Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Upper GI Technologist

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires an experienced Upper GI Technologist — a skilled allied health professional who specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of the upper gastrointestinal tract (EGD, upper GI series, fluoroscopic swallow studies, ERCP support, scope processing). The ideal candidate combines expert patient care, instrument reprocessing, radiologic/fluoroscopy competency when applicable, and strict adherence to infection control and safety standards. This role supports gastroenterologists/radiologists in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality care across endoscopy and imaging suites.

Key keywords: Upper GI Technologist, Endoscopy Tech, GI Technologist, EGD, ERCP, upper GI series, fluoroscopy, scope reprocessing, infection control, patient monitoring, sedation assistance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Surgical Technologist (with endoscopy cross-training)
Radiologic Technologist (ARRT-certified) transitioning into GI fluoroscopy
Certified Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant with GI/endoscopy training

Advancement To:

Lead GI Technologist / Senior Endoscopy Technologist
Endoscopy Suite Supervisor / Manager
Clinical Educator — Endoscopy/Fluoroscopy
Procedural Services Manager / GI Service Line Manager

Lateral Moves:

Interventional Radiology Technologist
Cath Lab Technologist
Sterile Processing Supervisor / Instrument Reprocessing Educator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Prepare, position and assist patients for upper gastrointestinal procedures — including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), ERCP assistance, and fluoroscopic upper GI series — ensuring patient comfort, privacy and clinical readiness while reviewing history and consent documentation.
Set up, calibrate and operate endoscopy towers, video processors, insufflators, diathermy/EP devices, fluoroscopy units and image capture systems according to manufacturer recommendations and facility protocols prior to each procedure.
Perform scope handling and advanced instrument reprocessing: pre-cleaning, leak testing, manual cleaning, high-level disinfection or sterilization, and proper storage of flexible endoscopes and accessories following AAMI, CDC, and facility infection control standards.
Assist the physician during diagnostic and therapeutic upper GI procedures by providing instruments, biopsy forceps, snares, retrieval devices, guide wires, stents and contrast media in a timely, anticipatory manner to maintain procedural flow and patient safety.
Administer and titrate contrast agents (barium, water-soluble contrast) for fluoroscopic upper GI exams under established protocols, monitor for adverse reactions and document contrast type and volume used.
Monitor patient physiologic status during moderate sedation and procedures, including continuous pulse oximetry, blood pressure and heart rate, recognize deterioration, initiate emergency protocols and document events as required.
Establish and maintain intravenous access for sedation and contrast administration when credentialed; assist anesthesia or sedation providers with medication administration as per state scope and institutional policy.
Perform safe patient transfers, positioning, and immobilization for radiographic/fluoroscopic views while minimizing radiation exposure and ensuring procedural imaging quality.
Execute digital image acquisition, labeling and archiving into PACS or EMR; ensure accurate patient identifiers, exam codes and procedure notes to comply with billing and documentation standards.
Maintain rigorous radiation safety practices: utilize shielding, collimation, radiation badges, and exposure-reduction techniques during fluoroscopy and mobile imaging; educate staff on ALARA principles.
Triage and prepare specimens (biopsy, cytology) for pathology by correctly labeling, preserving and transporting samples; ensure chain-of-custody and documentation accuracy.
Perform routine, scheduled and trouble-shooting maintenance on endoscopy and imaging equipment, escalate technical issues to biomedical engineering and document equipment incidents.
Lead room turnover and sterile field setup between procedures: restock disposables, reprocess and stage instruments, confirm functionality of suction, oxygen and procedural supplies to maximize throughput.
Enforce infection prevention processes including environmental cleaning, appropriate PPE use, sharps safety and handling of biohazardous waste in accordance with OSHA and facility policy.
Educate patients and families on pre-procedure instructions (fasting, medication adjustments) and post-procedure care (diet progression, signs of complications), documenting education and patient understanding.
Participate in departmental quality assurance and improvement initiatives such as endoscope surveillance cultures, procedure audit reviews, and documentation compliance projects to improve outcomes and reduce infection risk.
Maintain inventory control activities: monitor supply usage, place orders, track expiration dates of contrast and disposables, and participate in cost containment efforts without compromising patient care.
Ensure HIPAA-compliant handling of patient records, consent forms and images; assist with accurate charge capture and procedural coding to support revenue integrity.
Train and precept new technologists, cross-train peri-procedural staff and conduct competency assessments for endoscopy and fluoroscopy skills including reprocessing and radiation safety.
Participate in multidisciplinary communication with gastroenterology, anesthesia, nursing and radiology teams to coordinate complex cases, turnaround times and escalation of clinical issues.
Respond to procedure-related emergencies (bleeding, perforation, adverse sedation events) by following institutional protocols, assisting in hemostatic interventions and coordinating rapid patient transfer when necessary.
Support special procedures such as pH/impedance probe placement, manometry assistance, capsule endoscopy preparation and enteral tube placements as required by service scope.
Maintain up-to-date credentialing, continuing education and compliance with state, hospital and professional requirements for endoscopy, fluoroscopy and sterile processing practices.

