Q: I have been IV certified for many years from my hospital, does this count towards holding IV Certification as a prerequisite for becoming an instructor?
A: Technically, no; here's why: Although your certificate may have been issued by a facility providing IV therapy certification, we cannot guarantee that the curriculum delivered to you will conform to the current IV therapy standards. Additionally, those who have undergone the HCTA IV Therapy program are already fully versed in the program's format, content, and delivery method(s). Therefore, you must obtain IV therapy certification via HCTA as a separate credential from the one you currently hold. This will not only enhance your practice, but it will also provide you with the needed first-hand experience with the HCTA's program, delivery, up-to-date content, and program flow--in short, it will help you prepare your students for success.
Q: How long does it take to complete the IV Instructor Program?
A: The program must be completed within 12 months of your instructor course (This has been increased from 6 months to 12 months beginning in 2022). The program can be completed relatively quickly if a monitoring session is set up and the other course particulars have been completed.
Q: How do I maintain my instructor credential?
A: To maintain your credential, you must teach at least four courses in two years, with one of those courses being monitored by an IV therapy faculty member. Additionally, your students' evaluations MUST demonstrate an excellent teaching style.
Q: Once I become an instructor, can I teach my own IV therapy classes?
A: The short answer is yes, but you must obtain the appropriate approval (for each course), equipment, and paperwork and have online course access for each student. As well as providing in-person instruction for their skills training and testing.
Q: Can a paramedic teach the IV therapy program?
A: Paramedics are an exceptional resource for initiating IVs; therefore, a paramedic may teach at an IV therapy skills training and testing session; however, because this is centered on a nursing credential, the program MUST be overseen by an RN who has been approved to teach. The RN does not have to be onsite for the skills session but must be reachable by a primary method of communication to answer any nursing-related questions, etc.
Q: Who can take the Instructor Course?
A: The answer to this question stems from those taking the course as students and those who will become instructors. Those with a credential that allows them to start IVs as part of their licensure/credential. This also varies by state. If you are a Paramedic, CT-Tech, RN, MD, DO, PA, or NP, you meet the criteria to take this program. However, some states allow other professions to initiate IVs. The student/instructor candidate must know if they can legally start an IV per their state licensure/certification. Granting IV Therapy Certification is an "add-on" to the license (or certificate) issued by your state. RNs can take the instructor and provider course without restrictions, but they must be certified.
Q: What is a monitoring session?
A: The monitoring session is a part of the instructor process to ensure that you are teaching a course following the course lesson plans and course conduct guidelines. This is a sample teaching session.
Q: How do I set up my monitoring session?
A: There are two options to monitor:
- Option 1: Attend a course held at our location in Hillsborough, NJ (this is the fastest method as a faculty member will monitor your teaching and complete your monitoring form). Please see option two below if you are not local to our office.
- Option 2: Remote monitoring. This is done by recording (video and audio) you teaching 1 or 2 students at a teaching session at your facility. You must provide all equipment and follow the lesson maps/instructor manual. You cannot issue certificates to your students for this monitoring session as you will not yet be an instructor. Once you are signed off for monitoring, you can issue certificates for any students taking your IV courses. Please note: it can take approx 60 days for a faculty member to review your video and issue your instructor credential.
Q: Where is the instructor manual?
A: Once you register for the instructor course, it will be in your account.
Q: Can I list my IV course on your website?
A: Yes, we encourage it. We have a lot of website traffic and daily requests for IV training nationwide; therefore, by listing your courses on our website, you may increase the number of students in your courses.
