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What Is a Scanner and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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Table of Contents

What Are Scanner Jobs?

Scanning jobs require you to use a device to automatically input information into a computer system, thereby saving time over manual data entry. Some types of scanners are handheld, while others are flatbed scanners and not portable. Scanning jobs exist in retail, medical, and warehouse inventory fields, just to name a few. You could be a checkout clerk working with a conveyor belt scanner to ring up customers’ items. Alternatively, you could be a document scanner, responsible for scanning and printing documents in a variety of industries.

How to Become a Scanner

Becoming a Scanner typically involves holding at least a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the industry and state in which you work, there may be minimum age requirements for working as a Scanner. While there is usually no higher education requirement, earning an associate or bachelor’s in communication could make you a stronger candidate. Many successful Scanners possess a basic understanding of computer programs, data entry, clerical work, and using digital devices. Depending on the industry in which you work, you may need to undergo on-the-job training or obtain additional certification for success. For example, Scanners in the medical field may need to learn about Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA).

What Is a Document Scanner Job?

A document scanner has the responsibilities of making legible digital copies of hard documents. You do this by scanning them and saving them as image or PDF files. Because many of these documents have legal implications, they have to be completely visible, free from scan relics, blemishes, or imperfections in the image. Therefore, you have to keep the scanning tray clean by wiping it down regularly and adjusting the settings to ensure the highest image quality possible. As a document scanner, your duties may involve handling sensitive files. You must store and handle hard copies according to relevant confidentiality standards.

What Does a Scanner Operator Do?

A scanner operator works in a graphic design or print shop and places customers’ images onto a flatbed scanner. You then have to set the scanner’s properties to convert the image into a digital format suitable for printing. If you work in a lithography or photoengraving shop, you operate a scanner that transfers the imprint of a photograph onto a solid surface. Your duties include monitoring the level of film exposure. While qualifications for these positions vary, you should have some experience in graphic design.

What Is a Scanning Clerk?

A scanning clerk typically works in the medical profession. In this position, you use a special scanner to recreate digital versions of images such as X-ray readouts, ultrasounds, and other medical images. You then import the files into a patient’s medical records and destroy the hard copies, if that is required. Because of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, hard copies must be in storage that is secure and requires authorization. Most medical facilities have moved to electronic storage to save space.

Scanner Job Description Sample

With this Scanner job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Scanner role.

Job Summary

Our company is looking for an inventory Scanner in a high-volume warehouse. In this role, you will use a handheld scanner to track items as they enter or leave the warehouse. This ensures that our inventory database is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. You will also be responsible for sorting inventory after it is scanned and assisting with other data entry and administrative tasks as needed. Our ideal candidate has attention to detail and the manual dexterity to scan items quickly and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Scan items with a handhold scanner as they leave or enter our warehouse
  • Sort inventory after scanning
  • Update inventory information in our database
  • Perform administrative tasks as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED certificate preferred
  • Basic computer skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Manual dexterity

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