Patient Care Technician - Cath/EP Labs - UI Heart and Vascular Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Patient Care Technician - Cath/EP Labs

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Support Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-28T17:49:54

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide essential patient care support within the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s) environment, directly assisting the procedural team.

• Manage laboratory preparation, including stocking supplies, ensuring readiness for patient procedures, and maintaining inventory accuracy.

• Execute delegated patient care tasks, such as blood glucose testing and patient transport, adhering to established protocols and regulatory guidelines.

• Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment, ensuring operational efficiency and patient safety.

• Develop and maintain clinical skills through ongoing self-learning and performance analysis, aligning with the high standards of the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is foundational within a specialized cardiac and vascular procedural setting. While the title is "Patient Care Technician," the context of Cath/EP/Vascular Labs suggests a focus on operational support that's critical for efficient clinical workflow, rather than general patient care. The emphasis on lab preparation, supply management, and direct procedural team assistance highlights its operational significance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lab Preparation and Stocking:

  • Proactively prepare procedural labs by stocking necessary supplies, ensuring all equipment and materials are readily available for physicians, nurses, and imaging technologists.
  • Manage the receiving and organization of daily deliveries of stocked items, promptly putting them away and identifying/reporting any backordered items to nursing staff.

• Patient Care and Monitoring:

  • Perform delegated patient care tasks, including surgical clipping of skin areas prior to procedures.
  • Set up and connect noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment to patients, ensuring proper function and patient comfort.
  • Conduct blood glucose testing on patients as delegated, adhering to quality control standards for glucometers.
  • Perform basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as required during emergencies.

• Operational Support and Maintenance:

  • Assist with checking expiration dates on supplies to ensure product integrity and compliance.
  • Complete requisitions and other necessary forms accurately and efficiently, as directed.
  • Participate in preventative maintenance monitoring of lab equipment.
  • Share responsibility for the proper use, care, and cleanliness of all lab equipment and supplies.
  • Execute delegated lab turnover cleaning duties to maintain a sterile and efficient environment.

• Patient Interaction and Communication:

  • Report pertinent patient information and any observed incidents to the charge nurse or designated personnel.
  • Respond promptly to patient call lights and assist with answering telephones.
  • Transport patients safely via bed, cart, or wheelchair between recovery units, procedural labs, and inpatient areas.
  • Maintain strict patient confidentiality in all aspects of duty.

• Professional Development:

  • Assume responsibility for ongoing self-learning and the maintenance of clinical skills.

  • Analyze personal performance and set professional development goals to enhance contributions to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a support role focused on operational efficiency within a high-acuity clinical environment. Key responsibilities involve meticulous preparation, adherence to protocols, and direct support for clinical staff, underscoring the operational backbone this role provides to the Cath/EP/Vascular Labs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Completion of a recognized Nursing Assistant certification program is preferred. Experience:

• Previous direct patient-care experience is preferred.

• Experience working in a healthcare environment is desired.

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

• Instructional Adherence: Ability to meticulously follow oral and written instructions.

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

• Confidentiality: Unwavering commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.

• Patient-Centered Care: Ability to provide care with consideration for patient condition and age-specific needs.

• Sanitation and Safety: Knowledge of principles of sanitation and health hazards relevant to a healthcare setting.

• Teamwork: Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and supervisors.

• Basic Medical Knowledge: Familiarity with basic medical terminology, instruments, and supplies.

• Record Keeping: Ability to collect patient data and maintain accurate, organized records.

• Computer Proficiency: Basic keyboarding and computer data entry skills.

• Emergency Response: Ability to perform basic CPR as required.

Preferred Skills:

• Nursing Assistant Certification: Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is highly desirable.

• Healthcare Experience: Prior experience in a hospital or clinic setting, particularly in procedural areas.

• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain lab readiness.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide excellent patient and internal customer service.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize foundational healthcare support skills with a strong preference for candidates who have already obtained CNA certification or have relevant direct patient-care experience. This indicates that while the role is entry-level, practical healthcare exposure is highly valued for immediate contribution and understanding of the clinical environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Workflow Documentation: Examples of how you have contributed to or observed efficient workflow processes in a healthcare or customer-facing setting.

