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 Operations Support

Date Posted: May 13, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role provides essential patient care support within specialized cardiac and vascular procedural labs, focusing on direct patient assistance and operational efficiency.

• Key responsibilities include preparing procedural areas, managing essential supplies, and directly assisting medical teams during patient procedures.

• The position demands adherence to strict patient confidentiality and safety protocols, ensuring a high standard of care in a dynamic healthcare environment.

• It involves direct patient interaction for tasks such as transportation, vital sign monitoring, and basic comfort measures, contributing to the overall patient experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data did not explicitly state "Revenue Operations," "Sales Operations," or "GTM," this role is a critical component of healthcare operations by ensuring the smooth functioning of specialized medical units, directly impacting patient throughput and resource management, which are foundational to operational efficiency and, indirectly, revenue generation in a healthcare system. The emphasis on lab preparation, supply management, and direct patient support contributes to the overall service delivery capacity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Procedural Area Preparation: Stock and organize supplies, ensuring all necessary equipment and materials are readily available for physician, nursing, and imaging tech teams within the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s).

• Supply Chain Assistance: Aid in managing daily deliveries of lab supplies, including putting items away and proactively notifying nursing staff of any backordered or missing items.

• Quality Control & Testing: Perform quality control checks on glucometers, maintain supply inventory for regulatory compliance, and conduct blood glucose testing as delegated.

• Inventory Management: Assist with monitoring and checking expiration dates on supplies to ensure product integrity and compliance.

• Documentation & Monitoring: Complete requisitions and other necessary forms as directed; monitor equipment for preventative maintenance needs.

• Equipment & Lab Maintenance: Share responsibility for the preparation, proper use, and care of lab equipment and supplies, maintaining the neatness and cleanliness of the procedural areas.

• Patient Preparation & Setup: Assist with procedural preparation, including surgical clipping of skin areas, and set up and connect noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment to patients.

• Patient Information & Communication: Report pertinent patient information and any incidents to the charge nurse or supervising personnel.

• Patient Support: Respond to call lights, answer telephones, and assist in answering patient inquiries.

• Patient Transportation: Safely transport patients via bed, cart, or wheelchair between recovery units, procedural labs, and inpatient units.

• Lab Turnover & Cleaning: Perform delegated lab turnover cleaning duties to ensure a sterile and efficient environment.

• Emergency Response: Perform basic CPR as required in emergent situations.

• Confidentiality: Uphold strict patient confidentiality in all aspects of work.

• Continuous Learning: Assume responsibility for ongoing self-learning, maintenance of clinical skills, and personal performance analysis to set professional goals.

• Other Duties: Perform additional assigned duties as needed to support lab operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Patient Care Technician in a specialized procedural unit, emphasizing hands-on support and operational tasks. The inclusion of "assisting members of the procedural team" and specific tasks like "noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment" highlights the technical and collaborative nature of the role within the cath/EP/vascular lab setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Direct patient-care experience is preferred.

• Experience working in a healthcare environment is desired.

Required Skills:

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

• Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills for effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare staff.

• Instruction Following: Ability to comprehend and execute oral and written instructions accurately.

• Confidentiality Management: Strict adherence to patient confidentiality policies and procedures.

• Sanitation & Safety Knowledge: Understanding of sanitation principles and awareness of health hazards in a clinical setting.

• Basic Life Support: Proficiency in performing basic CPR.

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

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Aptitude for maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and supervisors.

Preferred Skills:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Preferred certification demonstrating foundational nursing support skills.

• Healthcare Environment Experience: Previous work experience within a hospital or clinical setting.

• Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to provide exceptional service to patients and visitors.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain an organized workspace.

• Medical Terminology: Familiarity with common medical terms, instruments, and supplies.

• Computer Proficiency: Basic keyboarding and computer data entry skills for electronic health record (EHR) or other system use.

• Hemodynamic Monitoring: Familiarity with the setup and connection of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Eligibility Requirements" and "Desired Qualifications" have been integrated into the "Required" and "Preferred" skills sections. The emphasis on specific technical skills like "Hemodynamic Monitoring" and "Blood Glucose Testing" within the responsibilities section warrants their inclusion as preferred or developing skills for candidates. The "AI_key_skills" provided a good foundation, which has been expanded upon to reflect the operational context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Patient Care Documentation: Examples of accurate and concise patient charting, including vital signs, intake/output, and basic patient status updates.

