IV Therapy Common Questions

IV therapy infusion professionals collage

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers a complete IV Therapy Infusion certification program for current LPNs and RNs looking to enhance their employability and open new doors for their careers. Through hands-on training, we offer students the education necessary to be successful IV therapists or IV therapy nurses.

What Is IV Therapy?

IV or intravenous therapy refers to a therapy that delivers fluid into veins in the body. IV therapy works by using an injection with a syringe or via infusion, often referred to as a drip. IV therapy is the fastest way to deliver medications, blood products and more into the bloodstream to help with various health conditions, dehydration and blood transfusions.

What Is an IV Therapist and What Do They Do?

An IV therapist is a nurse who administers medications and products via IV to patients with varying health conditions. IV therapists insert the IV, ensuring the patient receives the correct dosage of medication or fluid. During the IV process, the therapist monitors the patient for any reactions and ensures the IV stays in place.

IV therapists also document the entire IV process as well as patient updates and success. They may even speak to physicians or other medical professionals about a patient’s progress.

Where Can IV Therapists Work?

IV therapists have the ability to work in a wide range of facilities due to the need for IVs around the clock. For example, therapists might work in an emergency room where they administer pain medication, fluids due to dehydration and more. Or, they might work in an oncology unit, administering infusion treatments to patients. Other possible facilities include doctor’s offices, specialty clinics and more.

How Do You Become an IV Therapist?

For new students, you must attend an accredited college or university to obtain a Practical Nursing program or a two-year degree in nursing. You must be a current LPN or RN. Most states then require nurses to obtain certification in IV Therapy through a program such as the one at Cambridge.

At Cambridge, nurses complete a 30-hour training course over the course of two weeks. During this time, they receive hands-on training in intravenous therapy, regulations, IV equipment, drip calculation and more. After successful completion, nurses receive the certification required to practice IV therapy.

How Long Is School for IV Therapy?

The length of your IV therapy program course depends on your current level of education. If you’re a high school graduate, you’ll need to complete your two-year degree, plus any applicable exams, as well as your IV therapy certification. If you’re a current nurse, you can receive your certification within two weeks.

How Much Do IV Therapists Make?

According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for an IV therapist is $53,785 per year, with $39,000 on the low end and $79,000 on the high end. Salary and benefits will depend on the facility you work in as well as your state and location.

Is IV Therapy a Good Career?

IV therapists make a huge impact on the patients in their care. They offer pain relief, knowledgeable treatment and high-quality care in their time of need. IV therapy is a rewarding career for nurses who want to make a bigger impact in their area of care. 

Plus, IV therapy is a discipline that continues to grow in demand. According to the Department of Labor, IV therapy has a projected growth of 25% for LPNs and 19% for RNs through 2022.

At Cambridge, we’re dedicated to helping students reach their career goals through hands-on training and work/life balance. To learn more about our IV Therapy certification, call us today at 877-206-4279.