What Is an IV Technician and How to Become One
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What Is an IV Technician?
An intravenous or IV technician administers IV medications in a pharmacy or clinic IV room. This process involves the insertion of a catheter into a patient’s vein using a needle. Your responsibilities in this career also include preparing prescriptions, sterile compounding, and giving patients their medications in a medical facility. In some positions, you handle patient intake and verification. You work closely with pharmacists while adhering to all State Board of Pharmacy regulations, federal laws, and standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). You are expected to maintain accurate pharmacy records, both written and digital, order and stock supplies, maintain equipment, and fulfill other duties as assigned by the pharmacist. Some jobs require that you drive a mobile unit.
How to Become an IV Technician
Qualifications needed to become an IV technician include a high school diploma. Most employers prefer a current IV Certification and experience working as a pharmacy technician. Most pharmacies also require you to have a Pharmacy Technician Certification, which you can earn through an organization approved by the state in which you work. You can also obtain a sterile product certification through the National Pharmacy Technician Association. It is beneficial to have experience working with CPR+ software and knowledge of various insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid. You should have the skills necessary to handle and dispense medication and an understanding of medical terminology. Many educational programs require completion of an internship, which should help you develop customer service and pharmacy management skills. Some positions require night and weekend hours.
