Endoscopy Technician

Physicians use endoscopes to examine the digestive tract of their patients. This thin, flexible tube has a camera on the end that allows doctors to detect diseases, lesions, or other medical issues such as cancer. They can even use the endoscope to take biopsies of tissue. This non-surgical procedure, while uncomfortable, is safe, efficient, and far preferable to exploratory surgery.

Endoscopy technicians assist doctors and nurses with endoscopies. They establish and maintain a sterile field, assist with equipment set up, help run equipment during procedures, sterilize equipment after procedures, and can be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Aspiring endoscopy technicians can enter this field upon graduating high school or earning a GED. Once employed, they must complete on-the-job training. Endoscopy technicians who want to pursue formal education can complete a certificate program or an associate’s in endoscopy or surgical technology. 

Earnings for endoscopy technicians vary based on education and years of experience. According to PayScale (2023), endoscopy technicians earn $46,017 per year on average. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep data for endoscopy technicians, a related profession, surgical technologists, earn $56,350 per year (BLS 2023). The job outlook for surgical technologists is good, with an anticipated 5 percent national increase in openings between 2022 and 2032. This increase is due to an aging baby boomer population that needs more medical care and surgeries. 

Discover how to become an endoscopy tech, including required education, typical job duties, and a step-by-step guide.

There are several paths to becoming an endoscopy technician. While many aspiring technicians may choose to complete a certificate program or associate’s degree, it is possible to enter this field directly after high school and complete on-the-job training. 

Certificate programs typically take a year to complete, while associate’s degrees take two or more years to earn. There are endoscopy technician-specific programs, although many professionals who enter this field choose to complete a surgical technologist program. It provides the necessary training, sought-after credentials, and certifications that can be beneficial when searching for work.

Endoscopy technician and surgical technician programs can be very competitive, so candidates should strive to put forward the best application they can. Admission requirements typically include completing a basic life-saving class, holding a GED or high school diploma, and passing both a background check and drug screening. Often, programs may require students to complete prerequisite coursework in medical terminology, math, or anatomy.

Ensuring a program is accredited is crucial when looking for an endoscopy technician program. Accreditation assures students that the program meets a minimum level of quality in faculty, facilities, and curriculum. Accreditation may be either from one of the six regional accrediting regions or programmatic from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which approves surgical technologist programs. There is no programmatic accreditation for endoscopy technician programs.

Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers a specialized Endoscopy Technician Program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to secure a recognized industry credential and become an integral part of a surgical team. The program, which takes two semesters or eight months to complete, involves 24 credits and is offered primarily in the evening with some morning offerings. It provides students with learning experiences that allow them to become essential members of a surgical team.

The program is intensive, and it is recommended that students limit their employment to no more than 20 hours per week if they need to work for financial support. Upon completion, students will be prepared to assist in preparing the operating room and equipment, provide support during procedures, gather patient data, and troubleshoot any issues related to endoscopes. They will also learn how to maintain a sterile field during procedures, ensure all equipment functions correctly, and communicate effectively with other healthcare staff.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Duration: Two semesters
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $118.22 per credit (residents); $402.51 per credit (non-residents)

Houston Community College

In the Houston Community College endoscopy technician program, students learn the necessary skills to handle scopes, supplies, and equipment during endoscopic procedures. Graduates are eligible for entry-level employment in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgery centers.  

Applications are accepted and processed from January to June each year, so applicants need to be on top of timelines to be considered for this program. Prerequisite coursework, including an introduction to health professions and medical terminology, must be completed or in progress when applying for admission. Completing coursework in biology is not required, although highly recommended.   

• Location: Houston, TX
• Duration: Two semesters
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $322 per credit 

San Jacinto College (Related Program – Surgical Technology)

Students receive a well-rounded education and training in the surgical technology program at San Jacinto College, including endoscopy equipment. This program combines classroom learning with supervised clinical practicums to ensure students know how to apply what they have learned. Graduates of this program are prepared to assist with various procedures, affording them flexibility when pursuing employment. 

Coursework completed as part of this program can be used to complete an associate’s in applied science, should a student wish to pursue further education. This program has selective admissions and uses a scoring rubric to evaluate candidates. Applicants receive points for their GPA, grades on prerequisite coursework, and previous medical experience. Requirements for admission include completing a basic life support class, immunizations, a background check, and a drug screening.  

