Development of an endoscopy technician training certificate program in a community college

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology Training
• Allied Health Professions

Background:

• Formal training programs for endoscopy technicians (ETs) are lacking in community colleges.
• Existing surgical operating room technicians require extensive training, highlighting a need for specialized ET education.
• Houston Community College (HCC) identified a gap in ET training and sought to develop a dedicated program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a formal training program for endoscopy technicians (ETs) at the community college level.
• To address the discrepancy in training availability for ETs compared to other surgical support roles.
• To create a replicable model for ET training in educational institutions.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary advisory board developed a 1-year ET certificate program curriculum.
• Learning materials were created by an endoscopist, medical illustrator, and educator.
• Students received practical training at various endoscopy centers and took the ASGE certification exam.

Main Results:

• The ET training program at HCC took 6 years to develop and validate.
• Graduation rates were high, with 12 of 13 students graduating in the first year and all 6 in the second.
• Most graduates found employment shortly after the program, and the second class achieved an 80% average score on the ASGE exam.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative approach involving medical institutions and community colleges successfully established an ET training program.
• The program demonstrated success through student graduation, employment, and certification.
• This ET training model can serve as a blueprint for other community colleges seeking to implement similar programs.