50%25 Patient Care Technician - Cath Lab - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 50% Patient Care Technician - Cath Lab - UI Heart and Vascular Center

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Part-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Support / Patient Care Technician

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide essential patient care support within a specialized cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and vascular laboratory setting.

• Manage laboratory preparation, including stocking supplies, setting up equipment, and ensuring readiness for patient procedures.

• Execute delegated patient care tasks such as blood glucose testing, hemodynamic monitoring setup, and patient transport.

• Uphold stringent regulatory compliance and quality control measures, including equipment maintenance and sanitation protocols.

• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and imaging technologists to ensure seamless patient flow and optimal procedural outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in supporting the operational efficiency and patient safety within a high-acuity cardiac and vascular unit. While not a direct clinical role requiring advanced medical degrees, it demands meticulous attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and a strong understanding of healthcare environments. The "50%" designation indicates a part-time role, requiring specific attention to time management and efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lab Preparation & Inventory Management:

  • Stock procedural labs with necessary supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels.
  • Receive and put away daily deliveries of medical supplies, proactively identifying and reporting backordered items.
  • Conduct regular checks for outdated supplies to maintain compliance and prevent usage of expired materials.

• Patient Care Assistance:

  • Assist with procedural preparation, including surgical clipping of patient skin areas.
  • Set up and connect non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment to patients.
  • Perform blood glucose testing as delegated and maintain glucometer quality control.

• Equipment & Facility Maintenance:

  • Share responsibility for the proper use, care, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Ensure the neatness, cleanliness, and overall readiness of the procedural labs.
  • Monitor and report any preventative maintenance needs for lab equipment.

• Administrative & Support Tasks:

  • Complete requisitions and other necessary forms as directed.
  • Assist in answering call lights and telephones, triaging requests as appropriate.
  • Transports patients safely via bed, cart, or wheelchair between recovery units, procedural labs, and inpatient areas.

• Safety & Compliance:

  • Perform basic CPR as required.

  • Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and institutional policies.

  • Adhere to all sanitation and health hazard principles.

  • Float to other areas within the UI Heart & Vascular Center to provide patient care and services as needed, demonstrating adaptability and cross-functional support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of logistical, direct patient support, and safety-focused tasks. The emphasis on "as delegated" signifies the importance of working under the direct supervision of licensed clinical staff (nurses and physicians) and understanding scope of practice. The requirement to "Float to other areas" indicates a need for flexibility and broad understanding of HVC operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is preferred. Experience:

• 0-2 years of direct patient-care experience is preferred.

• Experience working in a healthcare environment is preferred.

• Experience in customer service relations is a plus. Required Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions accurately.

• Effective verbal, electronic, and written communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

• Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality.

• Capacity to provide care with consideration for patient condition, age, and specific needs.

• Knowledge of sanitation principles and awareness of health hazards.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse teams.

• Basic understanding of medical terminology, instruments, and supplies.

• Proficiency in collecting patient data and maintaining accurate, legible records.

• Competency in keyboarding and computer data entry. Preferred Skills:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently.

• Demonstrated customer service skills, ensuring a positive patient and team experience.

• Familiarity with hemodynamic monitoring equipment setup.

• Experience with surgical clipping procedures.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational healthcare skills and the ability to learn specialized tasks within a cath lab environment. While direct patient care experience is preferred, the role is structured to accommodate entry-level candidates who possess strong fundamental abilities and a willingness to be trained. The preference for CNA certification suggests a strong alignment with direct patient interaction and basic clinical support.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Patient Care Protocols: Include examples of how you have followed established protocols for patient safety, hygiene, and comfort in previous roles. This could be through describing a specific patient interaction where protocol adherence was critical.

• Documentation Accuracy Examples: Showcase instances where you accurately recorded patient information, vital signs, or supply usage. Detail the system used (e.g., EHR, paper logs) and the importance of data integrity.

• Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Provide examples of how you have managed or contributed to the management of medical supplies, including stocking, inventory checks, and reporting. Focus on efficiency and accuracy.

• Equipment Handling & Maintenance: Illustrate experience with the proper use, cleaning, and basic maintenance of medical equipment. If possible, include a scenario where you identified a potential equipment issue.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Adherence: Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate into the established workflow of a cath lab, understanding the sequence of events from patient arrival to post-procedure care.

• Quality Control Practices: Detail your understanding of quality control measures, such as those for glucometers or other diagnostic tools, and how you would ensure compliance.

