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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ADN Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

... clinical references • Competitive pay rates • Health/Dental Benefit package • License ... Cardiac Cath Lab,09:00:00-17:00:00 About ADN Healthcare ADN Healthcare has thousands of contract ...

University of Iowa

Clinical Lab Analyst

Iowa City, IA · On-site

... Lab Science, or Biology, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience ... Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For ...

American Traveler

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.9K/wk

Cath Lab Technologist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 07/06/2026 * Duration ... One supervisory performance evaluation or reference from within the past 2 years preferred for ...

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All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Iowa

Reference Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 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 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.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology can assist lab technicians by automating routine tasks such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace them. Lab technicians' expertise in handling complex procedures, troubleshooting, and ensuring quality control remains essential in laboratory settings. AI tools are intended to augment human work rather than replace skilled professionals entirely.

What does it mean to be a reference lab?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are not available in standard clinical labs. Employees in a reference lab typically handle high-volume testing, use advanced equipment, and follow strict quality control protocols to ensure accurate results for healthcare providers and patients.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In a reference laboratory setting, roles such as senior laboratory technician or specialized medical technologist can potentially earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require technical skills, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and adherence to safety protocols, but may not always require a traditional college degree depending on the employer and region.

What is the highest paid lab job?

In a reference laboratory, the highest paid roles are often senior pathologists or laboratory directors, who typically hold medical degrees and board certifications. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance, with salaries frequently exceeding six figures annually.

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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Travel Cath Lab RN

Travel Cath Lab RN

ADN Healthcare

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

ADN Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Cardiac Cath Lab for a travel nursing job in Waterloo, Iowa.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Weekly rate listed is an estimate and can vary based on the applicant's home location, VMS Fees, and onboarding costs.
Our Client is currently seeking Cardiac Cath Lab for positions in Waterloo, Iowa for a 5x8 Days, 09:00:00-17:00:00, 8.00-5 shift.

The ideal candidate will possess a current Iowa license. This is a RN position in the Cardiac Cath Lab (13201). You must have a Nursing License and at least 2 years of recent experience as a RN – Cardiac Cath Lab.

Requirements

• Current Resume

• Nursing License per state

• Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications

• 2 current clinical references

• Competitive pay rates

• Health/Dental Benefit package

• License reimbursement

• Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

ADN Healthcare Job ID #36647350. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN:Cardiac Cath Lab,09:00:00-17:00:00

About ADN Healthcare

ADN Healthcare has thousands of contract and direct hire positions available. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Benefits
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • Company provided housing options
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Referral bonus
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Weekly pay
  • Life insurance
  • Health Care FSA
ADN Healthcare logo

About ADN Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ADN Healthcare is a nurse-centric staffing company backed by a leadership team with over 40 years of combined healthcare staffing experience. Our team’s expertise and industry insights have allowed us to develop and implement organizational metrics that exceed client facility expectations, positioning us as a Tier 1 candidate provider. When you partner with ADN Healthcare, you can trust that you are working with professionals who understand your unique needs and can deliver exceptional results. We are committed to connecting talented candidates with rewarding travel assignments that allow them to build their careers while exploring new locations. With ADN Healthcare, healthcare professionals can embark on a journey of professional growth and fulfill their passion for helping others.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Boynton Beach, FL, US

Year founded

2014

Social media

Facebook

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