100%25 Imaging Technologist - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 100% Imaging Technologist - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Medical Imaging

Date Posted: 2026-06-15T19:07:36

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for delivering specialized digital angiography imaging within a high-acuity Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

• It involves direct patient care, requiring a blend of technical imaging expertise and clinical patient management skills.

• The position demands proficiency in operating complex imaging equipment, performing quality assurance, and ensuring patient safety protocols.

• Success in this role contributes directly to the operational efficiency and patient outcomes of a top-ranked cardiac center.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role. It is a specialized medical imaging technologist position within a healthcare setting. The enhancement will focus on the operational aspects of a cath lab, patient throughput, equipment management, and clinical workflow efficiency, framing it within an operations context where applicable.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Perform specialized digital angiography imaging procedures utilizing complex imaging equipment under physician supervision within the Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

• Provide direct, safe patient care to patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic adult cardiac catheterization procedures, including managing vital signs and basic/advanced life support.

• Independently operate, manipulate, adjust, and control the electronic and computerized components of the imaging system to produce high-quality patient examinations and research project images.

• Implement and maintain proper septic techniques, including skin preparation and IV placement, ensuring patient safety and infection control.

• Conduct image processing, such as 3-D reconstruction and image reprocessing, and non-imaging functions like spectroscopy.

• Prepare and administer contrast material to patients under radiologist supervision as required, adhering to safety protocols.

• Maintain accurate records of examinations, archive computer data, and manage image quality assurance procedures.

• Plan daily scheduling for efficient room utilization, including regular and STAT procedures, to optimize lab throughput.

• Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining quality assurance standards for equipment and consumables.

• Provide instruction and training to trainees, students, and other medical staff on imaging equipment operation and safety precautions.

• Stay current with developments in specialty imaging through continuous education, professional organizations, and review of publications, including periodic software updates.

• Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public, demonstrating professional behavior and flexibility.

• Participate in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, ensuring prompt arrival at UI Health Care within 20-30 minutes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are highly clinical but have strong operational components related to workflow management, equipment utilization, quality control, and team training, all critical for the efficient functioning of a cath lab.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a two-year or other approved program by the Joint Commission Committee in Radiologic Technology Education is required. Experience:

• Previous imaging technologist experience (Adult Cardiac Catheterization preferred); OR completion of a Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Clinical Internship within the last 12 months.

• Demonstrated history of positive and professional interactions with patients, families, professional healthcare staff, and interdisciplinary team members via written, verbal, and in-person communications.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.

• Required participation in night/weekend/holiday on-call assignment (arrival at UI Health Care within 20-30 minutes required). Required Skills:

• Digital Angiography Operation: Proficiency in operating and manipulating complex digital angiography imaging equipment.

• Patient Care & Monitoring: Ability to provide direct, safe patient care, including vital sign monitoring and basic/advanced life support.

• Septic Techniques & Asepsis: Strict adherence to proper septic techniques for procedures like skin preparation and IV placement.

• Image Processing & Reconstruction: Skill in performing image processing, including 3-D reconstruction and reprocessing.

• Contrast Administration: Competency in preparing and administering contrast material under supervision.

• ARRT Certification: Current certification in diagnostic procedures by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) prior to the start date.

• State of Iowa Permit: Permit to practice by the State of Iowa for all technologists operating ionizing radiation equipment prior to the start date.

• BLS & ACLS Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications prior to the start date.

Preferred Skills:

• Adult Cardiac Catheterization Experience: 3 years of specialized experience in an adult cardiac catheterization lab setting.

• EPIC EMR System: Previous experience with the EPIC Electronic Medical Record system for patient data management and charting.

• Interventional Radiology Procedures: Familiarity with broader interventional radiology techniques and protocols.

• Quality Assurance: Experience in performing and documenting quality assurance procedures for imaging equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong need for technical imaging skills, clinical patient management, regulatory compliance (ARRT, Iowa Permit, BLS/ACLS), and specific cath lab experience. The "demonstrated ability" points emphasize soft skills crucial for team collaboration and patient safety in a demanding environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Procedure Documentation: Showcase examples of completed patient imaging procedures, detailing the imaging protocols used and the specific equipment operated.

