A Certified Medication Aide (CMA), also called “MedTechs” or “MedAides”, fulfill a vital role in the healthcare system. CMAs help patients and other members of the healthcare team by administering medications that don’t require an injection.
Medication Aides are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who have completed extra training to safely give various medications to patients. This may be done at a doctor or nurse’s request, or meds may be given on a set schedule.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Certified Medication Aide?
CMAs work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, retirement centers, and nursing homes. Their duties can be different, depending on where the they work. In general, medication aides:
- Prepare, dispense, and monitor the effects of medications under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- Check the identity of the patient receiving the medication.
- Verify the medication is the correct drug and dose, and that it’s given at the correct time.
- Maintain patient records related to medication administration.
How can you become a CMA?
Certified Medication Aides must be CNAs first. To become a CMA, they must complete a certificate or associate degree program from a community college or vocational school. Then, they receive on the job training to round out their education.
CMAs must hold a special license or certification to work. A license or certification may involve paying additional fees, completing continuing education requirements, or accomplishing tasks that prove professional competency.
This role has different titles and requirements from state to state. Please find more information about how to become certified in your state.
What are the benefits of working as a CMA?
There are many pros to working as a Certified Medication Aide. These are just a few.
Diversity in job tasks
Each day is different working as a CMA. Depending on patient assignments, Certified Medication Aides can administer many different types of drugs. Also, they interact with many different patients throughout the day.
Flexibility
Many Certified Medication Aides can work flexible hours depending on their place of employment. You may be able to choose your own schedule or pick up extra shifts to earn a little more cash.
Helping other people
CMAs are an essential part of the healthcare team. The work a CMA does is an essential part of each patient’s treatment plan. Also, they really help other healthcare providers by taking over an important responsibility in patient care.
Positive job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Certified Medication Aides is great. The number of jobs for certified nursing assistants and CMAs is expected to grow by 8% through 2030. That’s faster than many other jobs.
What is the average pay for a med tech?
The amount a CMA earns each year is influenced by where they work and which region of the country they live in. The latest information from the BLS shows that, in 2021, certified nursing assistants earned an average of $14.56 per hour.
Advice on becoming a Certified Medication Aide
CMAs must have many skills to be successful in their careers, such as exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the ability to multitask and follow biohazard and other safety guidelines, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The first step toward becoming a Certified Medication Aide is completing a certified nursing assistant program. Then, you may need to gain some work experience before applying to a MedAide certificate program. These are often available at community colleges and usually only take a few months. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to help patients get the medications they need.