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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Medical Assistant

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Registers, orders and receives in specimens from reference lab and nursing home clients * Navigates the Hospital Information system as required for patient care * Answers incoming phone calls ...

Urus

Assistant IVF Lab Technician, Part Time

Hull, IA · On-site

As an IVF Lab Tech, you will become specialized in embryo evaluation, grading, and freezing, and ... Current minimum GPA of 3.0 * 3-character references from current/past teachers or community member ...

Junxion Med Staffing

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.8K/wk

Cath Lab Technologist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration ... reference/reference check from within 24 months - No first-time travelers; must have completed at ...

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Reference Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference laboratory technician?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a reference lab do?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are often not available at standard labs. They process samples from healthcare providers, using advanced equipment and techniques, and typically require trained personnel and quality certifications to ensure accurate results.
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Medical Assistant

Waterloo, IA • On-site

UnityPoint Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees
Learn more about UnityPoint Healthexternal

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 366 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

  • Area of Interest: Laboratory
  • FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.8
  • Department: Laboratory - General- Logan
  • Shift: 0830-1700, 1100-1930 or 1230-2100. Every other weekend. Holiday rotation. 3 on call shifts per month.
  • Job ID: 183564

Overview

Medical Assistant II/Phlebotomist

UnityPoint Health - Allen

Shift: Full-time; 0.8 FTE; 830 AM – 5 PM, 11 AM – 730 PM, or 1230 PM – 9 PM. Every other weekend, holiday rotation and on call.

Benefits Eligible

The Medical Assistant II Phlebotomist, under the direction of the Manager-Compliance/ED Lab/Phlebotomy, is responsible for collection of blood samples through phlebotomy (blood collection) techniques, including vacutainer, syringe, winged infusion set and capillary collections. All phlebotomists are expected to assist with collections from outpatients, inpatients as well as stat nursing home patients and any other patient types supported by UnityPoint Health.

The Medical Assistant II Phlebotomist is also trained into the Laboratory Office to register, receive in specimens from reference clients and other general office duties. They also perform routine nursing home collection routes when working during the early morning hours.

Phlebotomists also assist in the collection of other specimens such as urines for analysis and urines for drug screens.

Phlebotomists should possess good clerical and computer skills to support the Laboratory department.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program .
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family .

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

  • Learn and understand basic techniques of phlebotomy and specimen collection.
  • Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection for inpatients, outpatients and nursing home patients
  • Learn and understand collection of urine drug screens for occupational and medical collections
  • Performs routine nursing home draw routes if scheduled in early AM hours
  • Assists technologists with duties including but not limited to stocking supplies, washing laboratory dishes, inventory management & follow up on reports
  • After competent, assist in training new staff in phlebotomy
  • Enters data and orders samples into Laboratory Information system
  • Registers, orders and receives in specimens from reference lab and nursing home clients
  • Navigates the Hospital Information system as required for patient care
  • Answers incoming phone calls

Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Licensure/Certification:

  • Valid driver's license

Other:

  • Must be able to read, write and speak English
  • Must possess basic computer skills and knowledge using word processing, spreadsheet, email and web browser
  • May require frequent travel to area nursing home facilities

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

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