• Task Management: Demonstrations of how you manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and ensure timely completion of duties, particularly in time-sensitive environments.

• Compliance Adherence: Evidence of understanding and adhering to established protocols and regulatory guidelines, such as patient confidentiality or sanitation standards.

• Equipment Familiarity: (Optional, if applicable) Any documentation or description of experience with basic medical equipment setup or maintenance, even if informal.

Process Documentation:

• Daily Operations: Descriptions or examples of how you would approach daily tasks like stocking supplies, preparing patient rooms, or ensuring lab cleanliness, highlighting your systematic approach.

• Patient Interaction Protocols: How you would handle patient communication, transport, or basic care tasks, ensuring safety and adherence to established procedures.

• Information Management: Examples of how you ensure accuracy in record-keeping, data entry, or requisition completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, even basic documentation of how candidates approach tasks, manage responsibilities, and adhere to protocols can be valuable. The focus should be on demonstrating an understanding of process, organization, and safety rather than complex system implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The Pay Grade for this position is 5. Based on the University of Iowa's pay grade structure and typical entry-level Patient Care Technician roles in Iowa City, Iowa, we estimate an hourly wage range of $16.00 - $20.00 per hour. This estimate is derived from regional salary data for similar roles and the established pay grade system, acknowledging that final compensation will be determined by experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular, full-time employees, which may include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: Access to retirement savings plans (e.g., IPERS or TIAA) with potential employer contributions.

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

• Tuition Assistance: Opportunities for continuing education and professional development, including potential tuition benefits for eligible employees and dependents.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-paid and voluntary life and disability insurance options.

• Wellness Programs: Access to employee wellness initiatives and resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Schedule: 40 hours per week, consisting of four 10-hour shifts.

• Shift Times: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Workdays: Monday through Friday.

• No Holidays or Weekends: This position offers a predictable schedule without weekend or holiday work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the provided Pay Grade 5 and general market data for similar roles in the Iowa City area. The University of Iowa typically offers robust benefits packages for full-time employees, reflecting its status as a major academic medical center. The specified work schedule is a significant advantage, offering predictable hours and no weekend work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

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

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

Team Structure:

• Departmental Focus: This role is within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically supporting the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s).

• Clinical Collaboration: The PCT works as part of a multidisciplinary procedural team, including physicians, nurses, and imaging technologists, all focused on delivering high-quality cardiac and vascular care.

• Reporting: The PCT reports to a supervisor or manager within the Heart and Vascular Center operations.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centric Approach: The core mission revolves around providing safe, quality healthcare and excellent service to patients.

• Evidence-Based Practice: As an academic medical center, there's an emphasis on utilizing best practices and staying current with medical advancements.

• Continuous Improvement: The culture encourages ongoing learning and self-analysis to enhance performance and patient outcomes.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/ and https://uihc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Iowa Health Care is a major institution, implying a structured environment with established protocols and a strong commitment to patient care and research. The culture likely values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning, especially within the specialized UI Heart and Vascular Center.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Support

This position serves as an entry point into specialized clinical operations within a leading heart and vascular center. It offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced procedural environment, laying the groundwork for understanding clinical workflows and patient care support functions.

Reporting Structure:

The Patient Care Technician will report to a supervisor or manager within the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab operations. This structure provides direct oversight for training, performance evaluation, and guidance on daily tasks and responsibilities. Collaboration with physicians, nurses, and technologists is integral to daily operations.

Operations Impact:

While not directly involved in revenue generation or strategic GTM planning, this role is critical for the efficient functioning of the Cath/EP/Vascular Labs. By ensuring labs are prepared, supplies are stocked, and basic patient support is provided, the PCT directly enables the procedural team to perform procedures effectively and safely. This operational efficiency contributes to patient throughput, positive patient experiences, and the overall reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, indirectly supporting the organization's goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with hemodynamic monitoring equipment, blood glucose testing, and learn essential medical terminology and patient care techniques specific to cardiology and vascular procedures.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) within the hospital, or to explore other patient care support roles within UI Health Care. With further education or certification, pathways into nursing or specialized technical roles may open.

• Specialization: Develop expertise within the specialized field of cardiac and vascular procedures, becoming a valuable member of the procedural team.