• Process Adherence Examples: Demonstrations of following established protocols for patient transport, lab preparation, and supply management.

• Quality Control Records: If applicable from previous roles, examples of quality control logs or documentation related to equipment checks (e.g., glucometers).

• Efficiency Improvements (if applicable): Any instances where a candidate identified a process inefficiency in patient care or lab operations and proposed or implemented a solution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Understanding: Ability to understand and follow complex procedural workflows within the Cath/EP/Vascular Labs.

• Supply Chain Protocols: Familiarity with and adherence to protocols for receiving, stocking, and managing medical supplies.

• Patient Safety Procedures: Documentation or discussion of adherence to patient safety protocols, including infection control and patient identification.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Patient Care Technician role, a traditional "portfolio" as seen in operations or technical roles is less common. However, candidates can demonstrate their capabilities through examples in their resume and during interviews. This section focuses on the types of evidence or discussions that would be valuable, framed within an operations context of process adherence and efficiency. The emphasis is on demonstrating understanding and application of established healthcare procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the provided "Pay Grade: 5" and typical healthcare technician pay scales in Iowa, the estimated annual salary range for this position is approximately $35,000 - $50,000. This estimate is derived from regional salary benchmarks for Patient Care Technicians with 0-2 years of experience in academic medical centers, considering the full-time nature of the role and the specific responsibilities.

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a retirement plan, likely with employer matching contributions (e.g., IPERS for state employees).

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO accrual for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

• Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement: Opportunities for continued education and professional development, especially relevant for career growth in healthcare.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage options to provide financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard Full-Time: 40 hours per week.

• Shift Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week, from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Work Days: Monday through Friday.

• No Weekends or Holidays: This schedule offers predictable workdays free from weekend and holiday commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on provided "Pay Grade: 5" and general market data for the role and location. Specific benefits are typical for a large university healthcare system like the University of Iowa. The structured 4x10 schedule is a key benefit for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This large size implies robust infrastructure, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its healthcare system developing significantly over decades to become a comprehensive academic medical center. This long history suggests stability, established practices, and a commitment to long-term patient care and research.

Team Structure:

• Specialized Unit: The role is within the UI Heart and Vascular Center, specifically supporting the Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Lab(s). This indicates a highly specialized and collaborative team environment.

• Procedural Team: You will work closely with physicians, nurses, and imaging technologists, forming a core procedural team.

• Reporting: The Patient Care Technician will report to nursing leadership within the lab, likely a Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration extends to inpatient units and recovery areas for patient transport and handoffs.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: The core methodology is providing high-quality, patient-centered care, as evidenced by the center's national recognition.

• Evidence-Based Practice: As an academic medical center, there's an emphasis on utilizing current research and best practices in patient care.

• Team-Based Approach: Operations are driven by a collaborative, team-based approach to ensure efficient and safe patient procedures.

• Continuous Improvement: The mention of "ongoing self-learning" and "analyzing own performance" points to a culture of continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26003160&lang=en (Note: This is the job application URL, the primary company URL is uiowa.edu)

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about the University of Iowa and its Heart and Vascular Center has been synthesized to provide context relevant to a healthcare operations support role. The focus is on how the company's size, history, and industry impact the work environment and team dynamics for a Patient Care Technician.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage within healthcare operations support. It serves as a foundational position for individuals looking to enter the clinical support field.

Reporting Structure: The Patient Care Technician typically reports to a Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager within the Cath/EP/Vascular Lab. This structure provides direct supervision and guidance from experienced clinical staff.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, this role is critical for operational efficiency. By ensuring labs are prepared, supplies are stocked, and patients are managed effectively, the PCT contributes to:

• Increased Patient Throughput: Efficient operations allow for more procedures to be completed, impacting the center's capacity and revenue.

• Reduced Delays: Preparedness and timely support minimize procedural delays, improving resource utilization.

• Enhanced Patient Experience: Direct patient care and support contribute to positive patient outcomes and satisfaction, which can influence patient retention and referrals.

• Cost Efficiency: Proper supply management and equipment care can help reduce waste and maintenance costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with advanced medical equipment and procedures in cardiology and electrophysiology.

• Certification Pathways: Potential to pursue further certifications, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) if not already held, or advanced patient care certifications.

