How To Become An Endoscopy Nurse

Endoscopy nurses are RNs who specialize in procedures that assess and diagnose gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. They prep patients and assist physicians as a fiber-optic tube is guided into the body to view the digestive tract. Here are the education, licensure, and certification requirements, plus the career outlook.

How Long to Become: 2-4 years Degree Required: ADN or BSN Recommended Certification: Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN)

What an Endoscopy Nurse Does

Endoscopy nurses assist physicians performing endoscopies and colonoscopies. An endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure in which a fiber-optic tube with a light and camera is passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. In a colonoscopy, the scope goes in through the rectum to examine the colon and large intestine.

They work in hospitals, specialty clinics, and clinical labs, where they educate and prep patients, assist with procedures, monitor vital signs, administer and monitor sedation, update records, and complete discharge teaching.

Steps to Becoming an Endoscopy Nurse

1. Earn an ADN or BSN. Nursing requires at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which takes two years, but many employers prefer a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), especially for a specialty like endoscopy. ADN holders can finish a BSN in about two years through an RN-to-BSN program, and those with a non-nursing bachelor's can use an accelerated BSN program to finish in as little as a year.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN. After your degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and apply for an RN license in your state. The exam tests clinical judgment, patient safety, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

3. Gain endoscopy experience. Clinical experience is valuable. Connect with working endoscopy nurses to learn the specialty, and pursue training from groups like the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates.

4. Consider the CGRN credential. The certified gastroenterology registered nurse credential from the ABCGN demonstrates your expertise. It requires two years of full-time (or 4,000 hours of part-time) experience in GI practice or endoscopy plus a passing exam. Renewal requires 75 contact hours, 60 of them GI-specific, 30 of which must come from approved CE seminars and workshops.

Education

An ADN is the minimum, but many employers prefer a BSN, so the most common path is BSN, clinical experience, then certification. Options also exist for ADN holders and those with a non-nursing bachelor's.

The ADN suits those who want to start working quickly, and its shorter length makes it more affordable. It is enough to take the NCLEX and earn RN licensure, though some employers prefer or require a BSN; an RN-to-BSN program closes that gap in about half the time. Admission needs a high school diploma or GED and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The curriculum covers microbiology, anatomy, pharmacology, nursing principles, psychology, clinical skills, and lab training over two years, teaching medical terminology, legal and ethical issues, vital signs, medication administration, and basic procedures.

The BSN opens more career and advancement options and adds general education on top of nursing courses. Admission typically requires a high school diploma or GED, a 2.5-3.0 minimum GPA, science and math prerequisites passed with a C or better, and pre-entrance exams. Over four years it covers clinical experiences, community nursing, ethics, gerontology, leadership, behavioral health, nursing principles, pharmacology, physiology, psychology, women's health, and pediatrics, building critical thinking, case management, wellness promotion, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

Licensure and Certification

After an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX and apply for an RN license, the minimum to work as an endoscopy nurse. Renewal varies by state but usually requires 24-30 direct contact hours, sometimes in specified subjects, most often every two years (the range runs one to four years).

The CGRN is not required, but many employers recommend it. To be eligible, RNs need two years of full-time clinical experience or 4,000 hours part-time within the last five years. Renewal requires 75 contact hours every five years, 60 of them GI-specific.

Working as an Endoscopy Nurse

Endoscopy nurses work mainly in hospitals and specialty clinics directly with patients. Some work in clinical labs overseeing equipment prep, disinfection protocols, and policy compliance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track endoscopy nurses specifically but projects 5% growth for all RN roles by 2034, above the 3% average across occupations. Endoscopy nurses earn about $30.14 an hour as of December 2025 per Payscale, below the average RN hourly wage of $45.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take? Earning an ADN, gaining clinical experience, and becoming certified can take about four years. A BSN adds roughly two years; ADN holders can reach the role in about six years through an RN-to-BSN program.

What is the fastest route? Earn an ADN, gain two years of clinical experience, and pass the ABCGN certification exam, about four years total.

Is it hard to become one? The education is no harder than any other RN program, but the work is demanding and fast-paced, and patients are often stressed or anxious.

What does an endoscopy nurse earn? Roughly an RN's wage. Per Payscale, endoscopy nurses average $30.14 an hour as of December 2025, while RNs average $45.00.