IV Therapy Mastery Certificate

Who this course is for

Nurses building or refreshing their IV therapy knowledge.

Review within your professional scope and facility policy. Procedural practice requires appropriate clinical supervision and separate competency validation.

What you'll learn

• Apply evidence-based device selection using the MAGIC framework
• Perform peripheral IV insertion with proper site and vein assessment
• Deliver site care, dressing changes, and flushing per INS 2024 standards
• Recognize, grade, and manage common vascular access complications
• Document IV therapy accurately and defensibly

About the course

The IV Therapy Mastery Certificate is VAC's flagship program — a comprehensive, self-paced pathway that takes a clinician from the fundamentals of vascular access to confident, evidence-based peripheral IV practice.

Across 40+ modules you'll master device selection, insertion technique, site care and maintenance, complication recognition and management, and the documentation standards surveyors expect. Every module is aligned to the INS 2024 Standards of Practice and ends with a knowledge check.

Your course curriculum

55 included modules. Open the sections below to review their topics.

1. Module 1: Introduction to Vascular Access

   Master the fundamentals of vascular access including device classification, medication compatibility, complication recognition, and INS Standards of Practice.

2. Module 2: IV Insertion Basics

   Evidence-based peripheral IV insertion: pre-insertion assessment, vein and catheter selection, aseptic technique, difficult access, complication recognition, and documentation per INS 2024 (9th ed.).

3. Module 3: IV Site Care & Maintenance

   Master IV site assessment, dressing changes, flushing protocols, and daily maintenance practices to prevent complications and extend catheter dwell time.

4. Module 7: TPN Administration

   Comprehensive training on Total Parenteral Nutrition administration including CMS and INS guidelines, RN vs LPN scope of practice, initiation, monitoring, and complication management.

5. VAD100: Components of a Vascular Access Device

   Identify and describe the function of each component in a vascular access device system, from catheter hub to needleless connector, and apply that knowledge to evidence-based device selection and bedside troubleshooting.

6. Age-Specific Competency & Cultural Awareness: Enhancing Patient-Centered Care

   Erikson's developmental stages, age-specific communication and safety, and cultural humility for vascular access and infusion practice.

7. Hypodermoclysis (Subcutaneous Hydration)

   Patient selection, site preparation, fluid choice, infusion techniques, and monitoring for safe and effective hypodermoclysis (subcutaneous fluid administration), commonly used in geriatrics, palliative care, and home/long-term care settings.

8. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Administration

   Safe administration of TPN, including line selection, compounding awareness, monitoring for metabolic and mechanical complications, refeeding syndrome, and CLABSI prevention per ASPEN and INS guidelines.

9. TPN200: Total Parenteral Nutrition in Long-Term Care for RNs and LPNs

   An in-depth module for RNs and LPNs caring for residents who receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Covers admission hand-off, receiving and inspecting PN, safe bag and tubing set-up, filters and hang times, cyclic infusions, glucose and laboratory

10. PIV100: Understanding MAGIC

    Learn about selection in the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) to choose between a central line and a peripheral device.

11. PIV105: Basic Vein Anatomy

    Master venous anatomy and function fundamentals for healthcare practice. Learn about vein layers, vessel characteristics, and how valve locations contribute to venipuncture success.

12. PIV110: Documentation

    Master medical documentation and content skills for improved healthcare communication. Learn methods to illustrate actions and reduce liability.

13. PIV115: Components of a Vascular Access Device

    A thorough overview of the components of a vascular access device and their function, equipping clinicians to handle them with confidence.

14. PIV120: Introduction to Vascular Access Devices

    Gain a working knowledge of peripheral and central devices and learn about the advantages and limitations of each to choose the best vascular access device.

15. PIV125: Legal Aspects of Infusion Therapy

    Explore the legal framework governing infusion therapy including scope of practice, informed consent, documentation requirements, and liability prevention per INS 2024 Standards.

16. PIV130: Applying Device Selection Practices

    Master evidence-based vascular access device selection using MAGIC criteria, INS 2024 Standards, and clinical decision algorithms for optimal patient outcomes.

17. PIV200: Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections

    Comprehensive review of CLABSI epidemiology, pathogenesis mechanisms, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, prevention strategies, and surveillance protocols in vascular access management.

18. PIV205: Central Line Bundle Program

    Evidence-based insertion and maintenance bundle practices including hand hygiene, maximum barrier precautions, chlorhexidine gluconate, site selection, compliance monitoring, and implementation strategies.

19. PIV210: Disinfection Practices for Intravenous Therapy

    Evidence-based skin antisepsis techniques, hub disinfection protocols, needleless connector care, environmental cleaning standards, and WHO five moments for hand hygiene in vascular access care.

