Intravenous (IV) therapy involves administering medications or fluids directly into a patient’s vein. As a pharmacy technician, getting certified in IV preparation can expand your career opportunities and skillset. This article provides a comprehensive guide on IV certification for pharmacy techs.
Overview of IV Certification
IV certification demonstrates a pharmacy technician’s competency in preparing sterile products for intravenous use It covers key areas like
- Sterile compounding procedures
- Aseptic technique
- Quality controls
- Documentation
- Safe handling of hazardous drugs
- Waste disposal
Certification equips techs with the knowledge and skills to accurately and safely compound IV mixtures while ensuring sterility.
Why Get IV Certified?
Here are some of the top reasons pharmacy technicians pursue IV certification:
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In-demand skill – IV compounding is a highly valued competency for pharmacy techs. IV certificaton can give you a competitive edge.
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Career advancement – Specialized IV skills open up more senior roles and higher pay. IV techs are often lead techs or supervisors.
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Job opportunities – IV compounding skills are required for pharmacy tech jobs in many settings like hospitals, infusion centers and home health.
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Higher pay – IV certified pharmacy techs earn approximately $2 more per hour on average. The skills allow you to demand higher pay.
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Compliance – Regulatory standards like USP <797> require specialized training for IV compounding. Certification helps ensure pharmacy compliance.
IV Certification Requirements
To earn IV certification, pharmacy technicians must meet the following key requirements:
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Formal training – Complete an IV training/certification program from an accredited provider. Programs range from 8-40 hours typically.
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Hands-on training – Programs require supervised hands-on aseptic technique practice for mixing IV solutions.
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Exam – Pass a comprehensive written exam covering all aspects of sterile IV compounding. Minimum passing score is usually 70-80%.
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Renewal – IV certification requires renewal every 1-2 years through an exam or continuing education.
State pharmacy boards may have additional requirements for pharmacy tech IV certification.
Finding an IV Certification Program
When selecting an IV certification program, pharmacy technicians should look for:
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Recognition – Nationally recognized programs from reputable training organizations.
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USP compliance – Curriculum aligns with USP quality standards for sterile compounding.
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Hands-on training – Includes extensive practical labs and technique evaluations.
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Instructor expertise – Educators are experienced pharmacy professionals.
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Exam prep – Provides test materials and sample questions.
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Employer approved – Confirm the program meets your state and employer requirements.
Leading national IV certification providers include CriticalPoint, Sterile Compounding University, Pharmacy Technician University and American College of Apothecaries. Many hospital systems also offer internal IV tech training programs.
IV Certification Exam Details
The IV certification exam evaluates skills in:
- Aseptic garbing and hand hygiene
- Environmental, personnel and workflow monitoring
- Cleanroom maintenance and disinfection
- Sterilization methods
- Compounding manipulations
- Labeling and documentation
- Hazardous drug handling
- USP quality standards
- Error prevention
The exam has 75-100 questions andtakes 1.5-2 hours typically. Questions formats include multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching and true/false.
A passing score of 70-80% is usually needed. Results are given immediately.
Maintaining IV Certification
To keep IV certification current, pharmacy techs must complete renewal requirements every 1-2 years.
Typical renewal options include:
- Retaking the IV certification exam
- Completing at least 5 hours of continuing education in IV topics
- Maintaining national PTCB or ExCPT certification
- Meeting work experience requirements
IV certification proves you stay up-to-date on the latest sterile compounding standards and best practices.
PTCB CSPT Certification
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) also offers a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) credential.
The CSPT covers IV preparation along with other sterile compounding skills.
To earn the CSPT, PTCB CPhTs must:
- Have 1 year of IV or sterile compounding experience
- Pass the CSPT exam
- Renew annually by retaking the exam
The CSPT provides an additional way for IV certified techs to showcase their expertise.
IV Certification Training Providers
Here are some leading IV certification programs pharmacy techs can pursue:
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CriticalPoint Sterile Compounding Boot Camp – Self-paced online and in-person classes at sites nationwide.
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Sterile Compounding University – Live online and self-paced programs. USP-compliant curriculum.
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Pharmacy Technician University – Online and hands-on classes. ACPE-accredited.
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American College of Apothecaries – Sterile compounding courses for techs and pharmacists.
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McPherson Hospital IV Certification – Onsite training at Kansas hospital with practicum.
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Sterile Preparation Certification by Hippo Education – Interactive online video course and exam prep.
Compare program lengths, prices, teaching methods and certifications offered.
What is Covered in IV Certification Courses?
IV certification courses cover topics such as:
- Aseptic technique for sterile compounding
- Cleanroom operations, maintenance and hygiene
- Environmental and quality monitoring
- Sterilization methods like filtration
- Labeling, documentation and recordkeeping
- Primary engineering controls and C-PECs
- Cytotoxic and hazardous drug handling
- Infection prevention
- Attire and personal protective equipment
- USP quality standards for IV medications
- Steps for common IV mixtures and dosages
- Error prevention in IV preparation
Hands-on labs reinforce proper aseptic techniques.
Jobs for IV Certified Pharmacy Techs
An IV certification expands opportunities for pharmacy technicians including:
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IV compounding tech – Prepare intravenous mixtures in hospital, home infusion or compounding pharmacies.
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Chemo/hazardous drug technician – Make chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients.
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Sterile compounding supervisor – Oversee IV clean rooms and techs. Ensure quality control.
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Home health IV tech – Provide medications and teach self-administration to homecare patients.
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Dialysis tech – Make IV solutions for kidney dialysis treatment.
IV certified pharmacy techs enjoy strong job prospects across healthcare settings due to their specialized skills.
Is IV Certification Worth It?
The cost of IV certification ranges from $100-$1000 typically based on the provider.
This investment pays off by:
- Increasing your hourly pay up to $5 more per hour
- Opening up more career advancement opportunities
- Expanding your job prospects across healthcare roles
- Ensuring you provide medication therapy safely and effectively
For motivated pharmacy technicians, IV certification can significantly boost your earnings potential and job mobility.
Preparing for IV Certification
Here are some tips to prepare for IV pharmacy technician certification:
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Review the certification exam blueprint and identify knowledge gaps.
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Study reference materials and textbooks on IV preparation.
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Take practice tests to assess readiness.
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Know how to properly gown and perform aseptic handwashing.
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Practice IV workflow steps using simulation.
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Shadow an IV certified tech or pharmacist at work.
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Ensure you meet state and employer eligibility requirements.
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Register early as course seats tend to fill up fast.
Proper preparation leads to first attempt exam success.
With the growing demand for intravenous medications across healthcare, IV certification gives pharmacy techs an essential competitive edge.
Specialized skills in sterile IV preparation enable techs to advance their careers while making life-saving therapies available to patients safely and effectively.
If you’re ready to take the next step as a pharmacy technician, invest in IV certification and open up a wider world of pharmacy practice.
Offered at the Fort Worth Campus
The IV/Sterile Products Certification course has been designed to train pharmacy technicians on the topic of sterile product preparation and aseptic technique. The program integrates approximately 20 hours of didactic instruction with 20 hours of experiential training and skill assessments. This course is designed to meet all applicable State Board of Pharmacy training requirements and has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
This course will begin with an introduction to sterile products before moving on to facilities, garb, and equipment. Other modules include quality control and assurance, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), sterile product preparations, aseptic technique, properties of sterile products, aseptic calculations, and chemotherapy.
During the hands-on training, students will validate their skills in four key areas. These include aseptic garbing and handwashing, ampule manipulations, vial manipulations, and laminar airflow hood care. The vial and ampule manipulation validations and techniques are supplemented by those for hazardous vials and hazardous ampules. The laminar airflow hood care includes techniques for both horizontal and vertical airflow hood care. The course is ideal for registered pharmacy technicians, pharmacy technician students, certified pharmacy technicians, and pharmacists.
Ready to advance your skillset and career? Inquire now about our IV/Sterile Compounding Certification Course.
Seminar: 4 weeks
Classes Start July 8th
Ready to advance your skillset and career? Inquire now about our IV/Sterile Compounding Certification Course.
The IV Sterile Compounding Certification provides comprehensive training for pharmacy technicians in sterile product preparation and aseptic techniques, fulfilling Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements and is ACPE accredited. The program covers a range of topics, including quality control, TPN, chemotherapy, and aseptic calculations, with hands-on practice in aseptic garbing, ampule and vial manipulation, and laminar airflow hood maintenance. This certification is suitable for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists at varying levels of their careers.
My job in a minute: Inpatient Pharmacy Tech / Sterile Compounding Technician
How do I become an IV certified Pharmacy Technician?
To become IV certified, pharmacy technicians must complete a designated amount of hands-on experience and training. They must then pass practical and written exams to earn the certification. These exams ensure the technician thoroughly understands IV procedures and sanitization techniques.
What are the benefits of IV certification as a pharmacy technician?
Here are some benefits of earning an IV certification as a pharmacy technician: The certification doesn’t take long to earn. Many courses for IV certification take only a few days, and the longest may take a few weeks to complete. Your workplace may pay for your certification.
How do I become a pharmacy technician?
Enroll in an online or in-person IV certification course Once you’ve gained experience as a pharmacy technician, you can enroll in an IV certification course. Many institutions offer pharmacy technician certifications, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
How do I become an IV Technician?
IV treatment, also called intravenous treatment, is a form of therapy that injects fluid into the veins of the patient. To become IV certified, pharmacy technicians must complete a designated amount of hands-on experience and training. They must then pass practical and written exams to earn the certification.
