Do you dream of working in the healthcare industry? Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can be the stepping stone to a lifelong career.
A Certified Medication Aide is a Certified Nursing Assistant who works under the supervision of an LPN or an RN to administer daily medication.
What Does a Certified Medication Aide Do?
A Certified Medication Aide plays a vital role in supporting how a healthcare facility operates every day.
Certified Medication Aides:
- Prepare and administer routine medications to patients
- Stock and maintain a sufficient drug inventory to ensure adequate supplies
- Document the administration and effectiveness of medications, taking note of any adverse side effects
- Other related duties and responsibilities in a healthcare setting
What is the Difference Between a Certified Medication Aide and a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A Certified Medication Aide is a Certified Nursing Assistant with additional training. CMAs are authorized to administer non-injectable medication.
To train as a CMA in Oregon, you must first be a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Where does a Certified Medication Aide Work?
A Certified Medication Aide can work in a variety of environments like:
- Hospice Facilities
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation Facilities
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Nursing Homes
- Adult Day Care Centers
- Jails
What Requirements Are There to Become a Certified Medication Aide?
In Oregon, to become a Certified Medication Aide you must complete a training program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), pass a competency examination approved by the OSBN, and receive Certified Medication Aide certification before administering medications.
To enroll in a CMA program, you must be listed on the OSBN registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant in good standing. You must have six months of experience working under the supervision of a nurse, or a minimum of 832 hours.
How Long Is a Certified Medication Aide Training Program?
OSBN-approved Medication Aide programs are made up of at least 84 hours of instruction, with 60 hours of classroom and lab instruction and at least 24 hours of supervised instruction in a clinical setting.
Are You Ready to Become a Certified Medication Aide? Enroll at Caregiver Training Institute Today!
Caregiver Training Institute, a Division of Bryan University, offers a Medication Aide Training program with alternating schedules and portions of instruction offered over Zoom to fit any schedule.
CTI offers alternating 6-to-8-week evening and weekend schedules 4-5 times a year that meet or exceed OSBN requirements. Students have the option of attending portions of the classroom instruction in on-campus settings or virtually over Zoom.
After the program, students will be issued a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to apply for certification as a Medication Aide by competency examination with the OSBN. CTI is a Board of Nursing testing site.
Are you ready to start your career in healthcare as a CMA? Call us at 503-257-0117 or complete a free online information session.