Experience and Skills Required
In order to work in hospitals as a GI lab tech, you will have to obtain an associate's degree in the health care industry. Some employers may accept you with a combo of certificates, associate's degree and hand's on training. Lab techs are required to know about chemistry, biology, physiology and anatomy. They are also required to be meticulous, professional and extremely detail oriented at work.
Working Environment
A lot of GI lab tech specialists are employed in hospital settings that are attached to an endoscopy or gastroenterology clinic. Many don't help with the treatment of patients and instead they work in the lab, analyzing and processing samples. They are also required to prepare the chemicals used for procedures like colonoscopies. Rotating shifts are usually offered at large hospitals, but in smaller institutions and clinics, the work hours are usually more stable.
Job Responsibilities
GI lab tech specialists are responsible for taking samples from patient procedures, such as blood, fluid and tissue, and process them. They are also supposed to help the lab technologists with the development, analysis and testing of methods that ensure high accuracy levels. Most GI lab techs work under the supervision of a lab scientist.
Salaries and Wages
The average salary range for GI lab techs is between $23,000 and $50,000. The median average is around $35,000. Many GI lab tech specialists work in hospitals, which are known for receiving the highest salaries.
Job Outlook
This profession has an outlook that predicts significant growth in the near future. More jobs will be available in hospitals, physician offices, specialty clinics and independent labs.
