50%25 Imaging Technologist - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Imaging Technologist - Adult Cardiac Cath Lab
Company: University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Job Type: Part-time, Regular
Category: Healthcare Operations / Imaging Technology
Date Posted: October 17, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical in delivering specialized digital angiography imaging within the Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab), demanding expertise in complex imaging equipment operation and close patient monitoring during interventional procedures.
• The position requires a strong understanding of patient care protocols, including safe handling, vital sign monitoring, and the application of aseptic techniques, ensuring patient well-being throughout diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• A key aspect involves the independent operation and control of advanced computerized imaging systems, necessitating proficiency in image processing, data archiving, and quality assurance to produce high-quality diagnostic images with minimal physician supervision.
• The Imaging Technologist will also be responsible for preparing and administering contrast materials under supervision, maintaining accurate patient records, and contributing to the efficient scheduling and supply management within the Cath Lab environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within a critical care environment. The "50%25" employment type indicates a part-time commitment, likely equating to 20 hours per week, which will be further detailed in the compensation and benefits section. The emphasis on independent operation and minimal physician supervision highlights the advanced skill set and trust placed in this technologist.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct, safe patient care to patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic adult cardiac catheterization procedures, ensuring adherence to all safety and procedural protocols.
• Independently operate, manipulate, adjust, and control complex electronic and computerized components of the imaging system to produce high-quality patient examinations and research project images, performing ongoing quality assurance and system performance evaluations.
• Apply proper aseptic techniques, including skin preparation and IV placement, and meticulously monitor and record vital signs, demonstrating proficiency in basic and advanced life support knowledge.
• Implement appropriate safety precautions to minimize or eliminate risks to patients, personnel, and equipment during all procedures.
• Perform advanced image processing tasks such as 3-D reconstruction and image reprocessing, as well as non-imaging functions like spectroscopy.
• Prepare and administer contrast materials to patients under the direct supervision of a radiologist as required by the procedure.
• Maintain accurate records of examinations and results, and ensure proper archiving of computer data for future reference and analysis.
• Establish rapport with patients, providing clear information about the examination process and patient requirements to foster comfort and cooperation.
• Plan and manage daily scheduling for regular and STAT procedures to ensure efficient room utilization and minimize patient wait times.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering necessary supplies, and maintaining quality assurance standards within the Cath Lab.
• Provide instruction and guidance to trainees, students, and other medical staff regarding imaging equipment operation and safety precautions.
• Participate in phantom and/or animal research projects as required to advance imaging techniques and protocols.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in specialty imaging areas and related subjects through continuous learning, including attending meetings, participating in continuing education programs, engaging with professional organizations, and reviewing relevant journals.
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public, promoting a collaborative and professional environment.
• Consistently demonstrate professional behavior and appearance, taking pride in work performed and exhibiting flexibility in accepting assignments and responsibilities.
• Fulfill required participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, ensuring prompt arrival at UI Hospitals & Clinics within 20-30 minutes when called.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the operational needs of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a high degree of autonomy and technical skill, particularly in operating complex imaging systems and patient management. The requirement for on-call duty underscores the critical nature of this role and the need for immediate availability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a two-year or other approved program by the Joint Commission Committee in Radiologic Technology Education is required.
• An associate degree in Radiologic Technology or a related field is considered the minimum educational requirement.

Experience:

• Previous imaging technologist experience is required, with a strong preference for experience specifically within an Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab setting.
• Alternatively, completion of a Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Clinical Internship within the last 12 months will be considered.
• Demonstrated history of positive and professional interactions with patients, families, professional healthcare staff, and interdisciplinary team members, evidenced through strong written, verbal, and in-person communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize critical thinking skills, exercise decisive judgment, and work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Readiness and requirement for participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, with the ability to reach UI Hospitals & Clinics within 20-30 minutes when called.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Certification in diagnostic procedures by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is mandatory prior to the start date.
• A permit to practice by the State of Iowa for all technologists operating ionizing radiation-emitting equipment is required prior to the start date.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required prior to the start date.
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is required prior to the start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Approximately 3 years of imaging technologist experience, with a significant focus on Adult Cardiac Catheterization procedures.
• Previous experience utilizing the EPIC electronic health record system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational and certification requirements are standard for advanced imaging roles. The emphasis on "demonstrated history" and "demonstrated ability" in the experience section suggests that candidates should prepare to provide specific examples during the interview process that showcase these skills, particularly in critical thinking and interpersonal communication within a healthcare setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Imaging Procedures: Provide detailed case studies showcasing your experience in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within an Adult Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Highlight your role in image acquisition, manipulation, and patient management.
• Quality Assurance & System Performance: Include examples of how you have contributed to quality assurance initiatives, evaluated system performance, and implemented improvements for imaging equipment. Quantify any efficiency gains or error reductions achieved.
• Patient Care Protocols & Safety: Document your understanding and application of aseptic techniques, patient monitoring, and safety precautions. Showcase instances where your vigilance prevented potential risks or improved patient outcomes.
• Image Processing & Data Management: Present examples of image processing tasks (e.g., 3-D reconstruction) and demonstrate your ability to maintain accurate records and archive data effectively. Highlight any systems or processes you've used for efficient data management.
• Independent Operation & Problem-Solving: Detail scenarios where you operated complex imaging systems with minimal supervision, including how you troubleshooted issues and made decisive judgments under pressure.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Showcase any contributions to improving Cath Lab workflows, from scheduling and room utilization to procedure execution and post-procedure data management.
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Provide evidence of your proficiency in operating advanced imaging equipment and your understanding of quality assurance procedures related to system performance.
• Patient Safety Protocols: Document your adherence to and understanding of patient safety protocols, including aseptic techniques, contrast administration guidelines, and emergency response preparedness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requested as a formal portfolio, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples and demonstrate their experience in these areas, especially during the interview process. Highlighting quantifiable achievements in efficiency, accuracy, or patient safety will be particularly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a part-time (50%25) position, the annual salary will be approximately 50% of a full-time equivalent Imaging Technologist salary in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Based on industry benchmarks for an Imaging Technologist with 2-5 years of experience in a specialized cardiac cath lab setting, a full-time annual salary in Iowa City typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Therefore, for a 50%25 position, the estimated annual salary would be in the range of $30,000 to $40,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Sign-on Incentive:

• Qualified candidates are eligible for a sign-on incentive of $10,000. (Note: Current UI employees are not eligible for this incentive.)

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, tailored for part-time employees.
• Retirement Savings: Access to retirement savings plans, such as a 403(b) or similar, with potential employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays, prorated for part-time status.
• Continuing Education: Support for professional development, including tuition assistance, reimbursement for continuing education units (CEUs), and opportunities to attend conferences.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.
• Wellness Programs: Access to various wellness initiatives and resources designed to promote employee health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, equivalent to 50%25 of a full-time role, typically totaling approximately 20 hours per week.
• Specific daily schedule to be determined based on departmental needs.
• Required participation in night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Iowa City area and general industry standards for a 50%25 role. The sign-on incentive is a significant bonus for eligible external candidates. Part-time benefits may vary from full-time offerings but are expected to be competitive for a major academic medical center.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Academic Medical Center, Cardiology & Vascular Services. Company Size: The University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers, indicating a large, complex, and well-established healthcare system. This size suggests robust infrastructure, diverse professional opportunities, and a structured environment. Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and its Health Care division has a long-standing history of providing advanced medical services and research. This deep history implies a culture rooted in tradition, expertise, and a commitment to long-term patient care and medical advancement.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Imaging Technologist will report to a supervisor or manager within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, likely within the Cath Lab operations team.
• Collaboration: This role is highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with cardiologists, interventional radiologists, nurses, other technologists, and support staff within the Cath Lab and potentially other departments for patient transfers and consultations.
• Specialization: The UI Heart and Vascular Center is recognized as the best heart hospital in Iowa by U.S. News & World Report, indicating a high level of specialization and expertise within its teams, fostering an environment of continuous learning and skill refinement.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Care: The center's recognition by U.S. News & World Report is based on patient outcomes, number of high-risk patients, patient experience, and advanced technologies, highlighting a commitment to data-informed decision-making and performance improvement.
• Process Excellence: The emphasis on complex imaging equipment, quality assurance, and efficient scheduling points to a focus on process optimization and operational efficiency to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Research & Innovation: As an academic medical center, the UI Heart and Vascular Center likely engages in research and development, encouraging innovation and the adoption of new technologies and techniques.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=25005752&lang=en (Note: This is the job posting URL. The primary company website is uiowa.edu)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely a blend of academic rigor, patient-centric care, and operational efficiency. The "best heart hospital" designation suggests a high-performance environment where quality and outcomes are paramount. The size of the organization offers stability and numerous career development avenues.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an experienced Technologist level, requiring specialized skills and independent operation. It's a hands-on technical position focused on direct patient care and advanced imaging procedures within a specific operational unit (Cath Lab).