• Internal Mobility: Pathways to other roles within the Cath/EP/Vascular Labs or broader University of Iowa Health Care system, such as a Cardiovascular Technologist, Registered Nurse (with further education), or specialized administrative support roles.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced nurses and physicians who can provide guidance and mentorship in clinical practice and career development.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the specific sub-specialties of cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, or vascular procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Patient Care Technician role within a broader healthcare operations context, highlighting its impact on efficiency and revenue indirectly. Growth opportunities are detailed with specific relevance to the healthcare field and academic medical centers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is a clinical setting within a specialized procedural lab (Adult Cath/EP/Vascular Labs) at a major academic medical center. This involves direct patient contact and close proximity to medical equipment.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa, United States. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is a key facility within the University of Iowa Health Care campus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Work is performed as part of a close-knit procedural team, requiring constant communication and coordination with physicians, nurses, and technologists.

• Technology Integration: Access to and use of various medical devices, monitoring equipment, EHR systems, and communication tools.

• Fast-Paced: The lab environment can be high-pressure and fast-paced, especially during procedures, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

• Patient Interaction Focus: A significant portion of the role involves direct, hands-on interaction with patients, requiring empathy and professionalism.

• Sterile/Clean Field Awareness: Maintaining awareness of sterile fields and adherence to infection control protocols is crucial.

Work Schedule:

• Structured Schedule: A consistent 4x10 hour shift schedule (Monday-Friday) provides predictability and work-life balance, avoiding weekend and holiday work.

• Flexibility within Shifts: While the shifts are fixed, the pace within the 10-hour window can vary significantly based on procedure schedules and patient needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description focuses on the unique aspects of a procedural lab environment, contrasting it with a typical office setting. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative, high-tech, and patient-focused nature of the workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and cover letter by HR and potentially the hiring manager.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion about your experience, skills, and understanding of patient care principles. Expect questions related to your ability to follow instructions, handle patient interactions, and work within a team.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): May include a practical demonstration or scenario-based questions related to patient care tasks (e.g., how you would respond to a patient's request, how you would prepare a lab).

• Panel Interview (Possible): You might meet with a panel including nursing staff, a physician, or a lab supervisor to assess fit within the team and specialized unit.

• Final Offer: Contingent on background checks and credential verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Your resume should clearly highlight any direct patient care experience, relevant certifications (CNA), and experience in healthcare settings. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "transported an average of X patients per shift").

• Behavioral Examples: Prepare to discuss specific situations where you demonstrated key skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adherence to protocols. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Understanding of the Role: Be ready to articulate your understanding of the PCT role in a Cath/EP Lab and why you are interested in this specific environment.

• Documentation of Skills: While a formal portfolio isn't expected, be prepared to discuss specific instances of your ability to collect patient data, maintain records, and follow instructions accurately.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions like: "How would you handle a situation where a patient is anxious before a procedure?" or "What steps would you take to ensure a lab is properly stocked and ready for use?"

• Teamwork Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with colleagues in a healthcare setting.

• Knowledge Check: Be ready to answer basic questions about patient confidentiality, CPR procedures, and general sanitation principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice tailored to a Patient Care Technician role, focusing on how to present relevant experience and skills effectively during the application and interview process, even without a formal "operations portfolio."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Medical Devices: Familiarity with, or ability to learn, various patient monitoring devices (e.g., EKG machines, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters), glucometers, and patient transport equipment (beds, wheelchairs, carts).

• Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring Equipment: Understanding of how to set up and connect these systems to patients.

• Communication Systems: Use of hospital pagers, internal phone systems, and potentially secure messaging platforms for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: Proficiency in or ability to quickly learn the specific EHR system used by the University of Iowa Health Care for patient data entry, charting, and accessing patient information (e.g., Epic is common in large health systems).

• Supply Management Software: Potential use of software for tracking inventory, managing requisitions, and monitoring supply levels.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a CRM role, understanding the importance of accurate patient data management within the EHR is key.

• Workflow Tools: Adherence to established digital workflows within the EHR for tasks like patient admissions, transfers, and procedure documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a Patient Care Technician is primarily focused on direct patient care equipment and the Electronic Health Record system. The emphasis is on usability and data accuracy within clinical workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-First Mentality: A deep commitment to prioritizing patient well-being, safety, and comfort in all actions.