• Location: Pasadena, TX
• Duration: Three semesters (12 months)
• Accreditation: Commission for Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Tuition: $223 per credit hour

Sinclair Community College (Related Program – Surgical Technology)

The associate’s of applied science (AAS) in surgical technology at Sinclair Community College prepares students to be valuable surgical team members. Graduates of this program work in various settings, including endoscopy centers, OB departments, operating rooms, and tissue banks. Students receive a combination of classroom education and hands-on clinical training. 

As this is an associate’s degree program, students must complete general education coursework in addition to the classes in surgical technology. Students may complete their general education coursework before gaining admission to the more limited technical classes. To graduate from this program, students must take the Certified Surgical Technologist exam (CST), administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

• Location: Dayton, OH
• Duration: Five semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Tuition: $344.40 per credit 

Bevill State Community College (Related Program – Surgical Technology)

For the past 20 years, 100 percent of the graduates of the surgical technology program at Bevill State Community College have found employment within six months of completing their certificate. This innovative program emphasizes education, skills, and attitude to create well-rounded surgical technologists who are an asset to any surgical team. Students must complete 120 clinical observations, of which up to 10 can be endoscopy procedures. 

While no prerequisite coursework is needed for admission, applicants must have a GED or high school diploma. Candidates are admitted on a competitive basis and are scored based on their interview with the program director, military service, Accuplacer exam scores, and previous medical-related field experience.

• Location: Jasper, AL
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $246 per credit

Texas State Technical College (Related Program – Surgical Technology)

Texas State Technical College offers a hybrid surgical technology program. While there is no specific endoscopy certification, endoscopy is a component of the education students must complete. 

Students pursuing a career in endoscopy can choose to complete endoscopic procedures as part of their clinical case requirements. All classroom coursework is offered online while clinical experiences are completed at Valley Baptist Medical Center and Harlingen Medical Center Surgical Suite.

Due to the physical nature of work as a surgical or endoscopy technician, students must complete a physical examination to be considered for admission. Other admission requirements include immunizations, drug screening, a background check, official transcripts, and a completed financial aid application.   

• Location: Waco, TX
• Duration: Two semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Tuition: $2,784-$13,920 per total 

Gulf Coast State College 

At Gulf Coast State College, students can complete a surgical services associate’s of science (AS) with an endoscopic technician option. Students who are already employed in the field can complete their education online, while students who are not currently employed must complete a traditional on-campus program. Students must complete general education requirements in addition to coursework specific to surgical services and endoscopy. 

This program includes the online SGNA Associate Credentialing Program. Upon completion of the program, students can use the GI Technical Specialist (GTS) title. Courses students must take to complete this program include endoscopy basics, endoscopy technician theory, and surgical anatomy and physiology. 

• Location: Panama City, FL
• Duration: Two semesters
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $359.71 per credit 

Berkeley College (Related Program – Surgical Technology Option)

Berkeley College in New York, NY, offers a health sciences associate in applied science degree (AAS). Depending on students’ needs, this two-year program can be completed online or in a hybrid format. In addition to general education classes, students can choose to take a specialization in surgical technology. Students who complete this specialization are eligible to participate in the CFER examination administered by the CBSPD.

This program’s required coursework includes foundations in health services, medical terminology, ethics in health services, and fundamentals of surgical processing. To graduate from this program, students must sit for the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) certification examination administered by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

• Location: New York, NY
• Duration: Four semesters
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $890 per credit 

Baptist Health System – School of Health Professions (Related Program – Surgical Technology)

Surgical technologists who need to complete additional education to earn certification can complete the five-semester Baptist Health System School of Health Professions surgical technology accelerated alternate delivery program. This online program features asynchronous classes so students can complete their coursework at their own pace. This program specifically targets surgical technologists who have already received on-the-job training or completed an unaccredited program. 

In addition to surgical technologist coursework, students will also be required to complete general education classes. This balance in coursework ensures graduates are well-rounded and have the necessary skills to provide high-quality patient care. 

