IV Provider Course - Frequently Asked Questions:
We have included a list of FAQs. If you seek an answer to a question that is not on this list, please email support@CardiacEd.com
Q: I am a CNA / Patient Care Tech / Nurses Aide / Nursing Assistant. Can I take the IV course?
A: This is our number one question for the IV course. Every state has its own laws/rules/regulations; therefore, it's a complicated answer, but the general rule is as follows: As unlicensed assistive personnel, in many states, you will not be permitted to start IVs, but you may be permitted to remove an IV in some states (some employers may even require you to obtain IV certification that includes removing IVs). However, you will need to check with your state to determine your scope of practice (when contacting them, you will want to obtain their decision in writing so that you can use it as proof if you are ever involved in any legal proceedings (you should include their written response in an email to our office support@CardiacEd.com) our office will review their response and then permit you to register (if allowed). Therefore, please get in touch with your state department of health/board of nursing, etc., to ensure that you are legally allowed to perform IV therapy (i.e., Start an IV or discontinue an IV). Our office/faculty cannot determine if this is in your scope of practice - only your state/board can determine this for you. If your employer requires that you are certified to remove an IV, you can register to take the IV course. However, your scope of practice will be limited by state laws/regulations (Meaning that if you are IV certified, you may only be allowed to remove an IV but not initiate an IV).
Q: Is this a virtual course?
A: Not entirely. This course has an online component and in-person skills training and testing. The online portion of the course is accessed from "My Account" on our home page and must be completed within 90 days of course registration; the online module of this course is not presented live and involves reading assignments of the presented content.
Q: How do you perform the practical testing for this course?
A: The practical testing is performed at one of our IV course locations. The course allows for short demonstrations and testing during your course. You are tested based on the course competency testing checklist (provided at your course and available in the LMS upon course registration). Mannequins are used for practice and testing.
Q: Will students "stick each other" (perform venipuncture) in this course?
A: No. All venipuncture attempts are performed on mannequins. The insurance for this course does not permit any venipuncture on a live person. The liability that could result carries massive risk, and causing phlebitis is often treatable with antibiotics, yet causing a heart valve infection (and then needing open-heart surgery, with its inherent risks) is too massive for any person or organization to endure.
Q: Do I have to renew my IV certification? (Does my IV certificate expire?)
A: Technically, the IV certification, at this time, is a life-long certification. However, it is HIGHLY recommended that you renew if you have not utilized the skills taught in the IV program. As you can probably appreciate, if you do not use IV skills (i.e., starting an IV), you may lose the skills, and a refresher is an intelligent idea. (see below for how to register to refresh your skills).
Q: I have not used my IV skills in a while; how can I register to refresh my IV skills?
A: You may register via our website; however, please note that you must enroll in the complete program - there is no separate IV skills session to perform IV skills - the online course and the in-person course will be part of your new IV course registration (it is your decision if you wish to complete the online program and attend just the in-person session. Additionally, if you attend only the in-person session (and do not complete the online portion of the course), you will not receive any contact hours. Contact hours are only awarded to those who complete both components of the program (online/in-person workshop).
Q: How do I take the written exam for this course?
A: The written exam is completed online in your learning management account.
Q: I'm in a hurry to get my IV certificate. How quickly can I obtain my certificate?
A: Upon completing both modules, email our office support@CardiacEd.com, and we will complete you in both modules and issue your certificate via email.
Q: I'm a brand-new RN. Can I take this course?
A: Absolutely.
Q: I'm an RN nursing student. Can I take this course?
A: Absolutely. However, depending on your state, you may not be able to perform IV therapy before receiving your RN license.
Q: How do I receive my contact hours?
A: Upon completion of the course, the contact hours are issued via email.
Q: Can you extend my time to complete the online portion of the course?
A: Sadly, no. We would have to obtain a license to the learning system to add more access to your account. There is a charge to do so, and you would need to email our office to arrange it.
Q: What happens if I fail all three attempts of the exam?
A: You will have three opportunities to pass the online exam. You would need to re-enroll in the course.
Q: Does this course cover PICC lines, central lines, and phlebotomy?
A: This course certifies short peripheral venous access device (VAD) insertion, management, and removal. It does not cover other content except an overview of the Central line in the course's online portion.
Q: Can I print the online course?
A: Sadly, no. Our system doesn't support printing the online course as it is licensed to our organization, and part of that license is no permit printing.
Q: Does this course cover IV pumps?
A: Your employer's responsibility is to provide you with training in the IV pumps used in your facility as part of your orientation. Employee orientation and equipment familiarity are standards imposed upon employers.
Q: Do I need to complete the online modules before attending the in-person module of the course?
A: No. You can complete the online portion after you have completed the in-person modules. Remember, you must complete the online within 90 days of registration.
Q: Is this course accepted in my state or by my employer?
A: This course is accepted in most states for RNs. However, LPNs and other professionals MUST contact their state board (or employer) to see the requirements for IV and if their scope of practice permits. Note: this course is valid for all RNs.
Q: Do we cover lectures during the in-person portion of the course?
A: The in-person portion of the course covers only hands-on learning g. The online modules are only covered during the online course.
