Which Schools Offer IV Certification Programs in Houston, Texas?

Students searching for IV certification in the Houston, TX, area can choose from programs at several public institutions. Explore the different programs available and read important school information.

What You Need to Know

Several community colleges in and near Houston, Texas, offer instruction that can prepare students for IV certification. Pharmacy technician programs teach students to prepare medications for intravenous (IV) use, while courses for nurses and other medical professionals focus on the administration of these solutions to patients. IV certifications are available in both fields. They are voluntary recognitions from professional organizations and require passing a competency exam.

Pharmacy technician students learn about sterile compounding and IV admixture as part of certificate programs lasting from six months to a year. These programs include classes, labs and clinical experience in a pharmacy. Nurses or other professional who administer IV therapy can complete 8-hour courses in IV management that include instruction on calculating doses, drip calculation and fluid balances.

IV Certification Programs in Houston, Texas

Alvin Community College

Alvin Community College (ACC) offers a certificate program that can prepare you to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The pharmacy technician program at ACC includes online and hybrid courses that prepare you to work in hospitals, retail pharmacies and nursing home. You will complete 27 credit hours, which includes classes in topics like sterile compounding and IV admixture. You will also complete lab studies and a clinical internship at a local pharmacy or institution.

• Program Name: Pharmacy Technician Program (Level I Certificate)
• Program Length: Eight months (two semesters), full-time or one year (three semesters) part-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,680 per year for in-district residents; $2,784 per year for state residents; $3,936 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED certificate; must pre-register as pharmacy tech in training prior to starting clinical training
• Requirements: At least 16 years old; references; interview with program director; criminal background check; proof of current immunizations prior to internship
• School Type: 2-year, public; 5,573 students (all undergraduate)

Austin Community College District

The Advanced IV Therapy course is offered at Austin Community College's Eastview campus. The advanced course is lecture-based and can also provide you with hands-on training. The course is designed to add to your nursing skills in managing IVs. You'll learn about IV therapy initiation, TPN and blood administration, drip calculation and IV pushes.

• Program Name: Advanced IV Therapy
• Program Length: Eight hours
• Tuition and Fees: $2,550 per year for in-district residents; $10,830 per year for state residents; $13,020 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Training as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or RN
• School Type: 2-year, public; 40,800 students (all undergraduate)

Houston Community College

The pharmacy technician program at Houston Community College (HCC) offers a certificate option that trains you to work in a hospital or homecare setting, as well as an option if you're interested in working in a retail pharmacy. Both options meet the Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements and prepare you for the IV certification examination. The certificate curriculum includes classroom lectures, lab studies and supervised clinical training in local Houston sites, including Select Specialty Houston and Bayshore Medical Center.

• Program Name: Pharmacy Technician Program
• Program Length: Six months, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $1,632 per year for in-district residents; $3,360 per year for state residents; $3,756 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED certificate; placement test scores showing eligibility for Math, Gust and English or completion of courses with grade C or better; health professions introductory course; must type at least 30 wpm
• Requirements; Criminal background check; physical exam and drug screening
• School Type: 2-year, public; 57,200 students (all undergraduate)

Texas Southern University

The IV therapy certification program at TSU is designed for medical professionals knowledgeable of IV therapy or those who want to upgrade their skills. You'll learn about IV therapy administration, risk management, fluid balances, IV therapy calculations and calculating dosages.

• Program Name: Intravenous (IV) Therapy Program
• Program Length: Eight contact hours
• Program Cost: $299, includes textbook (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Must be an LPN, RN or skilled professional trained in IV therapy
• School Type: 4-year, public; 9,732 students (7,604 undergraduate)

Students near Houston, TX, can earn their IV certification from several public institutions in the area in as little as eight hours.