An endoscopy technician works with medical doctors in diagnosing problems related to the gastrointestinal tract.
You will be working mostly with an endoscope. This is a medical equipment used for exploring the patient’s internal organs. It is a flexible tube with a camera on one end. The endoscope is capable of illuminating the part being investigated and takes images that the doctor can view on the screen.
Your job as an endoscopy technician is to provide assistance to the doctor while he/she inspects the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. You will provide assistance whether the endoscopy is done mainly for viewing or for obtaining specimen for biopsy.
Aside from providing assistance, you will also be responsible for preparing the things needed for endoscopy. You will have to make sure that the room and other instruments needed for the procedure are clean. To do this, you need to follow the hospital’s strict rules when it comes to infection control.
The job of an endoscopy technician goes beyond the basic assistance to the doctor as you’ll also assist patients. You may be asked to take the patient to the examination room and obtain the needed data.
Why You Would Want To Become An Endoscopy Technician
Becoming part of the healthcare industry is a very fulfilling job. As an endoscopy technician, you will be able to render service to patients and his/her family, be part of a team of professionals that actually make a difference without getting into the same rigorous training doctors went through.
On the practical side of things, there are good job opportunities for those who are thinking of getting into this kind of job. Based on the government data, there are plenty of jobs available for those who are considering this career path.
How To Become An Endoscopy Technician
Most entry-level jobs for an endoscopy technician only require a high school diploma as you will be trained for the job. However, there are health care facilities that require one to obtain at least associate’s degree in endoscopy technology or surgical technology.
An associate degree in endoscopy technology provides you with your needed knowledge on gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, basic procedures in the operating room, and a whole lot more.
Aside from an associate degree, those who aspire to become an endoscopy technician must also take a basic life support course. This will equip one with the basic knowledge and skills needed to handle emergency situations.
Based on the 2013 data, the mean annual salary for an endoscopy technician is between $30,000-$31,000.