[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Start your journey with an ADN or BSN degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gain at least one year of clinical experience; IV/infusion certification (CRNI) is optional but valued.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IV infusion nurses are in demand across the healthcare system, from cancer centers to medical spas.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IV infusion nurses are highly skilled professionals who specialize in administering medications and fluids through an intravenous (IV) line. They are a valued resource, practice in a variety of settings, and care for patients from infancy through the senior years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/infusion-nurse/”]IV infusion nurse[/hen-ui-link] requires nursing education, licensure, experience, and certification. Read on to learn what steps you need to take to build a career in this specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]3-4 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook, 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]5% for all RNs[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an IV Infusion Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An IV infusion nurse is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] who specializes in administering IV fluids, including chemotherapy, antibiotics, blood products, and immunotherapy medications. They are also adept at drawing blood and placing central, midline, and peripheral intravenous access lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most RNs can start a basic IV, IV infusion nurses handle complicated or challenging placements and administrations. For example, the added training needed to become an IV infusion nurse enables them to place an IV in an infant, older person, dehydrated person, or someone with a more specialized medical situation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IV infusion nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, cancer centers, infusion centers, and medical spas. Depending on your work setting, hours may vary and could include evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming an IV Infusion Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step to becoming an IV infusion nurse is to become an RN and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]obtain a nursing license[/hen-ui-link] to work in the state where you intend to practice. After earning a two or four-year nursing degree, you’ll need to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN examination[/hen-ui-link] and gain relevant nursing experience. Most employers also require active certification in basic life support (BLS) and sometimes advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can complete either a two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited program. Most employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses. Students starting with an ADN can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link] to advance their degree. People with a bachelor’s degree in another field can consider an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program (ABSN)[/hen-ui-link], which can take as few as 11-18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]The NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] is a nationwide test individuals must pass to receive a RN license. The test covers four categories and uses an adaptive computerized model, meaning the length of the test depends on your performance. The exam can take up to five hours and requires that you correctly answer at least [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/publications/2025-nclex-candidate-bulletin” target=”_blank”]85 out of 150 questions[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Infusion Therapy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses start at the bedside, building an excellent foundation in patient communication and medication administration. For new nurses who wish to become an IV infusion nurse, consider continuing education units in pharmacology, IV medication therapy, and central venous catheter management. After a year of nursing experience, you can apply to join the IV infusion team at your hospital or elsewhere to gain valuable experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Getting Certified[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although certification is not mandatory, you can validate your infusion nursing experience and expertise. The Infusion Nurse Certification Corporation (INCC) offers the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ins1.org/crni/exam/overview/” target=”_blank”]certified registered nurse infusion (CRNI) certification[/hen-ui-link] to nurses with an active, unencumbered RN license and 1600 hours of infusion therapy experience in the last two years. Eligible candidates may take the 140-question exam to earn their certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]IV Infusion Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is the minimum degree required to become an IV infusion nurse, but most employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses. The shortest path to becoming an IV infusion nurse is to complete a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]two-year ADN program[/hen-ui-link] and then an 11-month RN-to-BSN program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN degree is the minimum education required to be eligible for the NCLEX and earn your RN license, although most employers prefer a BSN. This degree is best for those who need to enter the workforce quickly or cannot afford a four-year degree. Some ADN programs allow college students [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/career-change-options-for-nurses/”]changing their career path[/hen-ui-link] to transfer up to 32 credit hours. This may allow you to complete the program in as little as 15 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a high school degree or GED certificate, health assessment, and background check. Some programs also require prerequisite courses, an entrance exam, or a drug screen.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]Curricula typically include pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and nursing foundation courses. Clinical hours are also required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]ADN programs can be completed within 15 to 24 months, depending on how many transfer credits you have.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]Students learn fundamental nursing skills, patient safety, infection control, pharmacology, and specialty population care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is a four-year degree that prepares students for a professional nursing career with a broad foundation in clinical skills, leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. Most employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses, making this degree a good option if you’re ready to commit the time. BSN nurses typically [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree/”]receive higher pay[/hen-ui-link], have more job opportunities, and a shorter path to advanced nursing roles. This is also the minimum degree to be eligible for most graduate-level programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Admission requirements differ based on the program. General requirements include a personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation, minimum 3.0 GPA, CV or resume, high school diploma, background check and prerequisite courses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]Coursework includes math, anatomy, physiology, genetics, sociology, nursing skills, nursing leadership, statistics, and public health. All students must complete clinical hours in public health and within a hospital setting.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]A full-time BSN program takes four years, with part-time and accelerated options available. Part-time study may take longer, whereas accelerated options could take as little as 11 months.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]BSN programs include more classroom and clinical hours than ADN programs, focusing on skills like leadership, case management, critical thinking, decision-making, and health promotion.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]IV Infusion Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum education to become an IV infusion nurse is an RN license with an ADN or BSN degree. Some nurses choose to pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree as well, but this is optional.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s crucial to check with your state’s board of nursing to determine the requirements, documentation, application, and fee needed to renew your license. Generally speaking, you’ll need to meet minimum educational and clinical practice hours to maintain your RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification is optional in this career, however, earning your specialty certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and indicates advanced knowledge in infusion. Eligibility includes an active and unencumbered RN license and 1,600 hours of infusion experience in the past two years. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ins1.org/crni/recertification/” target=”_blank”]CRNI recertification[/hen-ui-link] is necessary every three years. It requires 1,000 hours of work experience in the past three years and an active RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as an IV Infusion Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for IV infusion nurses remains strong as the incidence of [hen-ui-link href=”https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9881650/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20people%20in,to%20142.66%20million%20by%202050.” target=”_blank”]chronic conditions continues to rise[/hen-ui-link]. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t report the job outlook for IV infusion nurses specifically, they project the growth for all RNs to be 5% from 2024-2034. The median annual salary for IV infusion nurses is [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Infusion_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$71,565[/hen-ui-link], according to Payscale data from September 2025.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After acquiring at least one year of clinical nursing experience, look for IV infusion nurse positions within your hospital and check online job boards. If no positions are available, ask to shadow IV infusion nurses at your facility to gain experience. IV infusion nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, homecare, and cancer centers. In in-patient settings, these nurses insert IV lines and complex treatments like chemotherapy, while in outpatient settings, they focus on patient education and managing existing IV lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an IV Infusion Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become an IV infusion nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes about 3-5 years to become an IV infusion nurse, depending on whether you get an ADN or BSN first. This includes 2-4 years to complete your nursing degree and one year of clinical nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What do IV infusion nurses do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]IV infusion nurses specialize in providing IV care and treatments. They administer IV fluids and medications, insert and manage IV lines, monitor patient responses, and provide patient education on infusion care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an infusion certified nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll first need to become an RN, which requires either an ADN or BSN degree. Next, you’ll need to earn a RN license by passing the NCLEX exam, and then gain one year or more of clinical nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do IV infusion nurses get paid well?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, IV infusion nurses can be paid very well, though exact salaries depend on your experience, geographical location, certification, and work setting. Payscale reports the median annual salary is $71,565 for IV infusion nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]