Does my existing IV certification count toward becoming an instructor?
Not directly. Your certificate may come from a facility that offers IV therapy certification, but we cannot guarantee that its curriculum meets current IV therapy standards. Graduates of the HCTA IV Therapy program already know our format, content, and delivery methods, so you must earn IV therapy certification through HCTA as a separate credential. This will strengthen your practice and give you first-hand experience with our program, delivery, up-to-date content, and program flow, so you can prepare your students for success.
How long does it take to complete the IV Instructor Program?
The program must be completed within 12 months of your instructor course. This was increased from 6 months beginning in 2022. The program can be completed relatively quickly once a monitoring session is scheduled and your other course requirements are complete.
How do I maintain my instructor credential?
To maintain your credential, you must teach at least four courses in two years. One of those courses must be monitored by an IV therapy faculty member. Your students' evaluations must also demonstrate an excellent teaching style.
Once I become an instructor, can I teach my own IV therapy classes?
Yes. For each course, you must obtain the appropriate approval, equipment, and paperwork, and provide online course access for each student. You must also provide in-person instruction for skills training and testing.
Can a paramedic teach the IV therapy program?
Paramedics are an excellent resource for initiating IVs, so a paramedic may teach at an IV therapy skills training and testing session. Because the program is centered on a nursing credential, it must be overseen by an RN who has been approved to teach. The RN does not need to be onsite for the skills session, but must be reachable by a primary method of communication to answer nursing-related questions.
Who can take the Instructor Course?
Those whose licensure or credential allows them to start IVs can take this course. Paramedics, CT-Techs, RNs, MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPs meet the criteria. Some states allow other professions to start IVs, and this varies by state. Students and instructor candidates must confirm that they can legally start an IV under their state licensure or certification. IV Therapy Certification is an "add-on" to the license or certificate issued by your state. RNs may take the instructor and provider courses without restrictions, but they must be certified.
What is a monitoring session?
A monitoring session is part of the instructor process. It confirms that you are teaching a course according to the course lesson plans and course conduct guidelines. It is a sample teaching session.
How do I set up my monitoring session?
There are two options:
- Option 1: Attend a course held at our location in Hillsborough, NJ. This is the fastest method, because a faculty member will monitor your teaching and complete your monitoring form. If you are not local to our office, see Option 2.
- Option 2: Remote monitoring. Record yourself (video and audio) teaching 1 or 2 students in a teaching session at your facility. You must provide all equipment and follow the lesson maps and instructor manual. You cannot issue certificates to students for this session because you are not yet an instructor. Once you are signed off for monitoring, you may issue certificates for any students taking your IV courses.
Please note: Reviewing your video and issuing your instructor credential can take approximately 60 days.
Where is the instructor manual?
Once you register for the instructor course, the manual will be available in your account.
Can I list my IV course on your website?
Yes, and we encourage it. Our website receives heavy traffic and daily requests for IV training nationwide. Listing your courses here may help increase the number of students in your courses.
