Endoscopy Technicians

What endoscopy technicians do

Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.

Typical tasks

1. 1Clean, disinfect, or calibrate scopes or other endoscopic instruments according to manufacturer recommendations and facility standards.
2. 2Collect specimens from patients, using standard medical procedures.
3. 3Perform safety checks to verify proper equipment functioning.
4. 4Maintain or repair endoscopic equipment.
5. 5Assist physicians or registered nurses in the conduct of endoscopic procedures.
6. 6Place devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeter sensors, nasal cannulas, surgical cautery pads, and cardiac monitoring electrodes, on patients to monitor vital signs.
7. 7Prepare suites or rooms according to endoscopic procedure requirements.
8. 8Maintain inventories of endoscopic equipment and supplies.
9. 9Attend in-service training to validate or refresh basic professional skills.
10. 10Conduct in-service training sessions to disseminate information regarding equipment or instruments.

Technology used

• MEDITECH software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word

How to become one

Education

The most common level among workers surveyed is a high school diploma (54%). Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.