Standard emergency medical technician (EMT) training programs will not include IV certification because these training programs only prepare you for basic life support interventions. Even the most recommended EMT certification programs in Florida will not train EMTs for IV therapy.
If you want to receive IV certification in Florida as an EMT, you need to receive specific permission from the medical director at your emergency medical services (EMS) organization and they must authorize your training. You will then need to submit documentation that you completed the training successfully, and even with this certification, you can only administer non-medication IV therapy under the direct order and supervision of a paramedic.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what IV certification is, how it can apply to EMTs, and the few situations in which an EMT in Florida can administer IV therapy.
What Is IV Certification?
IV certification is a type of credential that provides healthcare professionals training and skills to provide IV therapy. IV therapy is a treatment that involves injecting fluids⎼such as saline, electrolytes, and medications⎼into a patient’s bloodstream.
Typically, pharmacy technicians, registered nurses, phlebotomists, paramedics, and licensed nurse practitioners earn IV certification. Programs that offer specific IV certification include phlebotomy career training programs, National IV Association programs, and advanced paramedic training programs.
There are also specific IV certification courses that can be completed in thirty hours, but this doesn’t include the preparation packets or pre-tests prior to classroom training. These courses can cost between $200 and $300. Always check that the program you enroll in is state-approved by checking the Florida Health Department’s website.
IV certification is different from EMT training. How much does EMT training cost in Florida? EMT training varies in cost depending on numerous factors, ranging between $500 to $8,000. IV certification doesn’t typically vary as much in cost.
IV Certification and EMT-B
While many expect EMTs to be able to place IV lines, they typically cannot. Most EMTs in Florida are only trained for basic life support (BLS) rather than advanced life support (ALS). Only ALS training allows you to administer fluids using an IV to patients, so your standard EMT course won’t prepare you or certify you to administer IVs.
When Can an EMT Administer an IV?
There are a few situations in which an EMT is allowed to place a non-medicated IV line. This is only ever allowed if the EMT has received approved training prior to placing the line and is directed to place the line under the supervision of an ALS provider.
To get pre-approved for IV placement as an EMT, the EMS provider needs to make sure the medical director provides IV training to the EMT. The EMT also needs to submit certificates or documents that show they have successfully completed the IV certification training.
Where to Get IV Certified as an EMT
There are several programs that offer IV certification training, including:
- Taylor College: This program offers an IV clinical skills lab and course for EMTs and other EMS professionals. This course includes a clinical practice assessment and hands-on training.
- Phlebotomy Career Training: This training course is online and more specific to phlebotomy but can be applied to EMS professionals if approved by their medical director. This course covers IV technique, IV solutions, and venipuncture sites.
- SFL Healthcare Institute: This organization offers an extensive training course for IV therapy and interventions similar to the programs listed above.
Check with the Florida Health Department and the medical director at your agency before signing up for any IV certification course.
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