Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Jobs

CMA Jobs Overview

Certified medication aides (also sometimes known as med techs or med aides) are key members of the teams that care for patients in both acute and post-acute facilities. Under the supervision of an RN, CMAs are responsible for administering medications to their patients, supporting their recovery and overall health.

As with other types of nursing assistants, the growth outlook for CMA jobs is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected increase of 5% over the next decade, with about 220,200 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies expected each year. If you are interested in making an immediate impact on the health and wellbeing of your patients, this could be the career path for you. Take a look at the current CMA jobs in locations across the country, and in all settings, on IntelyCare’s job board.

CMA Education and Skills

To attain that CMA job, your path will start out in a similar way to other nursing assistants like CNAs and GNAs, with earning a high school degree or completing your GED. Next, you’ll complete a nurse assistant training program that is approved by your state nursing board. These programs are available from many sources such as online providers, community colleges, or hospitals. After you take and pass the CNA certification exam, you’ll need to earn an additional certification. After a set number of work hours, you can complete your additional med aide training and pass your state board exam.

During your education, remember that you’ll also want to learn the soft skills that will best help you provide medication treatment to your patients and function as part of a healthcare team. Most employers would like their CMAs to be very detail oriented, work well with others, be patient and compassionate, and be able to communicate clearly, ensuring that medications are always correctly given and documented.

CMA Resume and Cover Letter

Even if you are an experienced nursing professional, you’ll want to update your CMA resume and cover letter to display your skills and experience to their best advantage. Make sure your resume is properly formatted to include your outstanding work, your degrees, CMA certifications, and any special skills you’d like to highlight.

Interviewing

Like everyone who reaches this point in the job search, you may feel a bit nervous before going on interviews for CMA jobs. Taking the time to learn about the latest tips and tricks for nursing assistant interviews will help you feel more prepared and probably a little more relaxed. Do your homework on the employer and remember to listen carefully to the questions asked. Finally, just be your true self, and get ready to land that new certified med aide job!

CMA Salary and Benefits

Salaries for CMA jobs can depend on the location and the need for medication aides in that area. For instance, the median pay for a certified medication aide nationwide is $33,900 per year. However, in Los Angeles, the median is $38,100, reflecting a higher cost of living. But in Anchorage, where the need is great for nursing assistants, the salary is still above the median, coming in at over $37,000.

In addition to salary, don’t forget to investigate what benefits and perks may be available to you. Many full-time employers will offer a wide range including health, dental, and vision insurance, a bonus structure, retirement accounts, possible discount programs, paid time off, and even free merch like scrubs.

Ways of Working

There are a lot of ways to work as a CMA. You can go the more traditional route with a full-time position in a hospital setting, or you can work on contract or on a per diem basis, which allows you to pick up shifts as you choose. You also can pick from many different types of post-acute care settings like hospice, rehab, or a long-term care center where you can really get to know your patients.

Want to Control Your Schedule as a CMA? Work With IntelyCare

There are so many types of CMA jobs available these days, but there is really one type of job that allows you to take control of your own schedule. Get a better nurse-life balance with the IntelyCare app and apply to become an IntelyPro today.