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How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Illinois (2024)

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Are you passionate about healthcare and looking to take your career to the next level? Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Illinois offers an exciting opportunity to expand your medical skills and increase your earning potential! This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to join this rewarding healthcare profession in the Prairie State.

Key Points

  • A Certified Medication Aide is a licensed healthcare professional who administers medications to patients under nursing supervision in long-term care facilities and assisted living communities.
  • To become a CMA in Illinois, you must hold an active CNA certification with 2,000 hours of experience, be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check.
  • The medication aide classes in Illinois consist of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training, typically completed within 8-10 weeks.
  • CMAs in Illinois earn a competitive salary ranging from $31,200 to $42,500 annually, with the average wage being $35,840 per year. Chicago metro area positions often offer higher compensation.

How long is the Medication Aide training in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requires you to complete at least 100 hours of combined learning of medication administration — at least 60 hours of classroom training, 10 hours in a simulation lab, and 30 hours of clinical practice supervised by a registered nurse (RN).

How much does a certified medication aide make in Illinois?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Orderlies (a category that includes Medication Aides) in Illinois was $37,470, or about $18.01 per hour.

Where does a Medication Aide work?

Medication Aides can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

  • Nursing homes and assisted living facilities;
  • Hospitals and medical clinics;
  • Rehabilitation centers, and
  • Home healthcare agencies.

What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide?

  • Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Becoming an LPN allows you to take on more responsibilities in patient care. You'll be able to do more complex tasks and may have the opportunity to supervise CNAs and Medication Aides. LPN training programs are shorter than becoming an RN; usually taking about 12-18 months. As an LPN, you can work in various healthcare settings and often earn a higher salary than a Medication Aide.
  • Become a Pharmacy Technician: Your experience handling medications makes becoming a Pharmacy Technician a great option. You'll work closely with pharmacists to prepare and distribute medications. It's a good choice if you enjoy working with medicines but want a change from direct patient care. You'll need to complete a Pharmacy Technician program and get certified, which can take 6 months to a year.
  • Become a Medical Assistant: As a Medical Assistant, you'll get to use your medication knowledge while learning new clinical and administrative skills. You'll take patient vitals, assist with exams, and handle office tasks. It's ideal if you want a more varied workday. Most Medical Assistant programs take about 9-12 months to complete, followed by a certification exam.

What is another name for a certified medication aide?

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is also commonly known as a Certified Medication Assistant (CMA) or Medication Technician (Med Tech).

Final Thoughts

Wondering if there's more? Perhaps these other articles will be more helpful if this one isn't exactly what you're after:

Athena Kan
Written by
Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

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