• Continuing Education: Access to the University of Iowa's resources for ongoing learning and professional development, potentially including tuition assistance for further education.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational stepping stone. The growth opportunities are primarily focused on building clinical support expertise within a specialized area and leveraging the extensive resources of a large academic medical center for continued learning and career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hospital/Clinical Setting

This position is based within the operational areas of the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s). This is a dynamic, fast-paced clinical environment.

Office Location(s):

The work will be performed at the University of Iowa Health Care facilities in Iowa City, Iowa. Specific lab locations within the Heart and Vascular Center will be assigned.

Workspace Context:

• Procedural Environment: The workspace is a specialized medical laboratory designed for cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology studies, and vascular procedures. It requires adherence to strict sterile techniques and safety protocols.

• Team Collaboration: The environment is highly collaborative, with constant interaction among the procedural team members.

• Equipment and Technology: Access to advanced medical equipment, monitoring systems, and necessary supplies for patient care and procedures.

Work Schedule:

• Predictable Hours: The role offers a consistent Monday-Friday schedule with four 10-hour shifts (6:30 AM - 5:00 PM), ensuring no weekend or holiday work. This provides excellent work-life balance within a demanding clinical field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a critical aspect of this role. It's a specialized, high-pressure clinical setting focused on procedural care. The predictable, daytime-only schedule is a significant perk for a role in this type of department.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The hiring process for this role at the University of Iowa typically involves several stages:

1. Application Submission: Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter through the Taleo system, ensuring all required documents are uploaded and marked as "Relevant File."

2. Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed against the minimum and desired qualifications.

3. Phone/Virtual Interview: Shortlisted candidates may have an initial interview with HR or a hiring manager to discuss qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.

4. On-Site Interview: Successful candidates will be invited for an in-person interview at the UI Health Care facility. This may involve meeting with the hiring manager, potential team members (nurses, techs), and possibly a supervisor.

5. Skills Assessment (Potentially): While not explicitly stated, there might be a practical demonstration or discussion related to basic patient care skills or scenario-based questions.

6. Background Check & Verification: Upon conditional offer, candidates will undergo criminal background checks, credential verification, and reference checks (up to 5 professional references).

Portfolio Review Tips:

While a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense isn't expected for this role, your resume and cover letter serve as your primary documentation.

• Resume Focus: Highlight direct patient-care experience, any healthcare environment exposure, customer service skills, and any certifications (like CNA). Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify where possible (e.g., "Managed stocking for 5 procedure rooms").

• Cover Letter Strategy: Use this to express your genuine interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center, your understanding of the PCT role's importance in supporting the procedural team, and how your skills align with the requirements. Emphasize your ability to follow instructions, maintain confidentiality, and work collaboratively.

• Scenario-Based Preparation: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common situations, such as managing multiple tasks, responding to patient needs, or ensuring lab readiness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Situational Judgment: Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific scenarios related to patient care, communication, and operational tasks within a lab setting.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to answer questions about your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle pressure or challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

• Company Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in the University of Iowa and specifically the Heart and Vascular Center, demonstrating you've researched the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes standard healthcare hiring procedures. The "portfolio review" is less about a curated collection of work and more about the strength and clarity of the resume and cover letter in demonstrating relevant skills and experience. Preparation should focus on showcasing practical skills, teamwork, and alignment with the organization's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Patient Monitoring Equipment: Familiarity with setting up and connecting noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring devices.

• Glucometers: Experience with blood glucose testing devices and performing quality controls.

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

• Basic Medical Supplies and Instruments: Knowledge of common supplies used in a clinical setting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Entry Systems: Basic computer skills for data entry related to patient information, requisitions, or inventory.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) - (Likely): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with or ability to quickly learn EHR systems (like Epic, which UI Health Care uses) for patient data management and record-keeping is often expected.

CRM & Automation:

• Inventory Management Systems: May be used for tracking and ordering supplies.

• Communication Platforms: Internal hospital communication tools for relaying information between team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are primarily direct patient care and operational support equipment. While specific EHR system knowledge isn't a stated requirement, a general aptitude for learning and using such systems is crucial for any role within a modern hospital.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centered Care: The overarching value is providing safe, high-quality care and excellent service to every patient.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Success relies on effective collaboration among all members of the procedural team to ensure smooth operations and optimal patient outcomes.

