How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Georgia (2024)
If you're thinking about starting a career in healthcare and love helping others, becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Georgia could be an amazing opportunity for you. CMAs play a vital role in supporting nurses and providing medications to patients. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to become a CMA in Georgia and share some valuable insights and useful resources along the way.
Key Points
- A CMA supports nurses by administering medications and plays a crucial role in patient care across various healthcare settings.
- To become a CMA in Georgia, you must first be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in good standing and complete a state-approved Medication Aide training program.
- The training length for becoming a CMA in Georgia is at least 85 hours.
- In Georgia, the average salary for orderlies, including medication aides, is $34,510 per year, which is approximately $16.59 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Medication Aide classes?
With Dreambound, you can easily find medication aide classes by clicking on the metro area closest to you. Our platform offers a comprehensive list of approved training programs to suit your location and schedule.
How long is the Medication Aide training in Georgia?
The state of Georgia requires active CNAs to complete at least 85 hours of training on medication administration, including the completion of the required skills checklist and taking a standardized written state competency evaluation.
How much do Medication Aides make in Georgia?
In May 2023, the average yearly salary for Orderlies (which includes Medication Aides) in Georgia was $34,510, which breaks down to $16.59 per hour.
Where do Medication Aides in Georgia work?
Medication Aides work in various healthcare settings such as:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Hospice care centers
- Hospitals
- Group homes
Their primary responsibility is medication administration, ensuring patients receive their prescribed treatments accurately and timely.
What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide?
-
Become a Registered Nurse: Pursuing an RN license will open the door for you to take on a wider range of patient care tasks, give you more independence, and increase your earning potential. To become an RN, you'll need to complete an RN program, which usually requires an Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN).
-
Become a Licensed Practical Nurse: It offers a faster route to becoming a licensed nurse compared to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). As an LPN, you can administer medications under the supervision of a doctor or RN and take care of patients. LPN programs typically take just one year to complete.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Certified Medication Aide in Georgia is a rewarding path that not only enhances your skills but also opens doors to various opportunities in the healthcare field. By following the steps outlined above and utilizing the resources provided, you're well on your way to making a meaningful impact on patient care.
Don’t wait! Every day you delay is a day closer to starting your fulfilling career as a Certified Medication Aide. Get started now and make a positive impact in healthcare.
If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you make informed decisions. Here are a few:
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
