Key Points

• Florida medication aides must be active Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Training requires a 40-hour Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) course
• A written and hands-on competency exam is required for certification
• CMAs work in assisted living, nursing homes, memory care units, and long-term care
• Training is available in Cape Coral, Lakeland, Miami, North Port, Palm Bay, and Tampa

What a Certified Medication Aide Does

Certified Medication Aides assist licensed nurses by helping residents with routine medication administration. Responsibilities typically include:

• Preparing and administering oral medications
• Recording doses and documenting follow-up
• Observing for side effects or changes in condition
• Following the Five Rights of Medication Administration
• Working under supervision of an RN or LPN
• Supporting safety protocols in long-term care and assisted living

These responsibilities allow CMAs to support patient health while improving workflow for nursing teams.

Step 1 — Meet Florida’s Eligibility Requirements

Florida requires CMAs to hold active CNA certification. Before you begin a medication aide class, you must:

• Hold a current Florida CNA license
• Meet employer or program-level experience requirements, if applicable
• Be able to pass a background screening

Step 2 — Enroll in a State-Approved Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) Training Program

Florida uses a structured 40-hour QMA course that covers safe medication administration, documentation, and the role of the CMA. Coursework generally includes:

• Medication types and classifications
• Safe administration procedures
• Documentation and reporting
• Infection control and resident safety
• Supervised medication practice

Programs available through Dreambound:

• Medication Aide classes in Cape Coral
• Medication Aide classes in Lakeland
• Medication Aide classes in Miami
• Medication Aide classes in North Port
• Medication Aide classes in Palm Bay
• Medication Aide classes in Tampa

These programs prepare you for supervised medication passes and the certification exam.

Step 3 — Complete Clinical and Skills Training

After completing classroom instruction, students must demonstrate competency in supervised clinical practice. Skills training typically includes:

• Conducting medication passes under supervision
• Documenting administered medications
• Following Florida safety guidelines
• Reporting concerns to the supervising nurse

This hands-on training prepares you for the evaluation required to work safely as a CMA.

Step 4 — Pass the Medication Aide Competency Exam

Florida requires candidates to pass a written and practical exam demonstrating safe medication administration. Exams typically include:

• A multiple-choice written section
• A hands-on skills demonstration
• Medication safety and resident rights questions
• Documentation and reporting scenarios

Passing scores depend on the program, but many require an 80% or higher. Some Florida agencies, such as APD, require higher thresholds for their programs.

Practice tests and study guides can help deepen your familiarity with medication aide responsibilities.

Step 5 — Apply for Florida Medication Aide Certification

Once training and examinations are complete, you’ll submit:

• Proof of completing the 40-hour QMA program
• Exam results
• Application forms required by your training provider or employer
• Any fees associated with certification or registry placement

Regulations may vary by setting, so verify requirements through your employer, training provider, or Florida healthcare regulatory agencies such as FHCA or APD.

Step 6 — Start Working as a Certified Medication Aide in Florida

Medication aides are in demand across:

• Assisted living facilities
• Skilled nursing homes
• Long-term care centers
• Memory care units

Daily tasks include administering routine meds, documenting doses, ensuring safety, and reporting concerns to supervising nurses.

This role helps CNAs advance professionally while expanding their scope of responsibility.