Reporting Structure: The Imaging Technologist will report to a direct supervisor within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's operational hierarchy. Collaboration will be extensive with physicians, nurses, and fellow technologists, forming a core procedural team.

Operations Impact: The Imaging Technologist's role directly impacts patient outcomes by ensuring accurate diagnostic imaging for critical cardiac procedures. Their efficiency in operating equipment, managing workflows, and maintaining quality directly contributes to the throughput and success rate of the Cath Lab, influencing patient recovery times and the hospital's reputation for excellence. Their on-call availability ensures continuity of care for urgent cardiac interventions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced cardiac imaging techniques, potentially leading to roles as a senior technologist, lead technologist, or specialist in specific interventional procedures.
• Cross-Training: Opportunities to cross-train in other related imaging modalities or interventional suites within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.
• Leadership Development: Potential pathways into supervisory or management roles within imaging departments, focusing on operational oversight, staff development, and process improvement.
• Continuing Education & Research: Encouragement and support for pursuing advanced certifications, attending industry conferences, and participating in research projects, contributing to professional growth and the advancement of cardiac imaging.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor new technologists, students, and junior staff, developing leadership and training skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a part-time role, growth opportunities might be more focused on skill deepening and specialization within the existing role rather than immediate advancement to full-time leadership. However, demonstrating exceptional performance and commitment could pave the way for future full-time openings or specialized roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role within a state-of-the-art hospital setting, specifically within the UI Heart and Vascular Center's Adult Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

Office Location(s): The position is based at UI Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. This is a major medical campus serving a broad region.

Workspace Context:

• Environment: The Cath Lab is a high-paced, dynamic clinical environment requiring sterile procedures and advanced technology. It is a collaborative workspace where close teamwork is essential.
• Technology: Technologists will work with highly sophisticated digital angiography imaging equipment, computerized systems for image acquisition and processing, and electronic health record systems (EPIC preferred).
• Team Interaction: Constant interaction with a multidisciplinary team (cardiologists, nurses, anesthesiologists, other technologists) is standard. Patient interaction is also a significant component.

Work Schedule:

