Key Points

• What is a certified medication aide? Medication aides give routine medications and support nurses in patient care.
• How to become a medication aide in Georgia: Become a CNA, complete a state-approved medication aide training program, and pass the competency exam.
• Training length: You must already be a CNA (85-hour program). The additional Medication Aide training typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the provider.
• Medication aide salary in Georgia: $37,090 per year (BLS), with potential for higher earnings in specialized facilities.
• Where they work: Medication aide jobs are available in nursing homes, assisted living communities, personal care homes, and hospice facilities.

What is a Medication Aide?

A medication aide is a trained professional who helps licensed nurses by giving prescribed medications to patients. Becoming a certified medication aide means you’ve completed state-approved training, passed the exam, and are listed on the official registry.

Where Do Medication Aides Work?

In Georgia, CMAs primarily work in state-regulated facilities that support elderly or disabled individuals. Common workplaces include:

• Assisted Living Communities: The most common employer, where residents need help with daily meds but not 24/7 skilled nursing.
• Personal Care Homes: Smaller residential settings where CMAs manage health schedules.
• Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities): Working under the close supervision of RNs to manage routine medication passes for stable residents.
• Hospice Facilities: Assisting with comfort care medications.

Requirements to Become a Medication Aide in Georgia

To become a Certified Medication Aide in Georgia, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Georgia Department of Community Health.

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Prerequisite Certification: You must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in good standing on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. You cannot skip this step.
• Training: Successfully complete a state-approved Medication Aide training program.
• Competency: Pass the state-written and skills competency examination.
• Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check (GCIC).

How to Become a Medication Aide in Georgia?

The path to becoming a CMA in Georgia is structured to ensure you have both patient care experience and pharmacology knowledge.

1. Secure Your Foundation (Become a CNA)

Before you can touch a medication cart, you must be a CNA. If you aren't one yet, you need to complete an 85-hour state-approved Nurse Aide training program and pass the CNA registry exam. This ensures you know how to safely touch, move, and communicate with residents.

2. Enroll in a State-Approved Medication Aide Course

Once you are a CNA, finding a CMA program is your next step. These programs are offered by technical colleges (like Georgia Piedmont Technical College or Chattahoochee Technical College) and private healthcare training academies.

• Curriculum: You will learn the "Six Rights" of medication administration, pharmacology basics, and legal responsibilities.
• Duration: These courses are often short and intensive, ranging from 20 to 40 contact hours plus clinical lab practice.

3. Complete Clinical Skills Training

You cannot learn to pass meds just from a book. Your training will include a skills lab where an instructor (RN or Pharmacist) observes you practicing:

• Hygiene and infection control.
• Reading a Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Measuring liquid dosages and crushing pills correctly.
• Checking vital signs before administering certain drugs.

4. Pass the State Competency Exam

After finishing your course, your instructor will verify your eligibility. You must then register for the state exam, typically administered through a third-party vendor like Alliant Health Solutions or Prometric.

• The Test: You must pass a written/oral exam with a score of 80% or higher.
• Attempts: You typically have three attempts to pass.

5. Get Listed on the Registry

Once you pass, your name is added to the Georgia Medication Aide Registry. You can now legally work as a CMA. You can verify your status via the Georgia CareConnect portal.