• Quality Assurance Logs: Include evidence of participation in or management of quality assurance processes for imaging equipment, demonstrating attention to detail and system maintenance.

• Patient Care Protocols: Provide documentation or case examples that illustrate adherence to patient safety protocols, septic techniques, and vital sign monitoring.

• Image Processing Examples: Present examples of processed images, including any 3-D reconstructions or specialized post-processing work performed, highlighting technical proficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Detail any instances where you identified inefficiencies in cath lab workflow and proposed or implemented solutions to improve patient throughput or safety.

• Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting: Document your experience with operating and troubleshooting complex imaging systems, including calibration and maintenance procedures.

• Safety Protocol Implementation: Showcase your understanding and implementation of radiation safety, infection control, and patient safety protocols within a clinical setting.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Provide examples of how you collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless procedure execution and optimal patient outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role doesn't require a traditional "operations portfolio" like a Sales Ops or Rev Ops role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in terms of process efficiency, quality control, system operation, and patient safety protocols. The portfolio should demonstrate their ability to manage complex clinical workflows and technical equipment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Imaging Technologists in specialized cardiac cath labs in Iowa, a competitive salary range is estimated between $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the required certifications, experience level, and the specialized nature of the role within a leading academic medical center.

• Note: This is an estimate. Actual compensation will be determined by the University of Iowa based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Sign-on Incentive: Qualified candidates may be eligible for a $10,000 sign-on incentive (current UI employees are not eligible).

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: University-sponsored retirement plan with potential employer contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual of vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Tuition Assistance: Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided and optional supplemental coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Wellness Programs: Access to health and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• 4 x 10-hour Day shifts per week, with a rotating day off (typically Monday - Friday schedule).

• Required participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments.

• Flexibility required to meet the demands of a 24/7 critical care environment, including prompt response for on-call duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in the Midwest United States, adjusted for the specialized nature of cardiac cath lab work and a major academic medical center. The sign-on bonus is a significant benefit specifically mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center, Cardiovascular Services)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system evolving significantly over decades to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• Cath Lab Team: Operates as a highly specialized, interdisciplinary unit comprising interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, registered nurses, radiologic technologists, and support staff.

• Reporting Structure: Imaging Technologists typically report to a Lead Technologist or Cath Lab Manager, who in turn reports to higher levels of hospital administration within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires constant and seamless collaboration with physicians (cardiologists, radiologists), nurses, anesthesiologists, and other allied health professionals to ensure patient safety and procedural success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Patient Care: Emphasis on utilizing imaging data, patient monitoring, and clinical outcomes to inform patient care decisions and procedural adjustments.

• Standardized Workflows: Adherence to established protocols and best practices for imaging, patient preparation, procedural execution, and post-procedure care.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and adopting new technologies and techniques to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26003486&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care is a prominent academic medical center, implying a culture that values research, education, and cutting-edge patient care. The cath lab environment is inherently high-pressure and team-oriented, requiring strong communication and a commitment to excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an experienced Technologist level within a specialized clinical operations setting. It focuses on executing complex procedures efficiently and safely, with an opportunity to mentor junior staff.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Lead Technologist or Cath Lab Manager, working closely with Cardiologists and other proceduralists. This structure ensures direct clinical oversight and operational guidance.

Operations Impact: The Imaging Technologist's role is crucial for the operational throughput and quality of diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Efficient and accurate imaging directly impacts diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient recovery times, all of which are key operational metrics for the cath lab and the broader Heart and Vascular Center.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Technologist/Shift Lead: Advancement to a leadership role responsible for daily operations, staff supervision, and workflow management within the cath lab.

• Specialization: Further specialization in advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques or interventional procedures.

• Education & Training: Transitioning into a role focused on educating and training new technologists or students.

• Quality Improvement: Involvement in quality assurance initiatives, protocol development, and process improvement projects within the cath lab.

