" procedure verification process to ensure correct patient, correct procedure, and correct site.
  • Clean and prepare patient transport gurneys and procedure room surfaces between cases to maintain a safe and efficient workflow.
  • Assist in transporting soiled equipment to the decontamination area and clean equipment to the sterile storage area, maintaining a clear separation between clean and dirty workflows.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with maintaining inventory levels of supplies and equipment, placing orders as needed to prevent operational disruptions.
  • Participate in quality improvement projects, data collection, and process audits related to infection control and patient safety within the GI department.
  • Provide orientation and peer-to-peer training for new technicians, students, or other clinical staff on equipment operation and reprocessing protocols.
  • Attend departmental meetings, in-service training, and continuing education programs to stay current with best practices and new technologies in the field of gastroenterology.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Endoscope Reprocessing & High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
  • Operation of Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs)
  • Aseptic & Sterile Technique
  • Specimen Collection, Handling, and Labeling
  • Knowledge of GI Anatomy and Endoscopic Procedures
  • Medical Instrument & Equipment Troubleshooting
  • Leak Testing and Manual Scope Cleaning
  • Compliance with Infection Control Protocols (CDC, SGNA, AAMI)
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) & Endoscopy Reporting Software (e.g., ProVation, Epic)
  • Inventory and Supply Management
  • Patient Positioning and Transport Techniques

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail
  • Strong Verbal and Written Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Adaptability and Flexibility in a Fast-Paced Environment
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Patient Empathy and Interpersonal Skills
  • Time Management and Organization
  • Ability to Follow Complex Instructions
  • Composure Under Pressure
  • Proactive and Self-Motivated

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Preferred Education:

  • Completion of a formal Surgical Technology or Endoscopy Technician training program.
  • Associate's Degree in a related healthcare field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Surgical Technology
  • Healthcare Sciences
  • Sterile Processing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience as an Endoscopy Technician or in a related role like Sterile Processing.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years of experience in a high-volume hospital endoscopy unit or ambulatory surgery center.
  • Certification as a Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER) or a GI Technical Specialist (GTS).
  • Experience with advanced procedures such as ERCP, EUS, and Bronchoscopy.
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