HLTHPS009 Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation

Peripheral intravenous cannulation is one of the most in-demand clinical skills in healthcare, and one of the most technical. Placing a cannula correctly the first time, in patients across a range of ages and vein conditions, takes practice, precision, and training.

The HLTHPS009 Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation course at Adept Training (RTO 90991) is a nationally recognised unit of competency that gives healthcare workers the skills and confidence to perform IV cannulation safely and competently. It’s designed for practitioners who need cannulation as part of their clinical role and want formal, assessed training to support it.

This IV cannulation course is delivered face-to-face at our Harris Park campus in Sydney, with online theory completed beforehand. On-site delivery is also available for organisations training five or more staff.

What is Peripheral IV Cannulation?

Peripheral intravenous cannulation is the insertion of a short plastic cannula into a peripheral vein (most commonly in the arm or hand) to provide access for fluid administration, medication delivery, or blood sampling. It’s a procedure performed across hospitals, day procedure units, GP practices, and a range of specialist clinical settings.

It’s a high-stakes skill. An incorrectly placed cannula can cause patient discomfort, tissue damage, infiltration, or infection. Getting the technique right requires hands-on training under experienced clinical supervision.

This cannulation training course is designed for healthcare workers who are required to perform cannulation as part of their role, or who want to add the competency to their existing clinical skill set.

Who This Course is For

This cannulation course in Sydney is suited to:

• Registered and enrolled nurses looking to add or formalise cannulation competency
• Pathology collectors and phlebotomists who hold HLTPAT002 (or equivalent venepuncture competency) and want to extend their scope
• Medical practice assistants and clinical support officers whose role includes or will include IV access
• Paramedics and other healthcare workers requiring cannulation as part of their scope of practice
• Allied health professionals working in procedural or clinical support environments

Important Note:

This IV cannulation course requires existing knowledge and skills in blood collection. If you hold HLTPAT002 Perform Venous Blood Collections, or have equivalent demonstrated competency in venepuncture, you meet the prerequisite.

If you’re not yet qualified in venepuncture, we’d recommend completing that training first.

What the Cannulation Course Covers

This cannulation course covers the full scope of peripheral IV cannulation, including:

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to peripheral venous access, including vein selection, vessel assessment, and patient factors
• Infection control procedures specific to cannulation, such as hand hygiene, site preparation, and aseptic technique
• Equipment selection: cannula gauges, extension sets, dressings, and securement devices
• Patient preparation and communication, explaining the procedure, gaining consent, managing anxiety
• Correct cannulation technique: insertion angle, bevel orientation, advancement, and securing the device
• Recognising and managing complications, such as failed insertion, haematoma, infiltration, phlebitis
• Documentation and clinical record requirements
• Post-procedure care and cannula management
• Removal of peripheral IV cannulas

You’ll begin with online theory completed in your own time, followed by two face-to-face practical sessions. You’ll work under direct supervision, practising techniques, and be assessed against the unit’s competency requirements.

Delivery and Course Structure

This cannulation course in Sydney uses a blended structure:

• Online theory: Completed prior to attending your face-to-face sessions, at your own pace
• Two face-to-face practical sessions at our Harris Park campus, running from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day

Cannulation is a skill that benefits from repetition, feedback, and time to consolidate between sessions, making these practical sessions invaluable. You’ll practise on training arms and progress to supervised clinical demonstration as you build technique and confidence.

Upcoming course dates:

Face-to-Face Sessions	Times
Sunday 24th and 31st May 2026	9:00am – 4:00pm

For organisations needing cannulation training for five or more staff, Adept Training can deliver the course on-site at your location.

Why Ongoing Practice is Critical

Cannulation is a clinical skill that requires consistent practice to maintain. Completing our IV cannulation course gives you the competency and the qualification, but the technique stays sharp through regular use.

For that reason, we strongly recommend that participants have access to a clinical environment where they can continue practising after training. If your workplace supports supervised practice post-course, you’ll be in a strong position to consolidate your skills quickly. If you’re unsure whether your role will provide enough opportunity to practise, but wish to retain this skill, speak to our team about how you can do so.

Course Details and Fees

• Unit of competency: HLTHPS009 Perform Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation
• Delivery: Online theory + two face-to-face practical sessions
• Duration: Two Sundays (9:00am – 4:00pm per session)
• Location: Harris Park, Western Sydney (3-minute walk from Harris Park Station)
• Cost: $850
• Outcome: Nationally recognised Statement of Attainment – HLTHPS009

Entry Requirements

This cannulation course has a clinical prerequisite. To enrol, you’ll need:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in venous blood collection, either through holding HLTPAT002 Perform Venous Blood Collections, or equivalent competency assessed at enrolment
• A sound understanding of written and spoken English and maths, assessed through our Digital Language, Literacy and Numeracy (DLLN) assessment

Documents at enrolment:

• Completed enrolment form
• Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Photo ID
• Proof of residency (birth certificate, passport, Green Medicare Card, or citizenship certificate)
• Emergency contact details

Immunisation: While not a prerequisite, we strongly recommend vaccination for Hepatitis A and B before starting. Standard practice for anyone working in a clinical environment.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the venepuncture prerequisite, contact us before enrolling. We’ll point you in the right direction, whether that’s enrolling directly or completing venepuncture training with us first.

Add Cannulation to Your Clinical Skill Set

Peripheral IV cannulation is a skill that opens doors across clinical healthcare roles. With formal, nationally recognised cannulation training, you expand your scope of practice and increase your employer’s confidence.

Adept Training has been delivering clinical skills training for over 25 years. Our trainers bring real-life industry experience to every session, and our practical focus means you leave with more than a piece of paper.

To find out more about this cannulation course, confirm your eligibility, or enquire about onsite delivery for your team, get in touch with us today.

Adept Training Pty Ltd | RTO 90991