• Integrity and Confidentiality: Upholding the highest ethical standards, including strict patient confidentiality, is paramount.

• Excellence and Continuous Improvement: A commitment to achieving excellence in all aspects of work and continuously seeking ways to improve processes and patient care.

• Respect: Valuing diversity and treating all patients, families, and colleagues with respect.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: The PCT functions as an integral part of the procedural team, working closely with nurses, physicians, and technologists. Communication is direct, frequent, and essential for patient safety and procedural efficiency.

• Supportive Environment: As an academic medical center, there's likely a culture that supports learning and mentorship, encouraging team members to assist each other.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration will involve following established protocols and workflows, with opportunities for feedback and suggestions for process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a strong patient focus, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. For operations support roles like this, the ability to integrate seamlessly into a clinical team and follow established procedures is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The Cath/EP/Vascular Labs are high-acuity areas where procedures can be complex and demanding, requiring quick adaptation and efficient task management.

• Handling Emergencies: The ability to remain calm and perform basic life support (CPR) in emergency situations is critical.

• Maintaining Stamina: The role involves physical tasks such as patient transport and standing for extended periods.

• Learning Curve: Becoming proficient with specific lab procedures, equipment, and hospital protocols can be challenging but rewarding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Skill Enhancement: Gain practical experience in a specialized cardiac and vascular procedural setting, developing skills in patient care, monitoring, and lab operations.

• Industry Exposure: Become familiar with advanced medical technologies and procedures used in cardiology and vascular interventions.

• Career Pathing: The University of Iowa offers extensive resources for employee development, including potential tuition assistance for pursuing further education or certifications, which can open doors to nursing or advanced technical roles.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced nurses, physicians, and technologists within the Heart and Vascular Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a high-stakes clinical environment, requiring resilience and attention to detail. The growth opportunities are significant, leveraging the resources of a major academic institution for professional and personal development within healthcare.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Scenario-Based: "Describe a time you had to follow complex instructions. How did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on attention to detail, adherence to protocols).

• Teamwork: "How would you handle a situation where a team member is struggling or needs immediate assistance during a busy period?" (Highlight collaboration, proactivity, willingness to support).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you notice a supply item is missing right before a procedure. What steps would you take?" (Demonstrate initiative, problem-solving, communication with charge nurse/supervisor).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the University of Iowa Health Care, specifically the Heart and Vascular Center?" (Research their mission, recent achievements, and express genuine interest in their role as a leading center).

• "How do you handle stressful or high-pressure situations?" (Focus on remaining calm, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support when needed).

• "What does patient-centered care mean to you?" (Emphasize empathy, safety, respect, and quality outcomes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting relevant experiences, skills, and any certifications. Focus on transferable skills from previous roles (e.g., customer service, organization, following procedures).

• Scenario Discussions: Instead of a formal presentation, be ready to discuss your approach to the responsibilities listed. For example, "How would you prepare a lab for a procedure?" or "What are your key considerations when transporting a patient?"

• Demonstrate Understanding: Articulate your understanding of the importance of the PCT role in supporting the clinical team and ensuring operational efficiency in a procedural lab.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on practical scenarios, teamwork, and demonstrating an understanding of the clinical environment and the organization's mission. Highlighting reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Patient Care Technician position:

• Submit Application: Navigate to the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal and submit your application via the provided link.

• Upload Essential Documents: Ensure your most up-to-date Resume and a tailored Cover Letter are uploaded and clearly marked as "Relevant File" within the application system.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight any direct patient care experience, healthcare environment exposure, customer service skills, and proficiency in basic medical tasks or terminology. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Express your enthusiasm for the UI Heart and Vascular Center, explain why you are a good fit for this specific role, and demonstrate your understanding of patient-centered care and teamwork.

• Prepare for Interview: Review common interview questions for healthcare support roles, focusing on situational judgment, teamwork, and your understanding of the PCT responsibilities. Practice articulating your skills and experiences using the STAR method.

• Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, values, and reputation, particularly within the UI Heart and Vascular Center.

⚠️ 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.