Clinical Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Clinical assistant jobs in Iowa are concentrated in primary care clinics, hospital outpatient departments, and physician group practices, with steady openings at every experience level from recent program graduates to seasoned multi-specialty assistants. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City generate the largest share of openings, anchored by employers such as UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Health Care, and MercyOne. The most in-demand specialties include family medicine, behavioral health support, and orthopedic clinic assistance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Clinical Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Clinical Assistant jobs





Position Title:
Tenure Track or Clinical Track - Assistant - Associate - Full Professor | Small Animal SurgeryAppointment Type:
FacultyJob Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University invites applications for a full-time faculty position in the small animal surgery section of the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC). We are in search of a small animal surgeon who is passionate about advancing the art of veterinary surgery and providing the highest level of care available to a large patient population coming from all corners of the Midwest. With a growing, vibrant, and cohesive group of faculty members in specialties including cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, radiology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, as well as medical and radiation oncology, the LVMC offers an incredible environment for collaboration, cross pollination, and innovative care and treatment of patients. This is bolstered by strong leadership in both the Department and the LVMC with administrators who continue to practice in clinics and truly embodies the spirit of the servant leader.
Unlike many traditional academic positions, the opportunities at ISU are boundless in many respects. Though the clinical service is divided between soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, the percentage of clinic time spent on each service can be tailored to an individual's interest and desired career development. An opportunity for an endowed professorship in small animal surgery is available for a qualifying individual (e.g., Associate or Full Professor). The Small Animal Hospital at the LVMC is fully equipped with five state-of-the-art and spacious surgical suites complemented by top-of-the-line equipment to facilitate minimally invasive surgery (orthopedics and soft tissue) with near infrared technology, joint replacements, and interventional radiology procedures. With generous support from donors and the College administration, continued upgrades and addition of equipment is always available, including the recent purchase of a mobile radiology unit allowing for imaging in the operating suites to improve efficiency and further minimize surgical site contamination. The Department has also been proactive in encouraging and providing resources to support clinical research. A core laboratory has been established by the Department and is staffed by two staff researchers to aid clinical investigators with their projects. Internal funding is available to support clinical or preliminary research in preparation for outside grant application. Both primary investigator and collaborative research opportunities are available within the department and across the other College departments.
We look forward to the application from candidates dedicated to exceptional patient care and with a strong desire to share their knowledge and clinical expertise to educate students, house officers, and technicians. The Department has placed heavy emphasis and efforts in providing personalized mentorship to ensure faculty success in both clinical and tenure-track positions with the understanding of the different but equally important roles. For those looking for a strongly collaborative environment to work in where peers from different specialties work together to provide the best treatment and patient care, we are confident that you will find no position more welcoming and supported than this one at ISU.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
DVM or equivalent degree
Successful completion of an American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), or European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) approved residency training program. Candidates in their third year of an approved surgical residency training program will also be considered an are encouraged to apply.
State of Iowa Veterinary License on or before the first day of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
Board certification in the American or European College of Veterinary Surgeons
Additional years of active experience in small animal surgery
An advanced degree (MS, PhD or equivalent) or notable potential for scholarship through both manuscript publication, granting activity or national scholarly, clinical, or education presentations, commensurate with their stage of career
Documented commitment to veterinary instruction and education of students and/or house officers
Department/Program & College Description:
The LVMC is a state-of-the-art facility to designed to provide specialized care of comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work collaboratively to provide 24-hour, high-quality care to animal patients. As the nation's first public veterinary school, Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine takes pride in its heritage while shaping the future of veterinary professional practice, education, research and service.
Ames, Iowa is a progressive community of 60,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, and was recently voted as one of the best college towns in the nation.
Department Unit/Website:
https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vcs /
This position is open to some candidates eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship. ISU is unable to provide H-1B immigration sponsorship for candidates who did not hold H-1B status as of September 20, 2025.
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timeApplication Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
3) Contact Information for Three (3) external to Iowa State references
For full consideration, please apply on or before September 24, 2026 .
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date:
August 25, 2026Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19845Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
See All 14 Clinical Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Assistant JobsClinical Assistant Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Assistant Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical assistant jobs across Iowa.
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification recognized by Iowa employers
- Completion of an accredited clinical assistant or medical assistant training program
- Experience with electronic health records systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Ability to perform clinical tasks including vital signs, phlebotomy, and patient rooming
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for patient-facing and team settings
- Willingness to work flexible schedules including evenings or rotating weekends
Clinical Assistant Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical assistant in Iowa?
Most Iowa employers require completion of an accredited medical or clinical assistant program, typically offered at community colleges such as Des Moines Area Community College or Kirkwood Community College. While Iowa does not mandate a statewide license for clinical assistants, many employers prefer candidates who hold a national credential such as the Certified Medical Assistant credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Externship experience gained during your program significantly strengthens your application for entry-level roles.
Which companies hire clinical assistants in Iowa?
Employers hiring clinical assistants in Iowa right now include Iowa State University, MercyOne, and Capital Orthopaedics And Sport, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's integrated health systems, including large regional networks and federally qualified health centers, post consistently throughout the year across urban and rural clinic sites.
Which Iowa cities have the most clinical assistant jobs?
Ames, Davenport, and Clive account for the most clinical assistant openings in Iowa. Des Moines leads because of its dense concentration of hospital campuses, specialty clinics, and multisite physician groups, while Iowa City's market is driven heavily by University of Iowa Health Care and its affiliated outpatient practices, and Cedar Rapids draws volume from MercyOne and a growing number of independent group practices.
Are there remote clinical assistant jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Clinical assistant work is predominantly hands-on and clinic-based, which limits remote options significantly. About 25% of clinical assistant openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, so most positions require in-person attendance. The small share of remote roles typically involves telephone triage, prior authorization support, or chronic disease care coordination rather than direct patient care.
How can I get hired as a clinical assistant in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a clinical or medical assistant program at an Iowa community college, which includes an externship that often converts into a job offer. UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care both run new-graduate hiring initiatives that prioritize candidates from accredited programs even without prior paid experience. Lateral moves from roles such as patient service representative, medical receptionist, or hospital unit secretary are also common entry points. Earning a Certified Medical Assistant credential before applying gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to clinical assistant jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to clinical assistant jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across health systems, clinics, and specialty practices. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, specialty interest, and preferred location, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 14 Clinical Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Assistant Jobs