• Integrity & Honesty: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and being truthful in all interactions.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Valuing the contributions of all team members and working cooperatively to achieve common goals.

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions, tasks, and contributions to patient care and lab operations.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, seeking feedback, and striving for excellence in patient care and operational efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Responsive: The team operates on a model where members support each other, responding promptly to requests for assistance, call lights, and patient needs.

• Clear Communication: Emphasis on clear, concise, and professional communication, especially during high-stakes procedural environments.

• Respectful Interaction: Maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor with all colleagues, patients, and visitors, regardless of role or seniority.

• Shared Responsibility: A culture where tasks are shared, and team members contribute to the overall success of the lab and patient care delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers common values and collaboration styles found in high-performing healthcare teams, particularly within specialized units of academic medical centers. The focus is on how these values translate into daily operations and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The critical care nature of Cath/EP/Vascular Labs means procedures can be unpredictable, leading to high-pressure situations and the need for rapid adaptation.

• Emotional Demands: Working with patients who are experiencing serious health issues can be emotionally challenging, requiring resilience and empathy.

• Learning Curve: Mastering the specific protocols, equipment, and EHR system of a specialized lab requires dedicated learning and practice.

• Physical Demands: The role may involve significant standing, walking, lifting, and assisting with patient mobility.

• Maintaining Calm Under Pressure: Effectively managing tasks and patient needs during emergent or high-stress procedural moments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Skill Enhancement: Opportunity to develop advanced clinical support skills directly applicable to cardiac and vascular procedures.

• Specialized Knowledge Acquisition: Gaining in-depth understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and common interventions performed in the lab.

• Career Advancement: Building a foundation for progression into more specialized roles within cardiology, electrophysiology, or other healthcare fields.

• Cross-Training: Potential for cross-training in different areas or assisting with varied procedural types as experience grows.

• Professional Development: Access to workshops, seminars, and continuing education opportunities offered by the University of Iowa Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies common challenges faced by PCTs in procedural settings and aligns them with specific learning and development opportunities within a large healthcare system.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Patient Care Scenarios: "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult patient interaction. How did you manage it?" "How would you ensure patient comfort and dignity while performing tasks like transport or vital sign checks?"

• Teamwork & Communication: "How do you prioritize tasks when multiple demands are placed on you simultaneously?" "Describe a situation where you had to communicate critical information to a supervisor or colleague. What was the outcome?"

• Problem-Solving & Protocol Adherence: "What steps would you take if you noticed a supply was missing or expired before a procedure?" "How do you ensure you are following all safety and infection control protocols?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working in the Cath/EP/Vascular Labs specifically?" "What do you know about the UI Heart and Vascular Center's reputation?"

• Team Fit: "How do you contribute to a positive team environment?" "What are your expectations regarding collaboration with physicians and nurses?"

• Values Alignment: "How do you demonstrate patient-centered care in your daily work?" "How do you ensure patient confidentiality?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting experiences and skills most relevant to the PCT role and the specific lab environment.

• STAR Method for Examples: For any behavioral questions, use the STAR method to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your past performance.

• Demonstrate Understanding: Articulate your understanding of the core responsibilities and the importance of this role within the overall patient care process in the lab.

• Enthusiasm for Learning: Express eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to the demands of the specialized lab environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific role of a Patient Care Technician in a procedural lab, focusing on behavioral questions, understanding of patient care, and team collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Patient Care Technician position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight patient care experience, any relevant certifications (especially CNA), and experience in healthcare settings. Use keywords from the job description such as "patient transport," "blood glucose testing," "CPR," and "medical terminology."

• Cover Letter Customization: Write a cover letter that expresses your specific interest in the UI Heart and Vascular Center and the Cath/EP Labs. Detail why you are passionate about patient care and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common interview questions for healthcare support roles, focusing on patient interaction, teamwork, following protocols, and your understanding of the lab environment. Practice using the STAR method for behavioral questions.

• Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care system, its mission, values, and the reputation of the UI Heart and Vascular Center. Understanding their commitment to "Changing Medicine. Changing Lives." will be beneficial.

• Document Preparation: Ensure your resume and cover letter are uploaded as "Relevant Files" and marked as "Relevant File" during the submission process, as requested by the application instructions.

⚠️ 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.