• Management: Potential progression into cath lab management roles with increased responsibility for budget, staffing, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role, the career path involves increasing responsibility for operational efficiency, team leadership, and quality improvement within a clinical setting. Growth opportunities focus on clinical expertise and leadership within the specialized area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital/Clinical Setting – specifically, the Adult Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The cath lab is a high-intensity, team-based environment where constant communication and coordination among physicians, nurses, and technologists are essential.

• Technology-Rich: Equipped with advanced digital angiography systems, patient monitoring equipment, hemodynamic monitoring devices, and potentially PACS/EMR systems.

• High-Paced: Procedures are often time-sensitive, requiring rapid decision-making, efficient workflow, and the ability to handle both scheduled and emergency cases.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily 10-hour day shifts (4 days/week) with rotating days off.

• Mandatory participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, requiring prompt response to the facility. This demands a flexible schedule and commitment to operational coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and demanding, typical of specialized cardiac care units. The emphasis on teamwork, advanced technology, and critical patient care is paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of submitted resumes and cover letters for essential qualifications (education, certifications, experience).

• Phone/Video Screen: An initial conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss qualifications, motivation, and basic fit for the role and team.

• On-site Interview: This typically involves meeting with the hiring manager, lead technologists, and potentially interventional cardiologists/nurses. It will focus on technical skills, clinical judgment, teamwork, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Scenario-Based Questions: You may be asked to describe how you would handle specific clinical scenarios, equipment issues, or patient care challenges relevant to the cath lab environment.

• Final Interview/Debrief: A concluding discussion to address any remaining questions and finalize the hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Impact: While the portfolio is clinical, highlight how your technical skills and actions contributed to efficient workflow, patient safety, and high-quality imaging outcomes.

• Case Study Approach: For any complex cases or challenging procedures, structure your discussion using a "Situation, Task, Action, Result" (STAR) method, emphasizing your role and the operational impact.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific imaging equipment, software, and image processing techniques.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with physicians and nurses to achieve optimal procedure results.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: If you have examples of troubleshooting equipment issues or resolving workflow bottlenecks, prepare to share them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Clinical Scenarios: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical patient situations or procedural challenges. Focus on your decision-making process, prioritization, and communication strategy.

• Equipment Knowledge: Be ready to discuss the principles of digital angiography, common artifacts, and quality control measures.

• Safety Protocols: Review radiation safety principles, infection control standards, and emergency response procedures (BLS/ACLS).

• Teamwork Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle conflict, communicate effectively in high-stress situations, and contribute to a positive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily emphasize clinical competency and the ability to integrate into a high-performing clinical team. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their technical expertise, patient care skills, and understanding of cath lab operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Imaging Systems:

• Digital Angiography Equipment: Proficiency with leading cath lab imaging systems (e.g., Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Philips) for fluoroscopy, angiography, and cine acquisition.

• Hemodynamic Monitoring Systems: Experience with systems used to monitor and record patient hemodynamics during procedures.

• Contrast Injectors: Familiarity with automated contrast injection systems for precise contrast delivery.

Patient Management & Data:

• EPIC EMR System: Experience with EPIC for patient charting, order entry, and accessing patient history (preferred).

• PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System): Understanding of how to access, archive, and manage medical images.

• Physiologic Monitoring Devices: Familiarity with various monitors for ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, etc.

Ancillary Tools:

• 3-D Reconstruction Software: Experience with software used for advanced image processing and visualization.

• Radiation Safety Equipment: Knowledge of dosimeters and shielding devices.

• Basic & Advanced Life Support Equipment: Familiarity with defibrillators, ventilators, and emergency drug carts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a typical "tech stack" for business operations, this section highlights the critical imaging and patient monitoring systems that are the core "tools" of this role. Proficiency in EPIC is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient Safety First: Unwavering commitment to patient well-being, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and maintaining vigilance during all procedures.

• Clinical Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in imaging and patient care through continuous learning, skill development, and adherence to best practices.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where all team members work together seamlessly towards common patient care goals.

• Efficiency & Throughput: Optimizing workflow and resource utilization to ensure timely and effective delivery of cardiac care services.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining high standards of conduct, ethical practice, and accountability in all interactions and responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Synergy: Emphasis on close, real-time communication and coordination between technologists, physicians, and nurses during procedures.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging team members to voice concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback to ensure safety and efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports training, mentoring, and sharing expertise among team members to elevate collective skill levels.