• Patient Transport Procedures: Describe your understanding of safe patient transport protocols, including patient identification, securing the patient, and communication during transit.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role like this, the "portfolio" will likely be demonstrated through interview responses and the resume, rather than a formal compiled document. Candidates should be ready to speak to specific examples that illustrate the listed skills and responsibilities. The focus is on demonstrating understanding and adherence to established processes and safety standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The Pay Grade for this position is 5. Based on University of Iowa Health Care's established pay scales for this grade and the part-time nature (50% or 20 hours/week), the estimated hourly wage range for a Patient Care Technician in Iowa City, IA, would typically fall between $16.00 - $22.00 per hour. This is an estimate and actual compensation will be determined by experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Exclusive Schedule:

  • No Nights
  • No Weekends
  • No Holidays
  • Scheduled for 20 hours per week, typically two 10-hour shifts (6:30 AM - 5:00 PM) on weekdays.

• Comprehensive Health System Benefits: As a part-time employee of the University of Iowa, you may be eligible for a benefits package that could include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave accrual, prorated for part-time status.

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., IPERS or 403(b) options).

  • Tuition Assistance and Professional Development opportunities.

  • Access to employee wellness programs and resources. Working Hours:

• 20 hours per week.

• Typically scheduled as two 10-hour shifts per week.

• Shifts are generally from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Workdays are Monday through Friday, with no nights, weekends, or holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary benefit highlighted is the highly desirable weekday-only schedule, which is rare in hospital settings and a significant draw for work-life balance. Salary is estimated based on typical pay grades for similar roles in academic medical centers and the specified location, factoring in the part-time nature. Actual benefits eligibility will depend on the specific part-time employment classification and hours worked.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: The University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers, indicating a large and comprehensive healthcare system. This size suggests robust infrastructure, extensive resources, and diverse professional opportunities.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system developing over time to become a leading academic medical center. This long history points to stability, established practices, and a commitment to long-term patient care and research.

Team Structure:

• Department: UI Heart and Vascular Center (HVC) - Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s).

• Reporting: The Patient Care Technician reports to nursing leadership within the cath lab, working under the direct supervision of physicians and nurses during procedures.

• Collaboration: This role is highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with a multidisciplinary team including interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, vascular surgeons, registered nurses, radiologic technologists, and other support staff.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: The overarching methodology is centered on providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate patient care, as evidenced by the "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®" slogan.

• Evidence-Based Practice: As an academic medical center, UI Health Care likely emphasizes practices informed by research and clinical evidence.

• Efficiency and Process Optimization: The specific responsibilities around lab preparation, supply management, and workflow support indicate a focus on operational efficiency to ensure timely and effective patient procedures.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26005075&lang=en (Note: This is the job application URL, the primary company website is uiowa.edu)

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care's recognition by U.S. News & World Report as the best heart hospital in Iowa underscores a commitment to excellence and high standards. The culture likely values continuous learning, teamwork, and patient advocacy. The large organizational size offers potential for internal mobility and diverse career paths within healthcare.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level position within the healthcare operations support structure. It is foundational, providing exposure to the critical functions of a specialized medical unit.

Reporting Structure: The Patient Care Technician reports to the nursing supervisor or manager within the Cath/EP/Vascular Lab. They work closely with a team of clinical professionals, taking direction from physicians and nurses during procedures.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in revenue generation, this role has a significant impact on operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. By ensuring labs are prepared, supplies are stocked, and patients are managed effectively, the PCT contributes to the smooth functioning of the lab, allowing clinical teams to focus on delivering advanced cardiac and vascular care. This efficiency directly supports the high volume of procedures performed, indirectly impacting the center's capacity and service delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience with specialized medical equipment, patient handling techniques, and hospital protocols. Further training in areas like advanced hemodynamic monitoring or specific lab procedures may be available.

• Clinical Certifications: The role encourages pursuing preferred certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Basic Life Support (BLS), which can open doors to further advancement.

• Internal Mobility: Successful performance in this role can lead to opportunities within the UI Heart & Vascular Center or other departments within the University of Iowa Health Care system. Potential pathways could include roles like Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician in other specialized units, or administrative support positions.

• Specialization: With experience and further training, there may be opportunities to specialize in specific areas within the cath lab or electrophysiology.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level position, the primary growth path involves mastering the current role, acquiring preferred certifications, and demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic. The University of Iowa's status as an academic medical center suggests a commitment to employee development and internal advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position within a highly specialized clinical laboratory environment – the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab at the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

Office Location(s): The position is based in Iowa City, Iowa, at the University of Iowa Health Care facilities. Specific details about the lab's location within the hospital campus would be provided during the onboarding process.