• Location: San Antonio, TX
• Duration: Five semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• Tuition: $30,750 (includes books and fees)

One can gain entry-level employment as an endoscopy technician after high school or after completing a GED. Professionals who pursue a direct route will complete on-the-job training that takes roughly a year to complete. If aspiring endoscopy technicians choose to pursue formal education, it typically takes one to two years of education post-high school to gain the necessary skills and training,

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

Completing high school or obtaining a GED is the first step in a career as an endoscopy technician. Not only is it required by most employers, but it can also be necessary for admission to a certificate or associate’s degree program. Students considering this career should focus on classes such as biology, math, chemistry, and psychology to gain the necessary skills to excel in this field.  

Step 2a: Complete Endoscopy Technician Education (Optional, One to Two  Years) 

Aspiring endoscopy technicians can choose to complete formal education. Programs are offered as a one-year certificate or two-year associate’s degree. While education is optional in this field, it can be beneficial when looking for work or seeking a promotion. About half of endoscopy technicians have completed an education course. 

Step 2b: Obtain On-The-Job Endoscopy Technician Training (Optional, One to Two Years)

Roughly half of endoscopy technicians enter this field by obtaining entry-level work and completing on-the-job training. This training typically lasts a year, although there are no formal requirements, so it can be shorter or longer depending on the employer. 

Step 3: Earn an Endoscopy Technician Certification (Optional, Timeline Varies)

While certification is optional for endoscopy technicians, it can be beneficial when looking for work or pursuing a promotion. Check out the certification section below for details.

Endoscopy technicians work in hospitals, endoscopy centers, outpatient clinics, surgery centers, and physicians’ offices. Typical day-to-day duties include:

• Preparing a suite or room for an endoscopy procedure
• Assisting physicians or nurses during an endoscopy
• Maintaining or repairing endoscopy equipment
• Reprocessing (sterilizing) endoscopy equipment
• Collecting specimens from a patient
• Ensuring equipment is in proper working order before a procedure

Certification as an endoscopy technician is voluntary, although highly recommended. The primary certifications earned in this field are:

• Associate or technician through the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). This is an online program that teaches the basics of endoscopy. Upon completion, candidates may call themselves a GI Technical Specialist (GTS) or Advanced GI Technical Specialist.
• The Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD) offers a flexible endoscope reprocessor (GI scope) certification exam (CFER). This certification demonstrates competency in sterilizing endoscopes. 
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This is for students who have completed a surgical technology program. 
• Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This is also for students who have completed a surgical technology program. 
• Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER) through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) is for endoscopy techs who clean, tests, disinfect, transport, and store endoscopy equipment.

Currently, there are no state licensing requirements for endoscopy technicians. Surgical technicians working in endoscopy must be licensed in 11 states, although lobbying and legislation exist to increase that number. Requirements for licensing vary by state, so candidates should contact their local board to ensure they have the necessary qualifications.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not maintain data on endoscopy technicians, but surgical technologists—a related occupation—can provide insights. Please note that the surgical tech role requires more education and has more responsibilities than most endoscopy technicians. 

Average annual earnings for a surgical technologist are $57,500 (BLS May 2022). Percentiles for wages are: 

• 10th percentile: $38,860
• 25th percentile: $47,860
• 50th percentile (median): $55,960
• 75th percentile: $64,360
• 90th percentile: $78,560

According to PayScale (2023), endoscopy technicians earn $18.92 per hour, which is a bit lower than the average of $27.64 for surgical technicians.

Here are some alternatives to a career as an endoscopy technician. 

Become a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists work in dental clinics cleaning patients’ teeth. They also examine teeth for gum disease, educate patients on proper oral care, and provide preventative treatments. Typically, they are the person patients interact with the most in a dental office. 

• Typical Education: Certificate
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board Dental Hygiene Examination

Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants work in every health care setting, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and more. They provide essential services such as taking patients’ vital signs, preparing or cleaning procedure rooms, and monitoring patients. They also perform many clerical tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining client records.  

• Typical Education: Certificate
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Medical Technologists (AMT), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Become a Clinical Laboratory Technician

Most clinical laboratory technicians work in hospitals and are employed at diagnostic labs, physicians’ offices, and outpatient clinics. Typical duties include analyzing bodily fluid samples, using laboratory equipment, logging data, writing reports on findings, and discussing lab results with doctors. 

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.