A GI tech is a medical professional who works in the gastrointestinal (GI) lab. They are responsible for performing endoscopic procedures, such as upper GI endoscopies and colonoscopies.
Checkout this video:
The basics of a GI Tech
A GI Tech is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI Techs use a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to help patients with GI disorders. Some of these techniques include endoscopy, Colonoscopy, and Sigmoidoscopy.
What is a GI Tech?
The field of gastroenterology (GI) is rapidly evolving, and so are the roles of GI technologists. A GI technologist is a health care professional who provides direct patient care before, during, and after diagnostic and therapeutic GI procedures. The term “GI technologist” encompasses a wide range of job titles, including endoscopy technician, GI technician, and GI endoscopy technician.
GI technologists work closely with gastroenterologists—physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system—to provide high-quality patient care. They use their knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, as well as their technical skills, to help gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system.
GI technologists may be involved in a variety of procedures, including upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies, Lower gastrointestinal (LGI) studies, esophageal manometry studies, anorectal manometry studies, flexible sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies, angiography/arteriography procedures, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEGs), liver biopsies, small bowel follow-throughs (SBFTs), computed tomography enterographies (CTEs), and magnetic resonance enterographies (MREs). They may also assist with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), peroral endoscopic myotomies (POEMs), transanal minimally invasive surgeries (TAMISes), periradicular injections (PRIs), and Bravo pH monitoring capsule placement and removal procedures.
In addition to providing direct patient care, GI technologists may also be responsible for cleaning and sterilizing equipment; stocking exam rooms; ordering supplies; maintaining patient medical records; scheduling appointments; transporting patients; and performing administrative tasks.
What does a GI Tech do?
A GI tech is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.
GI techs use a variety of diagnostic tools and procedures to identify and treat gastrointestinal disorders. These include endoscopy, which is a procedure that allows the doctor to look inside the digestive tract; colonoscopy, which is a similar procedure that allows the doctor to examine the large intestine; and upper GI series, which is an X-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
GI techs also perform biopsies, which are samples of tissue that are taken from the gastrointestinal tract and examined under a microscope. This can help to identify conditions such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
In addition to their diagnostic duties, GI techs also assist with therapeutic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), in which a special catheter is inserted through the endoscope to treat problems of the bile ducts or pancreas; and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), in which tissue is removed from the digestive tract using an endoscope.
What are the responsibilities of a GI Tech?
The duties of a GI tech vary depending on their work setting, but they typically include preparing patients for procedures, operating x-ray and video equipment, and assisting the doctor during procedures. They may also be responsible for maintaining equipment and keeping detailed records.
The training of a GI Tech
A Gastrointestinal (GI) technologist is a professional who performs diagnostic procedures on patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The procedures help in the diagnosis of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum. A GI technologist also known as a gastroenterology technologist or endoscopy technologist.
What is the training process for a GI Tech?
A GI Tech is a person who specializes in performing endoscopic procedures, such as upper GI endoscopies and colonoscopies. The training process for a GI Tech generally includes completing a accredited educational program and passing a certification exam.
GI Techs typically have an Associates degree or post-secondary certificate, although some may have a Bachelor’s degree. Many GI Tech programs are two years in length, although some may be shorter or longer. programs typically include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and insurance billing and coding. In addition, students generally complete clinical rotations in order to gain hands-on experience.
After completing an educational program, GI Techs must pass a certification exam in order to become certified. Certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire certified technicians. The Certification Board for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates offers the Certified Gastroenterology Nurse (CGRN) credential for RNs and the Certified Endoscopy Technician (CET) credential for non-RNs. To maintain certification, GI Techs must complete continuing education credits on a regular basis.
How long does it take to become a GI Tech?
The requirements to become a GI technician may vary from state to state, but generally include the completion of an accredited GI technology program and the passing of a credentialing exam. Some states also require continuing education to maintain certification.
Most GI technology programs last between one and two years and lead to an associate’s degree or certificate. Some programs may offer both options. Students in these programs take courses in medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, and GI procedures. They also often complete clinical rotations in order to gain hands-on experience in the field.
What are the requirements to become a GI Tech?
To meet the minimum requirements for this position, you’ll need to have graduated from an accredited two-year associate’s degree program in Gastroenterology Technology. Specific courses that will likely be a part of your curriculum include general medical and surgical gastrointestinal procedures, medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and basic computer skills. In addition to the academic requirements, you will also need to have completed a minimum of 100 hours of clinical training in an approved hospital or medical facility.
The job outlook for GI Techs
There is a growing demand for GI techs in the united states This is a great career choice for those who are interested in the medical field and want to work with cutting-edge technology. GI techs use endoscopes to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders.
What is the job outlook for GI Techs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for GI techs is positive, with an expected growth of 22% from 2016 to 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations, so now is a great time to enter this field. With an aging population and an increasing number of people suffering from digestive disorders, the demand for GI techs is only going to continue to rise.
What are the future prospects for GI Techs?
The job outlook for GI Techs is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for GI technologists will grow by 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributable to the increasing number of diagnostic procedures being performed, as well as an aging population that is more likely to experience GI problems.
What are the career options for GI Techs?
GI techs can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of the field, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy. Some GI techs may even opt to become certified in their area of specialty.
