LPN IV Certification

This Iowa Board of Nursing-approved LPN Expanded IV Therapy course provides the education and hands-on training required for LPN expanded IV therapy certification in Iowa.

Flexible Hybrid Format

Students complete the online coursework at their own pace over 13 days, followed by hands-on training and supervised practice of expanded IV therapy skills.

Skills & Training Include:

• Peripheral IV site assessment and ongoing monitoring
• Safe initiation and management of peripheral IV therapy
• Hanging and managing premixed IV fluids at fixed rates using infusion pumps
• Administration of permitted premixed IV medications, including antibiotics and electrolyte-containing solutions
• Proper hub disinfection and safe line access
• IV flushing using the push-pause method
• Recognition of IV complications, including infiltration, phlebitis, and infection
• Monitoring patient response to IV therapy
• Recognizing when changes or complications must be reported or escalated
• Communicating IV-related concerns to the supervising RN or provider using SBAR
• Accurate IV documentation, including solution, rate, site condition, and patient tolerance
• Applying Iowa age, weight, scope-of-practice, and facility-specific restrictions when making IV therapy decisions
• Vein preservation techniques for older adults and patients with fragile veins

Students gain practical experience applying these skills while learning how to safely provide IV therapy within the Iowa LPN scope of practice.

 $685 includes coursework, lab and certification 

Applicants must:

• Hold a current, unrestricted Iowa LPN license
• Have at least 1,040 hours of LPN practice experience
  • Practice within the last 12–24 months is recommended
• Be employed in or assigned to practice in one of the following:
  • Licensed hospital
  • Licensed skilled nursing facility
  • Certified ESRD dialysis unit
• Work in a facility whose policies allow LPNs to perform expanded IV therapy procedures
• Have basic competency in medication math and IV calculations
• Have access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet for the online coursework

Students must complete hands-on IV skill validation as part of the LPN Expanded IV Therapy course.

Each student must successfully perform the required IV skills under supervision at their own facility. Students who do not have access to all required skills should work with area hospitals or nursing facilities to arrange opportunities to complete their check-offs.

After completing the online coursework and lab, students receive a temporary certificate. Students then have 60 days to complete all remaining required skill validations.

Once all requirements are completed, the student receives their full LPN Expanded IV Therapy Certification.