Competence in Intravenous Administration

• Anatomy of the Upper Limb and Lower Limb: Venous drainage, surface anatomy, injection sites
• Physiology: Fluid compartments, fluid shifts, homeostasis, blood brain barrier
• Emergency situations and management of complications: Management of reactions, emergency equipment, recognition of complications, care of IV sites
• Medico-legal: Written schemes of work, protocols, legal issues and current relevant legislation
• Infection protocol: Compliance with local requirements, e.g. aseptic non-touch techniques, aseptic techniques, disposal of waste, accidental sharps injury, control of infection

• Injection procedure: Theory, preparation, cannulation, administration
• Contrast agents: History and development of ionic and non-ionic contrast media, new developments, comparative advantages and disadvantages, reactions; hyperosmolar, allergic, idiopathic, patient selection and risk groups
• Radio-nuclide imaging: Radioactive substances, non-radioactive substances
• Magnetic resonance imaging: Types and composition of all MR contrast agents, other medicines used in clinical practice: drugs used during diagnostic imaging procedures, drugs used in treatment related toxicity in radiotherapy and oncology

Learning Methods

The theoretical study is fully on line with access to a range of specialist resources which aim to enhance and underpin your experience in the workplace. Additionally, you will be supported in your own workplace allowing you to apply the theory to practice. 

Theoretical learning is delivered using our virtual learning environment CampusMoodle. Practical learning is supported by a clinical mentor from within your own workplace.

Assessment

You will complete embedded examination questions and portfolio to demonstrate your competence and to meet the module learning outcomes.

You must be a registered health care practitioner working within a diagnostic or therapeutic radiography department. Evidence will be required that your sponsoring department clinically supports you and that the work is supported by departmental work scheme and protocols. This will be evidenced by means of a learning contract. 

Your supervising educator (mentor) supporting your learning in practice must have the following training:

• College of Radiographers accredited certification of competence for Intravenous cannulation OR
• Certified in-house training of competence for Intravenous cannulation

In both cases the supervising practice educator must be able to demonstrate compliance with regular auditing of standards of intravenous competence. Commencement on the course is on satisfactory completion of a self-assessment of prior learning and approval of this by the course team. 

If you are undertaking IV cannulation, but are not registered by a professional body i.e. radiographic assistant, please contact us for details on how you can access this course. 

Academic Year 2025/2026

• All course fees: £290

Additional Costs

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.  For further information see: