What Is An IV Technician? And How To Become One
An IV (intravenous) technician is a healthcare professional who specializes in the administration of medications and fluids through an IV. They may work in a hospital, clinic or other healthcare facility, and typically report to a nurse or other supervisor. They are responsible for preparing and administering medications and fluids, monitoring patients for adverse reactions, and maintaining accurate records of IV treatments. They may also be responsible for maintaining and sterilizing equipment, and providing patient education on IV therapy.
Roles Of An IV Technician
An IV technician’s main role is to administer medications and fluids through an IV. They are responsible for:
Preparing and administering medications and fluids according to a physician’s orders and standard protocols.
Monitoring patients for adverse reactions and taking appropriate action if necessary.
Maintaining accurate records of IV treatments and patient information.
Maintaining and sterilizing equipment to ensure proper function and safety.
Providing patient education on IV therapy and answering any questions they may have.
Communicating with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and physicians, to ensure continuity of care.
Reviewing and interpreting physician’s orders and preparing the medication accordingly.
Administering blood products and other specialized infusions as per the physician’s orders.
Performing venipuncture and peripheral IV cannulation.
Maintaining a safe environment for patients during IV therapy.
IV technicians work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional and may also provide support to other members of the healthcare team.
IV Technician Salary and Career Outlook
The salary and career outlook for an IV technician varies depending on location, experience, and employer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for healthcare support occupations, which includes IV technicians, was $36,850 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on location, with some states and metropolitan areas paying significantly more than others.
As for the career outlook, the BLS projects that employment of healthcare support occupations is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This is due to the aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. With the increase in demand for healthcare services, the demand for IV technician also increases.
It’s also worth noting that with the increased focus on home health care, the demand for IV technicians in this field also increases.
In summary, the salary of IV technician vary based on location and employer, but the career outlook is expected to be positive with a projected growth of 10% from 2020 to 2030.
How To Become An IV Technician
Becoming an IV technician typically involves completing a formal education program and gaining hands-on experience through an internship or on-the-job training. Here are the steps to take to become an IV technician:
Complete a formal education program: Many community colleges, vocational schools, and universities offer IV technician programs. These programs typically take between 6 months to 2 years to complete, and cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medication administration, and IV therapy.
Get certified: Some states and employers may require IV technicians to be certified. The certification process typically involves passing an exam that covers topics such as patient safety, infection control, and medication administration.
Gain hands-on experience: Many IV technician programs include an internship or on-the-job training component. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with patients and administering IVs under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional.
Keep your certification current: Some states and employers may require IV technicians to renew their certification periodically through continuing education or by retaking the certification exam.
Consider advancing your education and career: IV technicians can continue their education by pursuing an associate degree in nursing, becoming a licensed practical nurse, or going on to become a registered nurse.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements to become an IV technician may vary depending on the state or employer. Checking with the state board of nursing, or the employer’s specific requirements would be the best way to know the exact requirements for the state or employer you are planning to work for.
Career Path Options
An IV technician can pursue several career path options depending on their interests, skills, and goals. Here are a few options to consider:
Advancement within the IV technician role: IV technicians can take on additional responsibilities and gain more experience to advance in their current role. They can also pursue higher level certifications, such as Certified Infusion Nurse (CIN) or Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN): IV technicians who wish to take on a greater role in patient care and decision-making can pursue further education to become an LPN or RN.
Specialization in a specific area: IV technicians can specialize in a specific area such as oncology, pediatrics, or home health care.
Moving into a supervisory role: IV technicians with experience can move into supervisory roles, such as charge nurse or nurse manager, in which they will be responsible for overseeing the care of patients and managing the work of other healthcare professionals.
Transitioning to other healthcare roles: IV technicians can also transition to other healthcare roles such as phlebotomy, EKG tech, Patient Care Technician (PCT), or Medical Assistant.
It’s worth noting that some of the roles mentioned above may require additional education and certification. IV technicians can explore these options and choose the path that aligns with their goals and interests.
