Medication Aide Certificate
About the Career
They give medications and compassion. Certified medication aides administer oral, cream and eye medicines and monitor patients’ reactions.
Certified nurse assistants looking to expand their skills can train quickly to become certified medication aides to advance in the field.
Qualities for Success
Students with good communication skills, physical stamina, compassion and patience tend to excel.
Career Outlook
Between 2010-2020, the need for medication aides is projected to grow 20 percent. The average hourly wage for medication aides is $11.54. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
About the Program
Through labs, classroom instruction and clinicals, the Medication Aide Program trains students to work in long-term care facility and skilled nursing facilities. Students explore every system of the body from cardiovascular to skin and learn about autoimmune diseases and Alzheimer’s, which is becoming more common.
Students can use the program as a stepping-stone to further education as a licensed vocational nurse or to land a promotion at their current place of employment.
The COM program follows curriculum established by the Texas Health and Human Services and prepares students to pass the written state certification exam.
How to Begin
In order to participate in the program, students must complete an application and have a high school diploma or GED. Clinical sites require participants to have updated immunizations, background checks and verified IDs. An application is required prior to registration: Medication Aide Student Application.
Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
| Course # | Title | Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| NURA 1013 | Medication Aide | 152 |
Notice to Students Regarding Licensing
Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/licensing-credentialing-regulation
Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential licensure prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit this link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation”: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/ and compare it to the requirements for CNA’s and Medication Aides here: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/licensing-credentialing-regulation