IV Drug Therapy

IV drug therapy training provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to safely prepare and administer intravenous medicines and fluids. Covering ANTT, pharmacology, drug calculations, reconstitution, IV administration and potential complications, the course supports safe, competent and evidence-based IV therapy practice.

  • Suitable for: Nurses

  • Delivery method: Face-to-face / Virtual training

  • Course length: 1 day

  • Max attendees: 15 delegates

Who is this training for?

This CPD training course is designed for organisations wishing to train 8 or more staff members and can be delivered either face-to-face, or as an online webinar. For further information, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or make an online enquiry.

Course information

Intravenous drug therapy is an important area of clinical practice, requiring healthcare professionals to combine sound pharmacological knowledge with safe practical technique. This course provides theoretical and practical training covering the legal and professional aspects of IV therapy, infection prevention and control, pharmacology, IV fluids, mathematical calculations and the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines.

Delegates explore the principles of Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) and how it can be applied to procedures including cannulation, drug reconstitution and injections. The course also covers different IV administration routes, including bolus, intermittent and continuous infusion, alongside the selection and monitoring of IV fluids.

Practical exercises allow delegates to develop their confidence in preparing and administering IV medication and fluids using ANTT, alongside drug calculation exercises designed to build confidence with numbers.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, delegates will be able to:

  • Understand the legal and professional responsibilities associated with IV drug therapy.
  • Recognise the importance of working within personal competence, organisational policies and professional standards.
  • Apply appropriate infection prevention and control principles when undertaking IV therapy.
  • Understand and apply the principles of Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT).
  • Develop knowledge of IV pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
  • Identify important drug information including indications, contraindications, interactions, side effects and nursing implications.
  • Develop confidence with drug and fluid calculations, including infusion rates and unit conversions.
  • Understand different IV administration routes, including bolus, intermittent and continuous infusion.
  • Understand the principles of IV fluid therapy, including crystalloid and colloid solutions.
  • Safely prepare and reconstitute intravenous medicines.
  • Understand compatibility requirements when preparing IV medicines, fluids and delivery systems.
  • Apply appropriate labelling and preparation procedures for IV medicines.
  • Demonstrate safe principles of IV medication administration, including site assessment, flushing and patient monitoring.
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to potential local and systemic complications of IV therapy.
  • Identify signs of phlebitis, infiltration, extravasation and infection.
  • Understand the importance of appropriate documentation and ongoing assessment of IV sites.
  • Develop practical confidence through preparation and administration exercises using ANTT.

Please note: A competency framework is included in this training. Competency is achieved in the workplace following the training. Each procedure needs to be signed off by a qualified, senior member of staff. The completed document can then be used to identify the individuals’ competence.

Delivery methods

Acute Training Solutions strive to deliver an engaging and informative learning experience in a safe and inclusive environment. All of our training courses are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals across the UK. This healthcare training course is available via the following delivery methods:

  • Face-to-face training (1 day): This course can be delivered to a maximum of 15 delegates and can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific needs. The half-day option provides a theory-only session, while the full-day includes a simulated workstation with clinical oversight. Please confirm your preference when booking.

  • Virtual training (½ day): This course can be delivered via Zoom or MS Teams to a maximum of 20 delegates. Virtual sessions are most commonly used as refresher training sessions. Please note that there is no hands-on practical element in this training; practical elements are displayed using video examples.

Course FAQs

This course is primarily designed for nurses and healthcare professionals who are involved in intravenous therapy and the preparation and administration of IV medicines and fluids. It emphasises the professional accountability associated with undertaking IV therapy and the importance of maintaining appropriate knowledge and competence.

The course covers legal and professional responsibilities, infection control, ANTT, pharmacology, IV medicines and fluids, drug calculations, reconstitution, administration and the recognition and management of complications.

Yes. The course includes a practical session covering the preparation and administration of IV medication and fluids using ANTT.

Yes. Mathematical aspects of IV therapy are covered, including unit conversions and calculating fluid infusion rates. Delegates complete calculation exercises designed to improve confidence when working with IV medication and fluid administration.

Yes. The course covers the key considerations when reconstituting intravenous medication, including patient identification, allergies, contraindications, compatibility, reconstitution guidance and the chemical, physical and therapeutic properties of the medicine.

Yes. We deliver IV drig therapy training nationwide and can provide training at your premises or through alternative delivery methods where appropriate.

Yes. Certificates are provided following successful completion of the course.

Make an enquiry

Acute Training Solutions can provide tailored healthcare training to your organisation or team. To find out more about this course, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or complete the short online form below. A member of our team will be in touch right away.