IV Certified Pharmacist / Pharmacy Technician

An IV Certified Pharmacist is a licensed pharmacist (or pharmacy technician) who has completed specialized training in the preparation, handling and administration of sterile intravenous (IV) medications. An IV certification is an official credential stating that a pharmacist is capable and authorized to administer IV medications or supplements. 

This certification ensures pharmacists possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely compound sterile preparations, adhering to stringent standards such as USP 797. IV Pharmacists working in hospitals, infusion centers and other healthcare settings where sterile compounding is a critical component of patient care typically pursue this certification, which may be mandatory by their employer. 

Completion Time: Varies by course and certifying body

Cost: $695 – $2,495

The course and exam format will vary depending on the certifying organization. Several pathways can be taken for certification, including:

National IV Certification for Pharmacists: Sterile Compounding Admixture Training (SCAT) – Designed to help retail pharmacists transition to hospital pharmacy practice. Options include a 3 or 5-day Hospital Pharmacy Crash Course or 2-week Hospital Pharmacy Fellowship with on-site IV Certification at your location (includes IV certification & 20 hours of continuing education credit).

National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA): Sterile Compounding (IV) Certification includes nine online modules, a final exam and two days of in-person skill validations and hands-on training in Houston, Texas. Work-based learning and virtual coursework options are also offered.

Pharmacy IV Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique: This Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Accredited IV Training certification course is designed to train Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians in sterile product preparation. This 40-hour course through Lamar State College in Orange, Texas, includes didactic education, hands-on skills training and four exams.

ACPE Sterile Products IV Certification: USP797 Certification Training – Designed for pharmacists or pharmacy technicians looking to transition into sterile compounding or whose job requires an IV certification. The self-paced course is available in person in Florida and Texas or via a separate virtual-hybrid program.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a nationally recognized Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique Certificate, along with a statement of credit for completed hours/CEUs of ACPE-accredited continuing education.

Each program offers continuing education (CE) credits contributing to the CE requirements for renewing your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certificate. Please refer to the specific CE information for your selected program.

• PTCB Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)

• PTCB Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

• AAHIVM HIV Pharmacist (AAHIVP)

• NABP North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)