20. PIV215: Infection Control Standards and Guidelines

    CDC vascular access guidelines, INS 2024 standards, APIC recommendations, OSHA bloodborne pathogen regulations, standard and transmission-based precautions, PPE requirements, and sharps safety protocols.

21. PIV225: Bloodstream Infections: Indications and Improving Safety

    Understand bloodstream infection indicators, differentiate CRBSI from CLABSI, and learn evidence-based safety improvements. Master blood culture collection techniques and NHSN reporting requirements.

22. PIV230: ANTT Key Concepts

    Master Aseptic Non-Touch Technique fundamentals including key-parts, key-sites, and standard vs surgical ANTT. Learn risk assessment and competency development.

23. PIV235: Infection Prevention of CVADs

    Learn infection prevention strategies specific to central venous access devices including insertion bundles, maintenance bundles, CHG dressings, and antibiotic lock therapy. Master surveillance methods.

24. PIV240: Infection Prevention Strategies

    Master comprehensive infection prevention programs combining antimicrobial dressings, CHG bathing, hand hygiene moments, and quality improvement methodologies. Achieve zero-infection initiatives through patient engagement.

25. PIV245: Principles of Infection Control and Prevention

    Understand the chain of infection with six critical links and methods to break each. Master biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, standard precautions, and transmission-based precautions.

26. PIV250: How to Create a Sterile Field

    Master sterile field creation and maintenance including supply preparation, hand hygiene, glove selection, draping technique, one-inch border rule, adding items safely, and breaking sterility recognition.

27. PIV300: Basic Principles of Blood Draws

    Master the fundamental techniques and protocols for safe, contamination-free blood draws from peripheral and central vascular access devices. This module covers order of draw, discard volumes, and hemolysis prevention strategies.

28. PIV305: Applying Best Practices to VAD Management

    Implement evidence-based assessment protocols, flushing techniques, and maintenance procedures for vascular access devices. Learn daily surveillance strategies and when to remove devices based on clinical necessity.

29. PIV310: Clinically Indicated Catheter Removal

    Apply evidence-based criteria for catheter removal based on clinical need rather than arbitrary time limits. Learn proper removal technique, specimen collection, and documentation to minimize complications and support quality outcomes.

30. PIV315: Complications with Vascular Access Devices – Part 1

    Recognize, assess, and manage infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and occlusion complications. Learn grading scales, antidotes for vesicant injuries, and immediate intervention strategies to protect patient safety.

31. PIV320: Complications with Vascular Access Devices – Part 2

    Master advanced VAD complications including CRBSI, thrombosis, pinch-off syndrome, and catheter fracture. Learn prevention strategies and emergency response for arterial puncture, nerve injury, pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade.

32. PIV325: Drawing Blood Cultures – Preventing Contamination

    Master blood culture collection techniques to prevent contamination and ensure diagnostic accuracy. Learn proper antisepsis, volume requirements, multiple set collection, and peripheral versus catheter-based draws.

33. PIV330: Dressings and Dressing Changes for VADs

    Master the principles of vascular access device (VAD) dressing selection and maintenance to prevent infections and maintain site integrity. Learn evidence-based dressing change protocols, skin antisepsis techniques, and comprehensive site assessment strategies.

34. PIV335: Flushing: The Science and Evidence

    Understand the SASH protocol and evidence-based flushing techniques to maintain catheter patency and prevent thrombosis. Master pulsatile flushing technique, flush volume calculations, positive pressure methods, and frequency guidelines.

35. PIV340: Function and Management of Needleless Connectors

    Master the selection, function, and management of needleless connectors to prevent bloodborne pathogens and maintain asepsis. Learn about connector types, disinfection protocols, change frequencies, clamping sequences, and troubleshooting techniques.

36. PIV350: Methods of Securement

    Achieve optimal catheter securement to prevent movement, infiltration, and loss of vascular access. Compare adhesive devices (StatLock), tape methods, and advanced securement techniques while understanding INS guidelines and CLABSI impact.

37. PIV355: Safe IV Patient Care

    Implement comprehensive patient safety practices for intravenous therapy including medication rights, patient identification, compatibility checking, and adverse reaction recognition. Master infusion rate verification, infiltration monitoring, and patient education strategies.

38. PIV360: VAD-Related Complications: Recognition and Management

    Identify, assess, and manage common VAD complications including thrombosis, phlebitis, CLABSI, air embolism, and mechanical failures using systematic assessment and evidence-based interventions.

39. PIV400: Basics of IV Administration

    Master fundamental IV therapy principles including gravity versus pump delivery systems, accurate flow rate calculations in both mL/hr and gtt/min, and understanding different solution types. Learn monitoring requirements and INS safety standards for safe patient care.

40. PIV405: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

    Understand body fluid compartments (ICF/ECF), critical electrolytes including sodium 135-145 mEq/L, potassium 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, calcium 8.5-10.5 mg/dL, and magnesium 1.5-2.5 mg/dL. Learn to assess dehydration versus fluid overload and select appropriate IV fluids.