Q: Are you accredited to provide this program?
A: There is no simple answer to this question n. No national body oversees IV therapy certification in the USA. However, the Infusion Nursing Society (INS) defines the standards that an IV program should follow for an IV program; our program meets all of their standards. Moreover, most states have different regulations for LPNs/LVNs, and we implore you to check with your board to ensure that you can legally perform IV therapy (as per your scope of practice) once certified in your sta e. However, our IV program conforms to the Infusion Nursing Society (INS) guidelines and exceeds many of the recommendations and courses provided in IV training g. Additionally, we provide nationally recognized contact hours for this course (in all states except Iowa).
Q: Are the contact hours for this course valid in all states?
A: Mostly, yes. Iowa is the only state that has imposed some restrictions. If you are in Iowa, you must confirm with your board of nursing if national-level contact hours are valid for your nursing license renewal.
Q: Do you issue the IV certificate in the in-person module of the course?
A: In many cases, the certificates are issued via email once the online and in-person modules are completed d. It is not guaranteed that they will be issued at your course as our office staff may not be in the office during your class. However, if you are in a rush to obtain your certificate, please email our office, and we will do our best to issue it promptly (via email).
Q: How long is the in-person portion of this course; the website states 6 hours!?
A: The in-person portion of the course is tailored to the hands-on learning needs of the group. The in-person part of the course is often completed in approximately 2-4 hours. However, extra time is reserved for any learner(s) who wishes for extra practice time.
Q: How long does the IV Therapy Course take to complete at home?
A: The IV Therapy course takes approximately 8-10 hours of online work.
Q: I want to take the IV Instructor course. Should I sign-up for this course?
A: This course (IV Therapy Certification Course) is a prerequisite to the IV instructor course. However, if you do not have IV experience, you should take this course (IV Therapy Certification Course), and after you have experience with live patients, you can then take the IV instructor course. If you have experience with IVs, you can take this course simultaneously with the IV instructor course. At your skills monitoring, for the instructor, you will test your skills as a provider and be monitored in the same session by one of our course faculty. For more information on the IV Instructor Course: Click here
Q: How many questions are on the written exam?
A: There are 100 multiple-choice questions on the written exam.
Q: What is the passing score for the written exam?
A: To pass the written exam, you must pass it with an 80% or greater.
Q: How many attempts do I have to pass the written exam?
A: You have three attempts to pass the online written exam successful y. Each attempt will have different questions.
Q: How can I study for the written exam?
A: The written exam content is contained in the online course. Each module/section will have a quiz. The questions are all based on the course lessons/content. Those who complete all the modules usually pass the written exam.
Q: I have taken an online program elsewhere, can their program count towards the IV training?
A: Sadly, no. We do not evaluate external IV programs for acceptance. To obtain IV Certification, you must complete our entire course.
Q: When I come to class for my skills session, will I practice on real people?
A: No, you will practice your IV Therapy skills on rubber arms, hands, and cuffs. Our insurance does not cover the training on a live person.
Q: What if I don't have time to finish the online portion before the day I have to come in for skills?
A: If you don't have an opportunity to complete the online portion of the course, it isn't a problem; you are welcome to come to the skills portion on the date you register. Once you do complete it, you can send us an email to let us know your coursework is complete, and we will issue your certificate. You have the time to complete the work and pass the exam; you will receive your certificate at the end of the skills session.
Q: Is there an additional textbook required for this course?
A: No, you will not need to make any additional purchases for this course.
Q: What is the dress code for class?
A: We recommend you wear comfortable clothing, in layers, to all our classes. IV Therapy, specifically, you may want to wear clothing that you won't mind getting discolored with the solution.
Q: Should I add this course to my resume?
A: You should add this and all other certification courses to your resume. Any ll certifications you receive will ensure you stand out against other applicants.
Q: Should I list this course on my resume if I'm scheduled to take it but haven't completed it yet?
A: Yes, by all means, list your scheduled courses on your resume, along with the date, facility location, and phone number where you're taking the class. This will give the interviewer the information they need if they require verification.
Q: I am a Medical Assistant. Can I take the IV therapy course?
A: Some states allow a medical assistant to initiate and remove IV; however, not every state allows this skill. Therefore, you MUST check with your state, before registering for this program, if starting and removing IVs is part of your scope of practice. However, those employed as technicians and not permitted to initiate an IV (varies by employer and state) may be trained to remove IV; as this course covers IV removal, you may only be permitted to use some of the skills in this program, but in a limited capacity (i.e., removal of IVs).
Q: I am a Phlebotomist. Can I take the IV therapy course?
A: Most states do not permit those with phlebotomy training/certification to initiate IVs; however, we recommend that you check with your state before registering for this program (as refunds are not available) if starting and removing IVs is part of your scope of practice. In many cases, we have found that IV therapy is not permitted by those certified in Phlebotomy. However, those employed as technicians and not permitted to initiate an IV (varies by employer and state) may be trained to remove IV; as this course covers IV removal, you may only be permitted to use some of the skills in this program, but in a limited capacity (i.e., removal of IVs).
