You’ve likely seen a phlebotomist in action—rolling up your sleeve, locating a vein with ease, and drawing your blood with practiced confidence. But what if the situation called for something a little more advanced, like starting an IV? It’s a common assumption that anyone who can draw blood can also insert an IV line. After all, they both involve needles and veins, right?
Not quite.
While there are some overlapping skills, IV insertion is a distinct clinical procedure that requires additional training, qualifications, and often a broader medical license. For patients receiving treatments such as IV hydration, vitamin infusions, or medication through intravenous therapy, knowing who is authorized—and properly trained—to start an IV is a critical matter of both safety and comfort.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what phlebotomists are qualified to do, how IV insertion differs from a standard blood draw, whether phlebotomists can insert IVs, and what qualifications are necessary for those interested in expanding their scope. If you’re interested in IV therapy yourself, we’ll also point you toward trusted professionals in Beverly Hills who are ready to provide high-quality, wellness-boosting care.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional trained specifically to draw blood from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, blood donations, or research purposes. Their primary role is to collect high-quality blood samples with as little discomfort to the patient as possible. While that might sound straightforward, it’s a skill honed through technical training and real-world experience.
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, laboratories, blood banks, clinics, and even mobile collection units. Their training emphasizes the selection of veins, proper needle insertion, accurate specimen labeling, and the maintenance of sterile technique. They’re also educated in patient care basics, such as calming anxious individuals and recognizing potential complications like hematomas or fainting.
What phlebotomists are not typically trained or authorized to do is administer medications, manage fluids intravenously, or insert a catheter for ongoing infusion. That’s where IV therapy steps in—a different beast altogether.
What Is IV Insertion and Why Is It Different?
IV insertion involves placing a catheter directly into a vein to deliver fluids, vitamins, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Unlike a one-time blood draw, an IV remains in the vein for an extended period—sometimes hours or even days—depending on the treatment plan.
This procedure requires a deeper understanding of vascular anatomy, sterile field setup, and management of potential complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), infiltration (fluid leakage into surrounding tissue), or infection. IV therapy professionals must monitor flow rates, ensure the compatibility of the correct solution, and respond to patient discomfort or allergic reactions in real-time.
Because IVs are a route for continuous delivery of substances directly into the bloodstream, any error—whether it’s a misplaced catheter or unclean technique—can have serious consequences. That’s why healthcare systems reserve IV insertion for those with specific licenses, certifications, and supervised training.
Can a Phlebotomist Start an IV?
This is the big question—and the answer is nuanced.
In general, no, a phlebotomist cannot start an IV. Their core training and certification are focused exclusively on collecting blood samples, not delivering fluids or medications. However, the rules are not universal, and exceptions exist depending on the location, employer, and additional training obtained.
Some states or medical boards allow phlebotomists to perform IV insertions if they have completed an approved IV therapy certification course. In such cases, the phlebotomist essentially becomes a hybrid practitioner, still grounded in blood collection but now qualified to assist with or perform IV therapy under specific conditions.
It’s also worth noting that in many clinical environments, even certified phlebotomists with IV training may not be permitted to insert IVs without oversight or may be limited to specific types of infusions. Ultimately, the facility’s policies, insurance coverage, and regional regulations shape what phlebotomists can and cannot do.
So, suppose you’re receiving IV therapy at a wellness clinic or medical spa. In that case, likely, a registered nurse (RN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), paramedic, or physician assistant is the one inserting the line, not a phlebotomist.
What Qualifications Are Needed to Start an IV?
IV insertion is a procedure generally reserved for licensed healthcare professionals whose scope of practice includes intravenous access and fluid administration. These include:
- Registered Nurses (RNs) – RNs are fully qualified to insert IVs, administer medications, monitor patient vitals, and manage infusion-related complications.
- Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) – In most states, LVNs/LPNs can also start IVs. However, they may need to complete additional IV therapy certification depending on their jurisdiction.
- Paramedics and EMTs – Emergency medical personnel often insert IVs in high-pressure field conditions and are trained accordingly.
- Medical Assistants (MAs) – In some states and settings, MAs with specialized IV training may be permitted to insert IVs; however, this is less common.
- Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPTs) – Some phlebotomists choose to pursue IV therapy certification to expand their role. Still, they typically cannot perform IV insertion unless explicitly allowed by their state or employer.
The specific qualifications required to start an IV include education in intravenous access, anatomy and physiology of veins, sterile techniques, catheter handling, fluid and medication compatibility, and emergency response training. Practical assessments, supervised clinical hours, and formal certifications are usually necessary to demonstrate competence.
How a Phlebotomist Can Get Certified to Insert IVs
For ambitious, curious, or career-driven phlebotomists, adding IV insertion to their toolkit can open new doors. The path isn’t always straightforward, but it’s certainly achievable with dedication and proper guidance.
The first step is to determine whether your state licensing board allows phlebotomists to perform IV insertions with additional certification. If yes, the next step is to enroll in an accredited IV therapy certification course. These programs often include both theoretical and hands-on components, covering topics like:
- Patient assessment and vein selection
- Equipment use and catheter types
- Maintaining sterility and minimizing infection risk
- Insertion techniques for various clinical scenarios
- Identifying and managing IV complications
After completing the program, phlebotomists may need to undergo supervised clinical practice, especially if their employer requires it. With the proper documentation and approvals, they can then be cleared to assist with or independently perform IV insertions.
It’s also worth mentioning that expanding into IV therapy makes phlebotomists more competitive in the job market. They may find opportunities in infusion clinics, emergency rooms, or outpatient treatment centers where dual competencies are highly valued.
Final Thoughts – Should Phlebotomists Insert IVs?
The bottom line is this: while phlebotomists are not automatically qualified to start IVs, those who pursue the appropriate certifications and work in supportive clinical environments can expand into that role. It takes extra training, a commitment to clinical excellence, and strict adherence to safety protocols—but it’s entirely possible.
That said, not every phlebotomist will want or need to take this path. For those focused on diagnostics, lab work, or specimen collection, there’s immense value in being a master of venipuncture alone. Still, for phlebotomists seeking growth, diversity in responsibilities, or better-paying roles, IV certification is a worthwhile investment.
For patients, the key takeaway is this: always receive IV therapy from trained, licensed professionals. Whether you’re getting a simple hydration boost or a complex vitamin infusion, proper IV technique isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, efficacy, and peace of mind.
If you’re considering IV vitamin therapy to boost your energy, enhance your immune system, or recover after a long week, don’t settle for guesswork.
The team at IV Vitamin Therapy Beverly Hills comprises skilled medical professionals with extensive experience in IV insertion and infusion protocols. Every treatment is administered in a sterile, serene environment where your health is the top priority.
Schedule your consultation with IV Vitamin Therapy Beverly Hills today and experience the difference expert IV care can make—because your wellness deserves nothing less.
