An endoscopy technician centers on preparing and caring for the medical instruments and equipment used during endoscopic procedures. It is a vital element of the allied healthcare profession this is why many are wondering how to become a certified endoscopy technician.
Once you have been accepted into the endoscopic technician training program of your choice, you must register for the course. You can also choose to have additional endoscopy technician training online. Training for full-time GI technicians may often be completed in less than ten months. This implies that you can land your first GI endoscopy technician position in a little over a year.
What is an Endoscopy Technician?
The endoscopy technician prepares and maintains the tools and equipment before endoscopy treatments. They clean, sterilize, and calibrate endoscopic tools and scopes according to the facility's requirements.
They work in hospitals or clinics with endoscopy or gastrointestinal units. They can also be found at the offices of gastroenterologists, where endoscopic procedures are conducted, and in nursing homes and long-term care institutions.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a noninvasive technique used to inspect the digestive system. Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with an attached light, and a camera, your physician may examine pictures of your digestive system on a colored television monitor.
An endoscope is readily pushed through the mouth and neck and into the esophagus during an upper endoscopy, enabling the physician to observe the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine.
Endoscopes may also be introduced through the rectum into the large intestine colon. Depending on how far up the colon is inspected, this operation is termed sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a specialized endoscopy permit capturing of images of the pancreas, gallbladder, and adjacent tissues. ERCP is also used for the placement of stents and biopsies.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines upper endoscopy with ultrasound examination to collect pictures and information about different regions of the digestive system.
Work Environment
Endoscopy technicians may be expected to perform late or weekend shifts. They may also be "on call," which means they must be prepared to go to work if an endoscopy is planned at the last minute.
Endoscopy technicians must maintain sterile environments and use protective clothing and equipment in line with their employer's regulations and medical safety standards.
The work may be stressful when dealing with several patients, communicating with gastroenterologists, and preparing for endoscopic operations. To give the finest patient care, endoscopy technicians must pay close attention to the smallest details, remain calm, and maintain professionalism.
Endoscopy Technicians Require a Strong Stomach
A basic endoscopy technician job description demonstrates this profession is not for the faint of heart. During endoscopic medical procedures, you will ensure that the tools and equipment are prepared, complete, and sterilized. This step is crucial and may risk a life if not done in an accurate manner. This will help gastroenterologists effectively treat gastrointestinal disorders by inspecting internal organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestine, and rectum to discover abnormalities such as tumors and inflammation.
It Can Be Physically Challenging
Endoscopy technicians must be physically and psychologically resilient due to the demands of this profession. They must be able to stand for extended periods while doing their duties. Considering the working environment in healthcare facilities, the capacity to think clearly and critically is also advantageous. Additionally, facilities prefer endoscopy technicians with prior experience in an operating room and an in-depth understanding of endoscopic equipment and supplies.
It Requires Communication
Endoscopy technicians must possess strong communication skills to engage and understand the gastroenterologists' requests depending on the medical procedure. They should be prepared to respond to its inquiries and hear its concerns. Communication is vital in this job because a small mistake may risk life.
Cleaning is a Significant Portion of the Job
Disinfection and sterilization are essential for ensuring that medical and surgical tools and equipment do not transmit infectious pathogens to patients. Per manufacturer requirements, endoscopy technicians must clean and disinfect endoscopic tools before and after every gastrointestinal treatment.
The Field is Always Changing
To be able to deal with new equipment and instruments, you will need to stay abreast of industry developments. Even endoscopic technicians with many years of expertise are constantly educating themselves on the recent research and attending professional conferences.
Educational Requirements
There are a variety of ways to become an endoscopic technician. Although many prospective technicians pursue a certificate program or an associate's degree, it is feasible to join this sector right after high school and get on-the-job training.
Certificate programs are normally completed in one year, but associate's degrees need two or more years to complete. There are endoscopy technician-specific programs, although most workers that join this sector finish surgical technologist degrees. It gives the essential training, desired qualifications, and certificates that might be advantageous while seeking employment.
Martinson College was established to be a vital element of the industry's ongoing struggle to improve the standards of Central Services and Sterile Processing Departments (CS/SPD) in healthcare institutions across the globe, particularly in the United States. Our objective is to educate the community about the necessity of reusable medical device sterilization, decontamination, and reprocessing.
Read More: Is Sterile Processing Tech in Demand?