41. PIV410: Parenteral Nutrition and Infusion Therapies

    Distinguish between total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN), understand PN components including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins. Learn osmolarity concepts (central >900 mOsm/L), monitoring parameters including glucose q6h and weekly labs, and prevent

42. PIV415: Peripheral Vein Anatomy

    Master upper extremity veins including cephalic, basilic, and median cubital veins used for PIV placement. Understand vein wall layers (tunica intima, media, and adventitia), valve function, and quality factors. Learn which veins to avoid and why.

43. PIV420: PIV Pre-Insertion Assessment

    Comprehensive patient and vein assessment before PIV insertion including visual inspection, palpation, transillumination, and ultrasound evaluation. Master skin integrity assessment, proper tourniquet placement (4-6 inches above insertion site), informed consent, and catheter gauge selection: 24G pe

44. PIV425: When is a PIV NOT Indicated

    Identify clinical situations requiring central venous access instead of peripheral IV. Learn MAGIC escalation criteria: medications (vesicants), access (difficult), glucose, infusion duration, concentration (osmolarity >900). Understand patient factors (DIVA, mastectomy, AV fistula) and alternative

45. PIV430: Performing a PIV Insertion Procedure

    Master step-by-step PIV insertion: hand hygiene and ANTT, tourniquet placement 4-6 inches above site, skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate 30-second scrub, vein anchoring and stabilization, bevel-up insertion at 10-30 degree angle, flashback detection, catheter advancement off needle, safety

46. PIV435: PIV Validating Successful Insertion

    Determine successful PIV placement through blood return visualization, pulsatile flush verification, placement signs, and post-insertion assessment. Detect infiltration and extravasation early, verify flow rate, assess patency, and determine when to remove or retry the catheter based on clinical fin

47. PIV440: Final Steps of PIV Procedure

    Complete PIV insertion with transparent semi-permeable membrane (TSM) dressing application, extension set (ESD) placement for securing catheter, proper site labeling with date/time/gauge/initials, thorough documentation per INS standards, patient education on PIV care and warning signs, safe sharps

48. PIV445: Assessment of PIV Site and Function

    Master periodic PIV site assessment every 4 hours using VIP scale (0-5). Identify phlebitis signs (mechanical, chemical, bacterial), infiltration grading (1-4), and proper flush assessment. Track dwell time, maintain documentation, and determine when to remove PIV for complications or routine 96-hou

49. PIV450: Identification and Prevention of Complications (PIV)

    Identify and prevent major PIV complications: phlebitis (mechanical/chemical/bacterial; VIP scale), infiltration/extravasation (grading, antidotes), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), thrombophlebitis, nerve injury, hematoma, catheter/air embolism, and occlusion. Understand risk factors

50. PIV455: PIV Blood Draws and Blood Transfusions

    Master blood collection technique from PIV: proper discard volume (5-6 mL for adults), order of draw (SSTS, SST, PST, lithium heparin, EDTA, then blood culture bottles), hemolysis prevention, and cleaning protocols. Understand blood transfusion requirements: ABO/Rh type and cross-match, vital signs

51. PIV460: IV Therapy Mastery Certificate Exam

    Comprehensive capstone examination covering all IV therapy concepts: MAGIC escalation criteria, infection control, CRBSI prevention, ANTT, insertion procedures, complications and prevention, flushing protocols, SASH protocol, blood draws/transfusions, PN/TPN, legal aspects, documentation, patient ed

52. DIS100: Disinfection Practices for Intravenous Therapy

    Master skin antisepsis, antiseptic agent selection, hub and needleless-connector disinfection, and environmental cleaning standards including hand hygiene and glove selection, per INS 2024 and CDC guidance.

53. DRS100: Dressings and Dressing Changes for VADs

    Describe the clinical significance of the dressing, select the correct dressing type, identify benefits/limitations and change frequency, perform sterile dressing-change technique, prevent medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI), and execute comprehensive site assessment and documentation per I

54. FLU100: Flushing — The Science and Evidence

    Understand the science of vascular access flushing and locking: the SASH/SAS protocol, push-pause (pulsatile) method, positive-pressure technique, flush volume calculation, and device-specific flush frequency per INS 2024 standards.

55. Phlebotomy from Peripheral and Central Lines

    Best practices for obtaining blood specimens from peripheral and central vascular access devices, including discard volumes, push-pull technique, order of draw, contamination prevention, and specimen integrity per CLSI and INS standards.

Meet the curriculum team

Course lessons include learning objectives and knowledge assessments. Preview the material to see whether the teaching fits your needs.

Before you enroll

Comparing learning paths? Our PICC, IV therapy, and midline education guide explains the differences and links to related courses.