• Respectful Interaction: Maintaining professional and respectful communication channels, even under pressure, to foster a positive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is centered around patient care, technical precision, and high-stakes teamwork. Success relies on individuals who are not only skilled but also highly collaborative and committed to the mission of the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Stress Environment: The fast-paced, critical nature of cardiac procedures can be demanding, requiring the ability to perform under pressure and manage emergencies effectively.

• Complex Equipment Operation: Mastering and continuously updating knowledge of sophisticated imaging technology requires ongoing learning and technical aptitude.

• On-Call Demands: Balancing work and personal life while adhering to on-call schedules for nights, weekends, and holidays can be challenging.

• Radiation Exposure Management: Diligently adhering to radiation safety protocols to minimize personal and patient exposure is a constant operational consideration.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The field of cardiac imaging is rapidly evolving, necessitating continuous professional development to stay current.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Opportunities to pursue specialized certifications in cardiac interventional radiography or specific imaging modalities.

• Continuing Education: Access to workshops, conferences, and online courses to maintain and enhance skills.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced technologists and physicians, and potentially mentor newer team members.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Working with state-of-the-art equipment and participating in the evaluation of new imaging technologies.

• Cross-Training: Potential for cross-training in related areas within the cath lab or cardiovascular services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges common to critical care settings but also offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a specialized and highly valued area of healthcare.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Clinical Scenario Handling: Be prepared to walk through how you would manage a patient experiencing complications during a procedure (e.g., hypotension, arrhythmia, contrast reaction). Focus on your immediate actions, communication, and adherence to protocols.

• Equipment Troubleshooting: Describe a time you encountered an issue with imaging equipment during a procedure. How did you diagnose the problem, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

• Team Dynamics: How do you handle disagreements or communication breakdowns with physicians or nurses in a high-pressure situation? Provide a specific example.

• Patient Care Philosophy: Explain your approach to patient preparation and comfort before, during, and after a cardiac catheterization procedure. How do you ensure patient safety and reduce anxiety?

• Quality Improvement Initiative: If you have experience, describe a time you contributed to improving a process or outcome in a previous role. What was the change, and what was its impact?

Company & Culture Questions:

• UI Heart & Vascular Center Recognition: Research why the UI Heart and Vascular Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Be prepared to articulate what this reputation means to you and how you contribute to maintaining it.

• Team Collaboration: How do you see yourself fitting into a highly specialized, interdisciplinary team like the cath lab?

• Values Alignment: Discuss how your personal values align with the University of Iowa's mission of "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." and the cath lab's commitment to patient safety and excellence.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Key Procedures: Select 2-3 examples of procedures where you played a critical role, highlighting your technical skills, patient management, and contribution to the team's success.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics. For instance, "Improved image acquisition time by X% through optimized protocol selection," or "Contributed to a X% reduction in contrast usage by employing advanced imaging techniques."

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: If a case involved a unique challenge (e.g., difficult anatomy, equipment malfunction), explain how you adapted and what the outcome was.

• Emphasize Safety & Compliance: Clearly articulate your understanding and application of safety protocols, including radiation safety and aseptic techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical competence, clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of patient safety and operational efficiency within a specialized cardiac care environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Imaging Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the University of Iowa Taleo careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in cardiac catheterization labs, digital angiography, patient monitoring, and relevant certifications (ARRT, BLS, ACLS). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Focus: In your cover letter, articulate your passion for cardiac imaging, your understanding of the critical role of an Imaging Technologist, and how your skills and experience align with the University of Iowa's commitment to excellence and patient care.

• Portfolio Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your technical skills, patient care abilities, problem-solving capacity, and teamwork. While a formal portfolio submission might not be required, have specific examples ready to share during interviews.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the UI Heart and Vascular Center's accolades, mission, and values. Understand the significance of being recognized as a top hospital and be prepared to discuss how you will contribute to this reputation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on industry standards and the provided information. Direct verification of all details, especially regarding compensation and specific interview processes, with the University of Iowa hiring team is strongly recommended.