Is helping people feel better your passion? Would you enjoy working alongside healthcare professionals in a medical setting? Do you have strong attention to detail, and are you comfortable following procedures? If so, an IV technician job might be a great career path for you.
IV therapy is a growing field that provides many rewarding opportunities for those interested in medicine and helping others. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the skills and characteristics you’ll need to succeed as an IV technician.
We’ll also talk about the training required to become one and where to find more information about educational programs. If you’re curious about launching a successful career in this in-demand field—let’s get started.
What Is an IV Technician?
An IV technician is a professional who works with intravenous (IV) solutions to administer medications and fluids to patients. They are trained in the administration of pharmaceuticals and fluids, as well as in proper infection control procedures and techniques.
A typical day for an IV technician could include taking blood pressure readings, preparing medications by mixing them into IV solutions, connecting IV lines to patients, removing used needles from IV lines and disposing of them properly, monitoring patient vital signs during treatment, following up with patients after treatment has been administered or completed to ensure that they are feeling better or have experienced no complications from their treatment plan.
IV technicians may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, nursing homes—and the list goes on. In some cases, you may even be able to work remotely.
Roles and Responsibilities
As an IV technician, you’ll work side by side with pharmacists and other members of the health care team to ensure that your hospital or clinic’s pharmacy meets all State Board of Pharmacy regulations, federal laws, and accreditation standards as overseen by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
Preparing prescriptions, sterile compounding, and administering medications to patients are some of the routine tasks associated with this career. In certain roles, some of your duties will include taking patients’ information and verifying their insurance coverage.
You must maintain accurate pharmacy records (both in writing and digitally), control inventory, order supplies, as well as perform any other duties assigned by the pharmacist. Some mobile unit roles may require that you drive, such as when making deliveries to nursing homes or homebound patients.
How to Become an IV Technician
Since the start of the global pandemic, demand for venous procedures has soared. The increased use of vaccines and intravenous medications has led to the growing demand for trained IV technicians—making now the perfect time to join the IV Technician profession and gain all the benefits that come with it.
Here are some helpful facts you need to know if you are considering this career:
- An IV technician must be at least 18 years old and have an education equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Employers typically prefer that pharmacy technicians have a current IV certification and experience working in a pharmacy.
- In most states, you will also need a Pharmacy Technician Certification to work in pharmacies (available through state-approved organizations)
- A strong background in CPR+ software and knowledge of various insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, will help.
- Many IV Technician educational programs require that students complete an internship, during which they can develop their customer service and pharmacy management skills.
- Some positions require work during nights and weekends.
Becoming an IV technician is a great way to get into the medical field and make a difference in people’s lives. You will need to complete a training program and pass a National I.V. Certification exam. Training programs are available in many states and typically last from three months to two years.
Access to Online Certification Courses
There are many reasons to become an IV technician, but one of the most compelling is that the process itself is simple. When you have access to online IV technician certifications, you can obtain your certification no matter where you live or how busy you are. You’ll be able to easily interact with your instructors virtually and complete the course objectives at your own pace—the online study guides and practice exams provide you with all the knowledge needed.
At NIVA (National I.V. Association), we are proud to offer online IV technician certification courses. Our course is designed by industry experts and includes all the materials you need to pass your exam, including study guides, practice exams, online webinars, and more.
Passing the National I.V. Exam
Our National I.V. Review Course is designed to enable students to work at their own pace. This fully online and on-demand IV Technician education provides you with the tools, skills, and proficiency required to pass the National I.V. Certification exam and become a certified I.V. Technician.
Course Features:
- 100% Self-Paced Lessons – The National I.V. Review course is modular, so you can take it at your own pace—on the go and without scheduling conflicts with work or other obligations.
- Video & Study Guides – The National I.V. Review includes a series of PDF study guides and videos that can be used in conjunction with the 42 interactive lessons included in the course itself.
- Access to National I.V. Exam – With our National I.V. Review course, you will gain access to take the National I.V. exam at no additional cost.
If you want to be amply prepared for the I.V. administration portion of your National Certification exam, this course is an excellent way to refresh your knowledge and give yourself the best chance at successfully passing on your first try.
NIVA | Become an IV-certified Technician Today
If you’re searching for a certification that will boost your resume and help you get a higher salary with your current or future employers, the National I.V. Association is the place to start.
We recommend you register for this course as soon as possible to help ensure your success in passing the exam. You’ll learn all about the certification process, and can even practice multiple-choice questions similar to the actual test.
The National I.V. Association’s mission is to provide excellent training by providing online video tutorials and practice tests prepared by medical professionals who work in both the education and healthcare fields.
Register now and get started on this exciting new career path!