Secondary Functions

Participate in multidisciplinary committees (infection control, quality, equipment selection) to provide end-user perspective for process and technology improvements.
Gather and analyze procedural throughput data, room utilization metrics and equipment downtime trends to recommend operational efficiencies and scheduling adjustments.
Assist with vendor relations for endoscopy devices and imaging equipment, coordinate on-site demos, warranty service and staff training sessions when new equipment is procured.
Support training programs for students and allied health learners rotating through the endoscopy unit; prepare learning objectives and evaluate competency attainment.
Maintain and update procedural checklists, standard operating procedures, and quick-reference guides to reflect best practices and regulatory changes.
Lead small quality improvement projects such as reduction of procedure cancellations, optimization of reprocessing workflows, or reduction of scope damage incidents.
Assist with coding validation and documentation audits to ensure accurate billing descriptors, modifiers and service times are captured for upper GI procedures.
Serve as a backup resource for PACS/image retrieval, digital reporting workflows and EMR procedural note templates to minimize disruption in the event of technical issues.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in endoscopy equipment operation: video processors, light sources, insufflators, suction systems, electrosurgical units and endoscopic accessories.
Skilled in flexible endoscope cleaning and reprocessing workflows, including leak testing, manual cleaning, automated endoscope reprocessors (AER), and high-level disinfection techniques.
Competent with fluoroscopy units and radiographic positioning for upper GI series, barium studies and contrast-based imaging; knowledge of radiation physics and ALARA practices.
Ability to monitor and document physiologic parameters during moderate sedation or anesthesia; familiarity with sedation protocols and emergence/rescue procedures.
IV insertion/phlebotomy skills for contrast and medication administration (where credentialed), with careful adherence to infection control.
Experience with PACS, RIS, EMR systems and digital image capture workflows; accurate labeling, archiving and retrieval of procedural images.
Specimen handling and pathology logistics: correct fixation, labeling and transport of biopsy samples with attention to chain-of-custody.
Knowledge of instrument/device inventory control systems, disposable lifecycle management and supply ordering processes.
Understanding of regulatory standards and best practices: CDC, AAMI, OSHA, The Joint Commission related to endoscopy and sterile processing.
Basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance skills for endoscopy towers, scopes and ancillary equipment; ability to escalate and coordinate with biomedical engineering.

Soft Skills

Strong patient-centered communication skills: explain procedures, obtain informed consent clarify expectations and provide compassionate post-procedure instructions.
High attention to detail and organizational skills to safely manage complex instrument sets, documentation and multi-step reprocessing tasks.
Ability to stay calm and decisive under pressure, particularly during adverse procedural events and emergent patient care situations.
Collaborative team player who works effectively with physicians, nurses, radiology, anesthesia and sterile processing to optimize procedural flow.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to anticipate clinician needs, troubleshoot equipment failures and identify process improvements.
Strong time-management skills to maintain throughput while adhering to safety and quality protocols.
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with endoscopy and imaging technologies and best practices.
Integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive patient information and procedural documentation.
Teaching and mentoring aptitude for onboarding new staff and leading competency-based training.
Adaptability to changing schedules, case complexity and cross-coverage requirements in a procedural services environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent plus completion of an accredited allied health program (Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology, Endoscopy Technician, Nursing) and/or certificate in endoscopy technology.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree in Health Sciences, Radiologic Technology, Nursing, Surgical Technology, or closely related allied health field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Radiologic Technology / Diagnostic Imaging
Surgical Technology / Endoscopy Technology
Nursing (ADN, BSN) with peri-procedural experience
Sterile Processing / Central Sterile Technician programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of experience in endoscopy, GI procedural areas or fluoroscopy/radiology with demonstrated competency in upper GI procedures.

Preferred:

2+ years specifically supporting upper GI procedures (EGD, ERCP, upper GI series) with documented reprocessing and fluoroscopy experience.
Experience in high-volume endoscopy suites, academic medical centers, or ambulatory surgical centers with diverse procedural caseloads.

Certifications and credentials (commonly required or preferred):

BLS (Basic Life Support) — required
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) — preferred for sedation/monitored cases
Certified Endoscopy Technician/Technologist (if available) or CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) — preferred
ARRT (Radiologic Technologist) or state radiology license for fluoroscopy-based roles — required where applicable
State licensure for IV therapy or other delegated responsibilities if required by facility/state regulations

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