Rethinking the Role of the Endoscopy Technician: Advancing to the Endoscopy Expert

Background

The role of the endoscopy technician has traditionally been underrecognized within the gastrointestinal (GI) procedural team. Historically, technicians have received limited formal education, often relying on on-the-job training from senior colleagues. This has led to variability in skill levels and a lack of consistent professional development. Furthermore, the high turnover rate in this role prevents many technicians from evolving into true experts. This lack of advancement opportunities may contribute to job dissatisfaction and perpetuate workforce instability. These gaps can impact procedural efficiency, patient safety, and team cohesion.

Given today's staffing challenges, it is reasonable to consider creative solutions, including cross-training other endoscopy team members to fulfill technician responsibilities during callouts or staffing shortages.

Current Challenges

Inconsistent Training: Lack of standardized education programs for endoscopy technicians.
High Turnover Rates: Limited career advancement opportunities leading to increased attrition.
Variable Skill Levels: Inconsistent technical competencies that can affect procedural outcomes.
Increased Infection Risks: Non-uniform adherence to infection control and reprocessing protocols.

Innovative Solution: The Endoscopy Technician Training Program

In response to these challenges, a collaborative initiative involving Houston Community College (HCC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Texas Medical Center endoscopists, nurses, technicians, industry partners, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, led by Dr. Gottumukkala Subba Raju, developed a comprehensive Endoscopy Technician Training Program. This initiative aims to elevate the role of the technician to that of an "Endoscopy Expert," a role defined by advanced technical expertise, clinical knowledge, and strong professional competencies.

Program Highlights

Curriculum: A 35-credit hour certificate program including didactic instruction, laboratory training, and clinical rotations.
Certificate: Graduates qualify to sit for the ��Endoscopy Technician Exam to earn an ��Certification of Completion.
Outcomes: The 2022 cohort achieved a 100% graduation rate and a 100% ��exam pass rate.

Key Competencies of the Endoscopy Expert

Technical Proficiency: Mastery of endoscope anatomy, function, and troubleshooting.
Infection Control: Expertise in reprocessing protocols and infection prevention.
Clinical Knowledge: Foundational understanding of GI anatomy, pathology, and procedural techniques.
Professionalism: Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills within the procedural team.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

In addition to offering a Level II Certification in Endoscopy Technology following one year of structured training, Houston Community College provides an alternative pathway for experienced technicians. Technicians with a minimum of four years of employment may qualify for the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process, allowing them to earn up to 70% of the required credits by demonstrating prior competencies. The remaining coursework can be completed online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Furthermore, Houston Community College has developed a structured academic progression that includes an associate degree in Endoscopy Technology, with the opportunity to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. This comprehensive educational pathway empowers endoscopy units to invest in the professional growth and long-term career development of their technicians.

Implementation Strategies for GI Practices

To successfully integrate the Endoscopy Expert model, GI practices should consider the following steps:

Adopt Standardized Training: Implement structured programs, such as the ��Endoscopy Technician Training Program, to ensure consistent and high-quality skill development.
Career Development: Establish pathways for advancement to enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

Conclusion

Redefining the technician role as an “Endoscopy Expert” is a strategic step toward improving procedural quality, patient safety, and operational efficiency. By investing in standardized education and career development, GI practices can cultivate a skilled and stable workforce prepared to meet the increasing demands of modern endoscopy.

References

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). (2024). GI Technician Training Program. Retrieved from /home/education/featured/gi-tech
��Endoscopy Unit Quality Indicator Taskforce, Day, L. W., Cohen, J., Greenwald, D., Petersen, B. T., Schlossberg, N. S., ... & Calderwood, A. H. (2017). Quality indicators for gastrointestinal endoscopy units. VideoGIE, 2(6), 119–140.
Suresh, S., Pande, M., Patel, K., Mahometano, L. D., Romero, L. G., Barringer, D., Sealock, R. J., & Raju, G. S. (2021). Education, training, and knowledge of infection control among endoscopy technicians and nurses. American Journal of Infection Control, 49(6), 836–839.
Raju, G. S., Patel, K., Suresh, S., et al. (2024). Development of an endoscopy technician training certificate program in a community college. iGIE, 3(2), 153–162.
Raju, G. S., & Ge, P. S. (2024). Historical innovation in education: The development of an endoscopy technician training program and a novel professional pathway for endoscopy assistants. iGIE, 3(4), 539–561.
Thomson, A., Hair, C., & Oyeleke, G. K. (2024). Outside the training paradigm: Challenges and solutions for endoscopy provision in resource-limited settings. Techniques and Innovations in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 26(3), 270–282.

Authors

Ekta Gupta, MD is a practicing gastroenterologist and health care leader, currently Chief of Gastroenterology at UMMC-Midtown, Director of Ambulatory Operations at Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at University of Maryland. Dr. Gupta is a member of the ��Practice Operations Committee.

Jonathan Buscaglia, MD is a practicing gastroenterologist and the former Division Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Stony Brook University Hospital. He now serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at Stony Brook Medicine. Dr. Buscaglia has previously served on numerous ��committees. He is currently a member of the ��Practice Operations Committee.