If you're looking to advance your career in the healthcare field, becoming a Medication Aide is a rewarding and valuable step. This role allows certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to administer certain medications under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Here’s a detailed guide on how to become a Medication Aide in Florida, including the necessary prerequisites, training, and key responsibilities.

Summary

• To be a Certified Medication Aide in Florida, you must hold a clear and active certification as a nursing assistant from the DOH for at least one year;
• You need to complete a 40-hour training program which includes a six-hour course for CNAs to give medication in a home health setting, and a 34-hour course developed by the Florida Board of Nursing.
• You must demonstrate clinical expertise by successfully completing supervised clinical practice in medication administration and associated tasks conducted in a nursing home.

What is a Medication Aide?

A Medication Aide, also known as a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in Florida, is a CNA who received additional training to handle the technical aspects of medication administration. QMAs work under the supervision of a licensed nurse for patients in a nursing home.

In Florida, it's a bit different because they do not currently authorize the use of medication aides in nursing homes unless the CNA meets specific requirements under the effect of the Commission Substitute/Senate Bill 558 since the 1st of July 2023. You can find these requirements further in this guide.

4 Steps to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Florida

1. Find a state-approved class

To become a QMA in Florida, you need to become a Certified Nurse Assistant/Aide first. You can check Dreambound to help you find approved CNA training programs. You can search based on location, program length, and payment options.

Dreambound also has 108 medication aide training programs available.

2. Meet the requirements

The Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) certifies nursing assistants. To become certified, nursing assistants need to have:

• a high school diploma or equivalent;
• completed a 120-hour board-approved training program, and
• passed a nursing assistant competency exam.

To be able to administer medication as a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in Florida, you must have an active nursing assistant certification from the Department of Health (DOH) for at least one year before delegation.

3. Complete your training

The Board requires CNA-aspiring-QMAs to complete a 34-hour training course on medication administration and related tasks, including checking blood glucose levels, adjusting oxygen flow meters, and assisting with continuous positive airway pressure devices. You also need to demonstrate clinical competency by successfully completing supervised clinical practice in medication administration and related tasks within a healthcare facility.

Before dispensing medication to a patient of a home health agency, you must meet specific training and education standards. These standards include:

• Being given the task by a registered nurse;
• Completing an initial 6-hour training course approved by the Board or the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and
• Demonstrating the ability to administer medication to a patient safely and hygienically.

Additionally, a registered nurse or physician must conduct the training and assess the CNA's ability to administer medication, and this ability must be verified annually.

4. Maintain certification

To maintain your certification, you will need to complete continuing education where you need to complete 24 hours of in-service training every two years, including two hours of training on medical error prevention and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Medication Aide classes?

You can use Dreambound to find medication aide training programs. You can view classes by clicking on the nearby metro areas.

How long is the Medication Aide training in Florida?

The state of Florida allows CNAs in nursing homes to give certain medicines to patients after a registered nurse delegates the task. To qualify as a QMA, CNAs must complete a total of 40 hours of training: a 6-hour initial training plus a 34-hour training on medication administration and related tasks approved by the Board or the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

How much do Medication Aides make in Florida?

The average salary for Orderlies (which includes Medication Aides) in Florida was $33,590 per year ($16.15) in May 2023.

What are the responsibilities of a Qualified Medication Aide in Florida?

As a Medication Aide, your responsibilities will include administering oral, transdermal, ophthalmic, otic, inhaled, and topical prescription medications. However, they are not allowed to administer certain controlled substances, medications administered via injection, legend drugs without original labels, or over-the-counter medications without a physician's order and are not in original packaging.

Where do Medication Aides in Florida work?

Medication Aides typically work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice care centers. They may also be employed in hospitals, group homes, and other healthcare settings where medication administration is required.

What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide?

• Become a Registered Nurse: Many CMAs choose to pursue their RN license. This allows for a wider range of patient care tasks, greater autonomy, and increased earning potential. RN programs typically require an Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Become a Licensed Practical Nurse: This option offers a shorter path to becoming a licensed nurse compared to an RN. LPNs can administer medications under the supervision of a doctor or RN and perform various patient care tasks. LPN programs typically take one year to complete.