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Medication Aide

  • Area of Study: Health Sciences
  • Campus: At Caldwell Campus
  • Program Type: Certification/Skills Training

At a Glance

Employment Opportunities

  • Home Care Agencies
  • Hospice
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing Homes
  • Physician’s Offices
  • Specialty Hospitals

Estimated Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, current state hourly wage range is $11.64 – $16.88. By taking this 28-hour Medication Aide course, the hourly wage typically increases $1 to $3 per hour over having the Nurse Aide certification alone.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion the student will:

  • Explain the expectations and limitations of the role of a Medication Aide.
  • Demonstrate proficiency and safety in preparation of medications.
  • Use the six rights to administer oral, topical, eye, ear, inhalant, vaginal and rectal medications.
  • Respectfully uphold patient rights at all times.
  • Communicate effectively with the residents and family regarding their medication.

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This course is designed to prepare non-licensed personnel with the skills required by the North Carolina Board of Nursing to practice as a Medication Aide in long-term care/skilled nursing facilities within the state of North Carolina.

Course topics include:

Safe and accurate administration of medications via the following routes:

  • Ear
  • Eye
  • Inhalant
  • Nasal
  • Nebulizer
  • Oral
  • Rectal
  • Topical
  • Vaginal

Students are not taught:

  • IM
  • IV
  • subcutaneous injections
  • administration of meds via G-tubes

Upon successful course completion, students are eligible to sit for the state examination in order to become listed on the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Medication Aide Registry. 

Admission Requirements

  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must have a current listing with the Division of Health Service Regulation as a Nurse Aide I with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property.
  • Those who register online will be required to provide proof of their current listing when contacted by college staff before the Medication Aide class begins.
  • Proof of completion of a minimum 75-hour, state approved Nurse Aide I course

Documentation required on the first day of class:

  • Social Security Card- name must match government issued photo ID
  • Government issued photo ID- name must match Social Security card
  • Proof of High School diploma or GED
  • Proof of current listing on the Nurse Aide registry

Cost

Registration fee
$127.00

Textbook
$39.75

Work Book
$2.00

*May be purchased in College Bookstore
Textbook prices are subject to change.

Educational Pathways:

PathwayMedAide

Potential Educational Pathways for Nurse Aides

Courses Currently on the Schedule

View Courses
Register Here

*Waitlists are available for this course, please call 828-726-2242 if you don’t see a course with seats available*

Frequently Asked Questions

I am currently listed as a Nurse Aide in North Carolina.
Why should I take the Medication Aide course?
  • When hiring, facilities give preference to nurse aides who also have their medication aide certification.
  • Some facilities pay $1 to $3 per hour more for those with medication aide certification.
  • For future nurses, the course helps instill confidence while performing medication administration
Is a state competency test required upon course completion?

Yes, competency testing is provided through Credentia at credentia.com/test-takers/ncma

How can I become listed on the registry as a Medication Aide?
  • Be currently listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I registry with no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property AND 
  • Complete a state approved Medication Aide course of a minimum 24 hours AND
  • Successfully pass the state administered competency examination
If listed on the NC Registry as a Medication Aide, can I work in an adult care home?

No

Does North Carolina list Medication Aides by reciprocity, endorsement, or transfer from other states?

No, to be listed on the N.C. Medication Aide Registry, an out-of-state medication aide must pass a minimum 24-hour N.C. Board of Nursing-approved medication aide training program and pass the state medication aide exam.

Where can I get information regarding Medication Aide competency testing?
  • Visit the Credentia website at credentia.com/test-takers/ncma
  • Exam scheduling procedures are provided in the Candidate Handbook.
  • Application process and additional information may be found on the website or by calling the following  numbers:
    • Exam Application Processing Questions: (888) 204-6207
    • Exam Reservation/Cancellation: (800) 274-7176
When I complete the training and become listed, how can I renew?

Through qualified, documented work experience consisting of 8 hours within the previous two years, for pay, under a registered nurse or qualified supervisor.

What happens if I do not renew within the required 24-month period?

A new training program and competency exam is required to become re-listed.

Do I have to be a Medication Aide to apply for nursing school?

No. Medication Aide Certification is not a requirement for nursing school.

For additional information, contact:

Office: Caldwell-H-113  Work Phone: 828.726.2319  Work Email: mbumgarner@cccti.edu

Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department
2855 Hickory Boulevard
Hudson, NC 28638
828.726.2242 Watauga Continuing Education Department
460 Community College Drive
P.O. Box 3318
Boone, NC 28607
828.297.8120

Christie Allen
Coordinator, Instructor, Nurse Aide
Health Sciences
Office: Caldwell–H–113 Work Phone: 828.726.2319