IV mixing credentials?

April 8, 2009

Is there a test to take specifically for IV mixing? Are there additional

credientials related to pharmacy tech (in addition to CPhT?)Where would a person

find info on coursees related to IV mixing? Thanks!

April 8, 2009

Dear Michele,

At this time there are no specific initials that are nationally recognized to

show that you are a IV compounding specialist or ??? Some hospitals or home

health care may have title designations within that particular pharmacy or

hospital. Title may be " IV Tech " or " Chemo Tech " .

In Ca we consider those who went to school trained and educated in basics of

IV's, TPN's, IVPB's and Chemos. But one must have further on the job training or

externship to do advanced IV's or Chemo's or TPN's.

But in most states one does not have to go to school. In all states one must go

through further on site training for IV 's than what a school teaches.

There are a two IV training and certificate programs that I know of. One is

NPTA and another is a private IV training program out of Texas. At the moment I

forgot the name of that program. I consider both of these programs to be in

place of vocational training and at basic level or slightly beyond. But no

where near what one would do or learn on the job.

In addition, they are online reading or self -paced learning modules and then

you fly to the Texas where you then are trained. A certificate is given.

I beleive Ihave these links in my Files or Links sections.

I would NOT take either course unless you are finding that employers are asking

you to be IV Certified. This depends greatly upon your state. Again in CA our

employers feel that the schools do a great job of preparing one for IV training

and the students generally get MORE and LONGER exposure to IV training and

didactics that they do with the certification programs. My students have to make

over 100 IV's to graduate with lecture on IV plus videos, plus report on

infectious diseases and aseptic technique. Way more than any IV Cert course.

IV Cert courses are about 500 to 1000 dollars.

Most employers do not care if you have such certification as they want to train

you their way. But we are seeing more and more employers wanting the techs to

have some exposure before they do more training.

While it is being 'hyped' by some as what is needed, asking your own state

employers what they want and need is the best indicator of whetheror not it is

worth it.

While I believe in education, I am not so sure that paying $500 to $1000 for

something that the employer is going to teach you anyway is justifiable.

In CA our employers expect all that we teach plus experience before they will

consider hiring and training them. The current IV Cert programs just do not

meet what our employers want. Once again I think the cert programs are better

than NOTHING!

Hope this helps,