• This is a part-time (50%25) position, approximately 20 hours per week.
• Specific daily hours will be arranged based on departmental needs.
• Must be available for night, weekend, and holiday on-call assignments, with a requirement to be on-site within 20-30 minutes of being called.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is intense and requires a high level of focus and adaptability. The on-call requirement is a critical aspect of the work schedule and demands significant personal flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter by HR and the hiring manager (Kelli Ballard) to assess qualifications against the job requirements.
• Phone/Video Interview: An initial discussion, likely with the hiring manager or a lead technologist, to explore your experience, technical skills, and suitability for the role and team.
• On-Site Interview: This will likely involve an in-person meeting with the hiring manager and potentially key team members (physicians, senior technologists, nursing staff). Be prepared for:
  • Technical Proficiency Assessment: Questions about your experience with specific imaging equipment, procedures, and troubleshooting.
  • Situational Judgment: Scenarios testing your critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Evaluation of your ability to collaborate effectively with diverse healthcare professionals and communicate clearly with patients.
  • Cultural Fit: Assessment of your alignment with the values and work ethic of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.
• Skills Demonstration/Observation (Potential): While not explicitly stated, in some clinical roles, a brief observation or skills demonstration might occur.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume & Cover Letter: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your ARRT certification, Iowa permit, BLS/ACLS certifications, and any specific Cardiac Cath Lab experience. Tailor your cover letter to address the key responsibilities and preferred qualifications, emphasizing your passion for cardiac imaging and patient care.
• Prepare Specific Examples: For any experience mentioned, be ready to provide concrete examples. For instance, when discussing quality assurance, detail a specific instance where you identified an issue and how you addressed it. For patient care, describe how you handled a challenging patient situation.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with imaging systems, image processing techniques, and any experience with EPIC. If you have experience with specific cath lab equipment or software, mention it.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Managed scheduling for an average of X procedures per week," or "Contributed to a Y% reduction in equipment downtime through proactive QA."

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical situations relevant to the Cath Lab (e.g., "What would you do if a patient's vital signs suddenly dropped during a procedure?" or "How would you handle a conflict with a physician regarding imaging protocols?").
• Technical Knowledge: Be ready to answer questions about radiation safety, contrast agents, imaging physics, and patient preparation for cardiac catheterization.
• On-Call Preparedness: Discuss your understanding and commitment to the on-call responsibilities, including response times and readiness to handle emergencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of technical skills, critical thinking, and interpersonal abilities. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience with specific examples and demonstrate their understanding of the high-stakes environment of a cardiac cath lab.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Imaging Systems:

• Digital Angiography Systems: Expertise in operating and troubleshooting advanced digital angiography equipment (specific vendor models may vary but proficiency with high-end systems is expected).
• Computerized Imaging Systems: Proficient use of systems for image acquisition, manipulation, and real-time display.
• Image Processing Software: Experience with software for tasks like 3-D reconstruction, image reprocessing, and potentially other advanced visualization tools.

Laboratory & Patient Management Systems:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR): Previous experience with EPIC is preferred, indicating familiarity with integrated hospital information systems for patient charting, record maintenance, and procedure documentation.
• Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): Familiarity with systems for managing lab results and data relevant to patient care in the Cath Lab.
• Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS): Understanding of PACS for storing, retrieving, and viewing medical images.

Support & Communication Tools:

