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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

American Traveler

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Dubuque, IA

$2.15K - $2.88K/wk

Supervisory performance evaluation or professional reference from within the past 2 years required ... Travel Cath Lab / EP Technologist - Cardiac Cath Lab About American Traveler With over 25 years of ...

NOMAD

Travel Nurse - Cath Lab $2,720/wk

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$2.72K/wk

Specialty Experience 1+ years of experience in Cath Lab in last 3 years. * Skills Assessment CAL ... References 2 Charge RN references within the last 2 years. * Travel Contract Local contracts within ...

American Traveler

Travel Cardiac Cath Lab RN

Mason City, IA

$2.45K - $3.33K/wk

Cardiac Cath Lab * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week ... References required for consideration * Local candidates are accepted for this position in Iowa ...

NOMAD

Travel Nurse - Cath Lab $2,720/wk

Waterloo, IA

$2.72K/wk

Specialty Experience 1+ years of experience in Cath Lab in last 3 years. * Skills Assessment CAL ... References 2 Charge RN references within the last 2 years. * Travel Contract Local contracts within ...

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See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Iowa? For Reference Lab jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Nursing Manager, Cardiovascular Lab - Downtown Campus

Nursing Manager, Cardiovascular Lab - Downtown Campus

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

401st of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Responsibilities:
This position directs the technical, clinical, and nursing functions of the cardiovascular lab services provided at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown. This includes ensuring services are delivered effective and efficiently. This position must have experience in health care operations.
Human Resources Management
• Monitors overall staffing and shift scheduling.
• Hire, develop, and manage the performance of staff in a departmental unit or functional division.
• Provide clinical education to develop staff competency. Ensure staff compliances are applicable, complete and current.
Financial and Data Management and Analysis
• Prepare and/or assist in budget development; provide projections and recommendations.
• Manage financial and productivity data and monitor the budget to meet goals. Resolve budget discrepancies.
• Prepare and/or assist in capital budgeting and equipment selection/replacement.
Operations, Standards of Care, Regulatory Compliance, Quality and Patient Satisfaction
• Oversees daily operations of the cardiovascular lab.
• Identify trends and determine QA priorities.
• Recommend QA and patient/customer satisfaction strategies.
• Develop and monitor plans to enhance patient satisfaction.
Patient Care/Services
• Delivery Identify needs, trends, and forecasts to provide quality patient care.
Planning and Goal Management
• Develop action plans for the unit that meet strategic goals; provide progress reports to the department director or director of clinical functions.
• Participate in and serve as a contact for facility projects including those related to services, teaching, administrative and research areas as directed.
Communication/Collaboration
• Advocate for needs of the unit with healthcare leaders; may collaborate with the medical director of the unit regarding program development, process improvements, and equipment budgets.
Education Programs
• Provide clinical education to develop staff competency. Oversee clinical education activities and agreements with other educational institutions.
Education Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Nursing is required. Preferred Master's degree (in nursing, MBA or healthcare related). If candidate does not have a Master's Degree they will be strongly encouraged to obtain one within 5 years of starting position.

Experience Requirements:
  • Current license to practice nursing in Iowa or ability to obtain an Iowa license upon hire.
  • 3-5 years of progressive clinical leadership is required.
  • 3-5 cardiovascular lab experience.
  • Demonstrate skill in leadership/management is required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Professional job-related experience fostering or promoting a welcoming and respectful work/academic environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome and appreciated; or demonstrated the ability to do so.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Supervisory experience is strongly desirable.
  • Demonstrate positive Services Excellence Skills is desirable.
  • Proficient in computer software applications is desirable.
  • Proficiency in utilizing and/or clinical understanding of Epic.
  • Knowledge of University policies, procedures and regulations is desirable.

Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Penni Berger at penelope-berger@uiowa.edu

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