How to Become an Endoscopy Tech: A Comprehensive Guide

December 17, 2018

 

So you’ve decided to enter the allied healthcare as an endoscopy technician. You may have already encountered this career by a variety of other names like "flexible endoscope reprocessor or gastrointestinal tech (GI). One thing is definitely for certain: There’s never been a better time to jump into this field. 

Whether you’re just starting out or are a medical professional who’s considering a switch to something more hands-on, becoming an endoscopy tech is an exciting and reliable prospect. 

Endoscopy technician certification programs can be extremely selective. No problem! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you make the most educated decisions about your future career. 

1. Choose the Right Campus 

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For you to succeed in your studies, you’ll need to find a school that ticks all of your boxes. Most students choose to stay close to home while they complete their programs. Many continue to work part-time or full-time jobs while attending classes. So they require an uncomplicated daily commute. 

There are, however, great educational opportunities throughout the United States, so it’s not unheard of for people to move to a new city or state. 

Wherever you decide to go, visit a few campuses to find one that fits your needs. By checking out the learning environment, observing classes, and having conversations with prospective educators and fellow students, you’ll be able to narrow down the school that’s best for you. 

Meet with a School Representative

Admissions experts are available to all interested students, and they’ll answer any questions to help you achieve your goals. They’re also the people to speak to about applying and enrolling in classes, course structures, and whether financial aid is an option. 

2. Understand Your Financial Aid Options

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Federal financial aid might not be available for endoscopy tech programs, but there still may be excellent opportunities like scholarships, private loans, and even interest-free payment plans through the school itself. 

We recommend submitting your financial information at least one week before applying to your chosen school. Getting certified as an endoscopy tech with minimal student debt is great, especially when it comes with such incredible entry-level salaries.  

3. Apply to Your Endoscopy Technician Training Program 

Many GI tech training programs have open enrollment, meaning that students can apply as soon as the course dates are posted on the school’s website. 

You might be able to send your application online, but most schools require an in-person visit to confirm your documents and financial aid. It’s commonplace for prospective students to complete an interview, along with an entrance exam like the Accuplacer or Wonderlic SLE. 

If you meet the conditions of these prerequisites, you may be accepted to the endoscopy tech program the very same day, so be prepared to sign agreements and other obligatory enrollment documents. Don’t worry if you’re not immediately accepted: You should have your response within 1-2 weeks. 

Please note that you’ll need to possess a high school diploma (or equivalent) and be at least 18 to enroll in an endoscopy technician training certification course. 

How Easy Is It to Get Into a GI Tech Training Course? 

Depending on how popular the program is, you may encounter selective acceptance. Some schools look at your highest level of completed education, exam scores, and how well you do on your interview. 

4. Attend Your School’s Orientation 

We know that it might sound boring, but attending orientation is incredibly informative. This is where you’ll discover more about classroom expectations, policies, and procedures. As a new student, you’ll probably have tons of questions, and this is the best time to ask them before classes start. 

5. Start Your Endoscopy Technician Program

Full-time GI tech hopefuls are usually able to complete their training in under 10 months. In the classroom, you’ll learn all about endoscopy technician duties that include sterilization techniques, medical terminology, surgical instrumentation, anatomy, gastrology, and infection control. 

Complete Your Clinical Internship 

After successfully completing the classroom portion of the course, students will be placed in a clinical internship with an experienced mentor. This is when prospective techs receive hands-on experience with minimally-invasive procedures like gastroscopies and colonoscopies. 

6. Pass Your Endoscopy Tech Certification Exam(s)

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When you’ve successfully completed your training program, you’ll be eligible receive your CER credential via the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM). You can also take the Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor Certification Board exam for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) certification. 

It’s possible that your state doesn’t require certification to find work as a GI tech, but trained and certified techs typically find more employment opportunities at higher starting salaries. 

Apply to AIMS’ Endoscopy Technician Training Program Today

In under one year, you can become fully prepared to start a career as a certified flexible endoscope reprocessor. You’ll make a difference in innumerable patients’ lives and find great salaries wherever you choose to work. 

If you’re living in New Jersey, be sure to contact an AIMS admissions specialist to discover if our endoscopy tech program is right for you

Endoscopy Technician Program