• Monitoring Equipment: Proficiency with vital sign monitors, ECG machines, and other patient monitoring devices used in critical care settings.
• Communication Devices: Use of pagers, phones, and internal hospital communication systems for on-call duties and team coordination.
• Inventory & Supply Management Software: Experience with systems for tracking supplies, managing orders, and maintaining inventory levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires hands-on proficiency with specialized medical imaging hardware and software. Familiarity with integrated hospital systems like EPIC is a significant advantage, reflecting the trend towards digital integration in healthcare operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A primary focus on providing safe, high-quality care for every patient undergoing cardiac procedures. This includes ensuring patient comfort, safety, and optimal outcomes.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to maintaining the highest standards in imaging, procedures, and patient care, as evidenced by the hospital's national recognition. This translates to meticulous attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within a multidisciplinary team, fostering open communication and mutual respect among physicians, nurses, and technologists.
• Professionalism & Accountability: Upholding high standards of conduct, responsibility, and accountability for one's actions and contributions to patient care and team success.
• Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying current with advancements in cardiac imaging technology, procedures, and best practices through ongoing education and professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: The Cath Lab operates with a highly integrated, multidisciplinary team where each member's role is crucial. Collaboration is constant and dynamic, requiring clear, concise, and timely communication.
• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around optimizing procedural workflows, ensuring patient safety protocols are followed, and sharing knowledge to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
• Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback among team members to improve performance and address challenges collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a high-performance, patient-focused environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are key. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily work practices within a critical care setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Stress Environment: The Cath Lab is a critical care setting where rapid decision-making and precise execution are vital, especially during emergencies or complex procedures.
• Technical Complexity: Constantly evolving imaging technology requires continuous learning and adaptation to new equipment and software.
• On-Call Demands: Balancing personal life with the requirement for frequent night, weekend, and holiday on-call duties, demanding significant flexibility and readiness.
• Patient Acuity: Working with critically ill patients who may have complex cardiac conditions, requiring sensitivity, advanced monitoring skills, and quick response to changes in patient status.
• Maintaining Efficiency: Balancing the need for thoroughness and quality with the pressure to maintain high patient throughput in a busy department.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Cardiac Imaging Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications beyond ARRT, such as CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International) or specific vendor certifications for imaging equipment.
• Interventional Procedure Mastery: Gaining deeper expertise in various interventional cardiology procedures and the associated imaging requirements.
• EPIC System Proficiency: Developing advanced skills in using the EPIC EHR system for comprehensive patient data management and reporting.
• Research Participation: Contributing to clinical research projects within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, offering exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and data analysis.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to train and mentor new technologists, enhancing leadership and teaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to high-acuity, specialized healthcare roles. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening technical expertise and potentially moving into more senior or specialized roles within the department.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Scenario: Patient Care & Safety: "Describe a time you had to manage a patient's anxiety or discomfort during a procedure. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on empathy, communication, and technical intervention.)
• Scenario: Technical Troubleshooting: "Imagine the imaging system malfunctions during a critical procedure. What would be your immediate steps to diagnose and resolve the issue, or mitigate its impact?" (Highlight critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of system components.)
• Scenario: Team Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague or physician regarding a procedure or protocol. How did you handle it, and what was the resolution?" (Emphasize communication, respect, and focus on patient outcome.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this part-time Imaging Technologist role specifically within our Adult Cardiac Cath Lab at the University of Iowa?" (Connect your skills and career goals to the role and the institution's reputation.)
• Values Alignment: "The UI Heart and Vascular Center is recognized for its excellence. How do your personal and professional values align with a commitment to patient outcomes and advanced medical care?" (Reference the hospital's accolades and link them to your own professional standards.)
• On-Call Commitment: "How do you view the importance of on-call duties in a cardiac cath lab setting, and how will you manage these responsibilities alongside your personal life?" (Demonstrate understanding of the critical need for availability and your ability to manage it.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Skills: Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital angiography, patient monitoring, aseptic techniques, and image processing. Use the "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
• Quantify Achievements: For any experience you present, try to include metrics. For example, "I was responsible for imaging on approximately 15 diagnostic and 5 interventional procedures per week, consistently meeting quality benchmarks."
• Showcase Certifications: Clearly articulate your ARRT certification, Iowa Permit, BLS, and ACLS, and how you maintain them through continuing education.
• Discuss EPIC Experience: If you have EPIC experience, be ready to describe how you've used it to manage patient data, document procedures, or interact with other hospital systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, team-oriented clinical environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Imaging Technologist position:

• Submit Application Online: Navigate to the provided URL and complete the online application form.
• Upload Essential Documents: Ensure your resume and cover letter are uploaded as "Relevant Files." Tailor your resume to highlight ARRT certification, specific cath lab experience, and relevant technical skills. Your cover letter should express your interest in this specific role and institution.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of cardiac catheterization procedures, digital imaging technology, radiation safety, and patient care protocols. Be ready to discuss your experience with imaging equipment and software.
• Practice Situational Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and patient care excellence.
• Research UI Heart and Vascular Center: Familiarize yourself with the department's achievements, values, and the U.S. News & World Report rankings to articulate your alignment during the interview. Understand the commitment required for on-call duties.

⚠️ 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.