By Dr. Ron Winston
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Endoscopy Technicians is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030. Likewise, employment projections from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunities, Workforce Development Area 23, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties indicates that there will be projected 9% growth from 2022 to 2030. Many of the openings are expected because of the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations, exit the workforce, or move out of state. The aging of the large baby-boom generation is expected to increase the demand for allied health care workers due to the need for more medical procedures. To meet this demand, Miami Dade College, a leader in addressing the workforce needs of our community, is dedicated to preparing students for the ever-changing field of health care.
Miami Dade College’s School of Health Sciences developed a 24-Credit College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Endoscopy Technician to meet the needs of our community. This College Credit Certificate is designed to educate and prepare graduates with the transferable skills required for entry-level employment as a member of the Surgical Services health care team. Endoscopy Technicians are responsible for preparing the operating room and the equipment and for providing support to physicians and nurses while procedures are underway. They also gather patient data and are responsible for troubleshooting any issues pertaining to endoscopes, an instrument with a camera attached to its end. Endoscopy Technicians communicate with appropriate health care providers regarding findings, maintain a breadth of knowledge regarding the various endoscopic procedures, and provide patients with physical and emotional support during their procedures. Similarly, Endoscopy Technicians play an important role among the gastroenterology team throughout the endoscopy procedure by helping to prepare materials, obtain specimens, and maintain a sterile field during the procedure. Additionally, these technicians ensure that all equipment is functioning properly before use.
By developing the CCC in Endoscopy Technician to address the workforce needs in Miami Dade County, Miami Dade College’s School of Health Sciences is preparing students to become highly skilled healthcare professionals, while improving their quality of life and allowing them to become an integral part of healthcare team. The School of Health Sciences turns health care career dreams into reality for thousands of students every year.
Dr. Ron Winston is Chairperson, School of Health Sciences at Miami Dade College. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/medical/ or call (305) 237-4103.
