LPN IV Certification

This course is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing for LPNs in Iowa.

Students will complete their online coursework at their own pace over 13 days.

Students in this course will gain hands-on training and supervised practice in expanded IV therapy skills appropriate to the LPN scope of practice under Iowa regulations, including:

• Peripheral IV site assessment and ongoing site monitoring
• Safe initiation and management of peripheral IV therapy.
• Hanging and managing premixed IV fluids at fixed rates using infusion pumps
• Administration of premixed IV medications, including antibiotics and electrolyte-containing solutions, within defined limit
• Identification and response to IV complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, and infection
• Proper hub disinfection and line access techniques.
• Safe flushing techniques using push-pause method.
• Monitoring patient response to IV therapy and recognizing when to escalate concerns
• Communicating IV-related changes to the supervising RN or provider using SBAR
• Accurate and complete IV documentation, including solution, rate, site condition, and patient tolerance
• Applying age, weight, and facility-specific restrictions to IV decision-making
• Practicing vein preservation principles, especially in older adults and patients with fragile veins

Tuition $585

Applicants must:

• Hold a current, unrestricted Iowa LPN license
• Have at least 1,040 hours of practice as an LPN (within the last 12–24 months recommended)
• Be employed in, or assigned to practice in, a licensed hospital, licensed skilled nursing facility, or certified ESRD dialysis unit whose policies allow LPNs to perform expanded IV procedures
• Have basic competency in medication math and IV calculations
• Have access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet for the online modules

• Students must successfully complete lab-based skill validation
• Students must complete one of each required IV skill at their own facility under supervision
• A temporary certificate is issued upon course completion
• Students have 60 days to complete remaining skill check-offs to receive full certification