Workspace Context:

• Clinical Setting: The workspace is a fast-paced, clinical environment requiring strict adherence to sterile techniques and safety protocols.

• Team-Oriented: The environment is highly collaborative, with constant interaction among team members during procedures.

• Technology Integration: The role involves using various medical equipment, monitoring systems, and potentially electronic health record (EHR) systems for data entry and patient information.

• Patient Interaction: A significant portion of the role involves direct patient interaction, requiring empathy, clear communication, and the ability to manage patient comfort and safety.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time (50%): 20 hours per week.

• Weekday Focus: Shifts are Monday through Friday, typically 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM, often structured as two 10-hour shifts.

• Predictable Hours: The absence of nights, weekends, and holidays offers a highly predictable and desirable work schedule, a significant advantage for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is demanding due to the critical nature of the procedures performed, but the predictable schedule mitigates some of the typical hospital-related stressors. Candidates should be prepared for a clinical setting that requires quick thinking, adaptability, and a strong focus on patient well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for this role will likely involve multiple stages to assess skills, experience, and cultural fit:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and cover letter by HR and potentially the hiring manager to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

2. Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with the hiring manager or a recruiter to discuss your background, interest in the role, and basic qualifications.

3. On-Site Interview: This will likely be the most comprehensive stage, potentially including:

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your experience, responsibilities, and understanding of patient care support.
• Team Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues (nurses, other PCTs) to assess teamwork and communication skills.
• Skills Assessment/Scenario-Based Questions: You may be asked to describe how you would handle specific situations related to patient care, supply management, or emergency response (e.g., "What would you do if you found an expired supply?").
• Facility Tour: A brief tour of the lab environment may be included.

1. Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with the hiring manager or HR leading to a potential job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly required for this entry-level role, your resume and cover letter serve as your primary documentation.

• Resume Focus: Highlight any direct patient care experience, even if from volunteer work or internships. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed inventory for a unit of 20 beds," "Assisted with patient transport for an average of 15 patients per shift"). Emphasize skills like communication, organization, and adherence to procedures.

• Cover Letter Strategy: Tailor your cover letter to express your specific interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and the cath lab environment. Clearly articulate why you are drawn to this role and how your skills align with the responsibilities, particularly your ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team. Mention any preferred qualifications like CNA certification or healthcare experience.

• Scenario Preparation: Be ready to discuss hypothetical situations. For example, "Describe a time you had to manage competing priorities," or "How would you ensure patient confidentiality when discussing a patient's status with another team member?"

Challenge Preparation:

• Situational Judgment: Prepare for questions that assess your judgment and problem-solving skills in a healthcare context. Think about common challenges in a busy lab setting (e.g., equipment malfunctions, supply shortages, patient transport issues).

• Teamwork and Communication: Be ready to provide examples of how you have worked effectively in a team and communicated critical information clearly and concisely.

• Understanding of Protocols: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of following established protocols for patient safety, infection control, and operational procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong work ethic, a proactive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a genuine commitment to patient care and safety. The "portfolio" is essentially your professional narrative as presented on your resume and through your interview responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Patient Monitoring Equipment: Familiarity with setting up and connecting non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment.

• Diagnostic Tools: Experience with glucometers and performing quality control checks.

• Patient Transport Devices: Proficiency in using wheelchairs, patient beds, and carts for safe patient mobility.

• Communication Systems: Use of hospital call light systems, telephones, and potentially internal messaging platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Entry Systems: Basic computer skills for data entry into hospital information systems or electronic health records (EHR).

• Inventory Management Tools: Potential use of basic software or manual tracking systems for supply inventory.

CRM & Automation:

• Hospital Information Systems (HIS): Familiarity with navigating patient information systems for basic data retrieval or entry.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): While this role may not involve deep EHR interaction, basic understanding of patient records is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on direct patient care support and lab operations. Advanced technical skills are not expected, but a comfort level with basic computer operations and specialized medical equipment is necessary. The emphasis is on using tools to support clinical staff and maintain operational readiness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: A deep commitment to providing compassionate, safe, and high-quality care to every patient. This value is paramount in all patient interactions and support tasks.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: An emphasis on working effectively with a multidisciplinary team, valuing the contributions of each member to achieve common goals for patient outcomes.

