IV certification programs train licensed vocational and practical nurses in IV administration. Learn about online and on-campus course options, program prerequisites and professional certification requirements.
Who Needs IV Certification?
Any healthcare provider who administers IV therapy needs to be IV certified. These programs may be geared towards licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) that do not already have certification. Registered nurses (RNs) usually receive IV certification as part of their training. You must have CPR certification and be a nurse or other healthcare provider to enroll in a program, though you may be admitted with a provisional nursing license.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> CPR certification with a job as a healthcare provider or nurse; most programs are intended for LVNs and LPNs without certification</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Partially online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Skills Learned</b></td><td> Blood transfusion therapy, antibiotics therapy, IV insertion, anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Options</b></td><td> CRNI and NFLPN certifications are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $75,330 (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---IsOnlineTrainingAvailable">Is Online Training Available?</h3><p>Because of the first-hand training component, online academic programs that prepare students for IV certification usually combine online and on-campus coursework. These hybrid programs typically offer certificates and can prepare you for IV certification exams administered by state nursing boards or independent organizations.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>In an on-campus or online course preparing you for IV certification, you learn techniques for the administration and maintenance of IV catheters, IV therapy and pumps. Common topics covered in these courses include:
</p><ul><li>Insertion of peripheral IV lines
</li><li>IV therapy line maintenance
</li><li>Anatomy & physiology
</li><li>Blood transfusion therapy
</li><li>Phlebotomy essentials
</li><li>Pharmacological issues pertaining to IV therapy
</li><li>Antibiotic therapy
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfIVCertificationsAreAvailable">What Types of IV Certifications Are Available?</h3><p>IV certification is often administered through a state's board of nursing and requires completion of a state-approved course. Voluntary certification is offered by several independent organizations.
</p><p>One widely accepted certification is the Certified Registered Nurse in Infusion (CRNI) credential administered by the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC). The INCC offers a three-hour proctored exam covering nine topics at test sites nationwide. Certification requirements include an RN license and at least 1,600 hours of IV therapy experience within the last two years.
</p><p>The National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) also offers certification in IV therapy. Before sitting for the NFLPN's proctored exam, you must be an LPN and have completed an IV therapy training program.</p>
