Pharmacy Technician IV Training
If you have trained as a pharmacy tech, you might be looking to advance your career. You can improve your qualifications by participating in IV training, and getting your IV certification is a great way. We’ve put together all you need to know about choosing this education route, so keep reading to find out more.
What Is the IV Certification for Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy Tech IV training has become increasingly popular. Adding a sterile compound IV certification to your qualifications will only benefit you and your career. It is also an easy course to add to your pharmacy education.
The IV certification course teaches you how to skillfully administer medicines and supplements that need IV administration. While you can learn this on the job, employers will appreciate having to spend less time giving on-the-job training.
This means you will learn the correct and safe method for administering various intravenous fluids. You will also learn all that is necessary regarding sterile compounding and measuring the right amounts. Aseptic technique and sterile preparations will also be covered.
IV certification is integral to your pharmacy education. It will put you ahead of other pharmacy technicians when applying for jobs. One must remember that gaining new certifications and increasing your skill set will only benefit your career.
Successful completion of training will give you points toward your 2-yearly recertification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Reasons To Get The Sterile Compounding IV Certificate
The sterile compounding IV certificate can improve your pharmaceutical skills and knowledge. This is a great benefit if you’re pursuing a pharmacy or pharm tech degree. It will assist you later in your degree and give you extra advantages once you enter the job market.
This certification is a quick process and will take a few weeks for you to acquire. This means you can boost your resume and career without a high investment of time or money.
Some pharmacies pay for their employees to participate in various courses that will benefit you and them. They will pay for the course and give you the time necessary to complete it successfully.
You may be eligible for pay increases or promotions by increasing your certification levels!
The IV Certification Course
There is some vital information that you need to know about the certification course before you apply. This is to ensure that you are eligible and that it is the right decision for your career path.
Are there any prerequisites?
Yes. You need to be studying for a pharmacy technician degree to take the Sterile Compounding IV Certification courses. Certified pharmacy technicians can also take this course.
If you are employed, it is recommended that you speak to your employer about your desire to do the course. They may be able to assist with the financial aspect of it, as they will see the IV certification as a beneficial investment in their employee.
Which are the best programs in the US?
There are many different programs to choose from in the US. The provider should be registered with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Pharmacy Technician Association. Your course must be listed with a verified accreditation council.
The course from the National IV Association is highly recommended and is registered with the necessary boards.
What types of programs are available?
There are two types of IV certification programs available in the US. You can choose between an in-person IV certification course, or you can opt to partake in an online or distance learning course.
Both are equally good. Your decision will depend on your personal circumstances rather than course quality. An in-person course is better for those who prefer hands-on training.
If you do an online course, make sure to complete all the home study credit hours and attend class online when required.
Typical course structure
The sterile compounding IV course is run similarly at most constitutions. There is both a practical and theoretical component.
Pharmacy technicians will be introduced to the various sterile products that they will need to use. Following this, they will be shown the necessary equipment, clothing, and facilities. The next modules should cover quality control and assurance to ensure that the products and equipment are up to standard.
After this, they will learn about sterile product preparations. They will also cover total parenteral nutrition, called TPN. Lastly, they’ll be taught about aseptic techniques, sterile product properties, chemotherapy, and aseptic calculations.
Four critical areas are focussed on during the practical training. Students will be taught how to correctly create a sterile environment using handwashing and aseptic garb. They will learn how to perform ampule and vial manipulations and care appropriately for the laminar airflow hood.
A practical and theoretical exam will follow all this. If you pass this exam, there are a few more steps before becoming a certified pharmacy tech.
FAQs
What is an intravenous technician?
An IV (intravenous) technician is a person who is trained to properly administer medicines and supplements to a patient in a pharmacy or a clinic. They are often pharmacy technicians who have undergone additional specific training.
The technician will carefully insert a catheter into the vein using a needle. They will then administer the correct dosage of the prescribed medicine. Their responsibilities include preparing the prescriptions and completing the sterile compounding. They are also in charge of administering the proper dosage of the correct medication at the care facility.
Depending on the place of work, they may also need to assist with patient intake and verification processes. The IV tech works closely with pharmacists and must adhere to the State Board’s relevant regulations and federal laws. The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) standards must also be adhered to.
What is a sterile compounding technician?
A Sterile Compounding Pharmacy Technician prepares any medications that require specific formulations. This happens when the available medicines are unsuitable for the patient’s needs.
For example, suppose a patient is allergic to a specific ingredient in a medication. Compounding pharmacy technicians can formulate a drug that will perform the same task without the problem ingredient.
They can also convert drugs from pill or capsule form into a liquid for someone unable to swallow pills easily. These pharmacy technicians will help with standard pharmacy tasks in any spare time.
Can a pharmacy technician prepare an intravenous solution?
Pharmacy technicians can prepare intravenous solutions if they have received IV certification. If you are uncertain if they’re qualified, there is no harm in asking. Many pharmacy technicians have completed this certification to further their careers.
How do I advance my pharmacy technician career?
Once you have qualified as a pharmacy technician, there are several different roads you can take. If you want to increase your qualification level, you can study towards a doctorate in Pharmacology.
Alternatively, you can take an additional short course to increase your skill level. For example, the IV Tech course will improve your skill level and help you to advance your career and salary.
You can also change direction more drastically and head into pharmaceutical sales, which can be very lucrative. If you’re more interested in the scientific side, compounding studies might suit you. With these studies, you will learn about the development of medicines.
Final Thoughts
If you are already a pharmacy technician or are interested in becoming one, then an IV certification course can be very beneficial.
This course can open up more job opportunities for you, as you’ll be certified to administer medicines that other pharmacy technicians won’t be able to.
https://www.pharmacytechnician.org/npta/Sterile_CompoundingIV_Certification.asp
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/iv-certification-for-pharmacy-technicians
https://www.lonestar.edu/31949.htm
https://www.focusrx.org/iv-training-course/
https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/iv-certification-options-for-pharmacy-technicians.html
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Compounding-Pharmacy-Technician/What-Is-How-to-Become