• Excellence and Quality: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of work, from maintaining lab readiness to accurate patient data management, reflecting the "best heart hospital" reputation.

• Integrity and Confidentiality: Upholding the highest ethical standards, particularly in maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.

• Efficiency and Reliability: Ensuring that lab operations run smoothly through diligent preparation and attention to detail, contributing to the timely delivery of care.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Support: The PCT role is designed to be seamlessly integrated into the procedural team, providing proactive support to nurses and physicians.

• Clear Communication: Collaboration relies on clear, concise, and timely communication of patient information, supply needs, and any observed issues.

• Mutual Respect: A culture of mutual respect among all team members, regardless of role, is essential for effective collaboration in a high-stakes environment.

• Continuous Improvement: Openness to feedback and a willingness to learn and adapt processes to enhance efficiency and patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at UI Health Care, especially within a specialized center like the Heart and Vascular Center, is likely to be highly professional, mission-driven, and focused on achieving excellent patient outcomes. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these core values and a collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The cath lab operates under time-sensitive conditions, requiring the ability to work efficiently and remain calm under pressure.

• Handling Varied Patient Needs: Patients in the cath lab can range from stable to critically ill, requiring adaptability in care and support.

• Maintaining Supply Levels: Ensuring all necessary supplies are consistently stocked can be challenging due to delivery schedules and high procedure volumes.

• Learning Specialized Procedures: Adapting to the specific workflows and equipment used in cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and vascular procedures.

• Floating to Other Areas: Demonstrating proficiency and comfort when assisting in different sections of the HVC.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training provided for all specific lab procedures, equipment, and protocols.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop strong foundational skills in patient care, medical terminology, and healthcare operations.

• Certification Support: Encouragement and potential support for obtaining preferred certifications like CNA or BLS.

• Exposure to Advanced Medicine: Gaining invaluable experience in a leading cardiac and vascular center, observing cutting-edge medical procedures.

• Career Advancement: Potential pathways for growth into more specialized roles within UI Health Care for motivated individuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a high-acuity clinical support role. The growth opportunities are substantial for an entry-level position, focusing on skill acquisition, certification, and internal progression within a renowned healthcare system.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Patient Care Approach: "Describe your approach to patient care, emphasizing empathy and safety. How would you ensure a patient feels comfortable and informed during transport?"

• Teamwork and Communication: "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal. How did you contribute, and what was the outcome?" or "How would you communicate a critical observation about a patient to a nurse or physician?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you discover an expired supply needed for an immediate procedure. What steps would you take?" or "What would you do if a patient expressed significant anxiety during transport?"

• Process Adherence: "Why is it important to follow specific protocols for lab preparation and patient transport? Can you give an example of a time you strictly followed a procedure?"

• Handling Pressure: "How do you manage your tasks and stay organized in a fast-paced environment?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center specifically?"

• "What do you know about our reputation as a leading heart hospital in Iowa?"

• "How do your personal values align with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission of 'Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®'?"

• "What are your expectations regarding teamwork and collaboration in a clinical setting?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume as Portfolio: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting experiences that demonstrate the required skills and responsibilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioral questions.

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on any experience involving patient interaction, medical supplies, equipment handling, or working in a healthcare setting. If you have volunteer experience, emphasize the transferable skills gained.

• Demonstrate Understanding: Clearly articulate your understanding of the PCT role's importance in supporting the cath lab's operations and patient care. Show that you've researched the role and the institution.

• Express Enthusiasm: Convey genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity, the specific unit, and the chance to contribute to a leading healthcare institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating your ability to follow instructions, work effectively in a team, prioritize safety, and communicate clearly. For this role, concrete examples from past experiences (even non-healthcare if transferable) will be more impactful than theoretical answers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Patient Care Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UI Talent Acquisition portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any direct patient care experience, healthcare setting exposure, organizational skills, and communication abilities. Ensure it clearly reflects your education level and any preferred certifications (e.g., CNA, BLS).

• Cover Letter Customization: Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your specific interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and the cath lab environment. Articulate why this role appeals to you and how your skills align with the responsibilities, emphasizing your understanding of the importance of patient support and lab efficiency.

• Portfolio Preparation (Resume/Interview): Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to follow instructions, manage tasks, communicate effectively, and work as part of a team. Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.

• Company & Role Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, values, and the reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Understand the core functions of a cath lab and the Patient Care Technician's role within it.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The provided salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles and locations.