Are you interested in a healthcare career that involves assisting patients with their medication needs? If so, becoming a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) in Indiana might be the right path for you. In this blog post, we will explore what Medication Aides do, where they work, the requirements to become one in Indiana, and where to find Medication Aide classes.

Summary

• You need to be at least 18 years of age with proof of a high school diploma or equivalent and maintain good standing as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) on the Indiana Aide Registry.
• You have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours as a CNA within the past 24 months.
• You have completed the 100-hour QMA training program and passed the QMA written competency evaluation test.

Steps to Become a Qualified Medication Aide in Indiana

QMAs perform specific tasks under nurse supervision. They work within a defined scope of practice, assisting registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in healthcare settings.

The Indiana Department of Health categorizes six ways to become a QMA, but enrolling in a 100-hour training course is the most common route. Here are the steps:

1. Find a state-approved class

To become a QMA in Indiana, you must first become a Certified Nurse Assistant/Aide (CNA). Dreambound offers resources to help you find approved CNA training programs throughout Indiana, allowing you to search based on your preferences for location, program duration, and payment options.

Once you've completed your CNA certification, you can then choose from Dreambound's extensive selection of medication aide training programs to further your healthcare career and achieve your CMA certification.

2. Meet the requirements

The Indiana Department of Health's Division of Healthcare Education and Quality oversees the Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) certification program. This program verifies that candidates meet all QMA requirements and maintain their status on the Indiana Aides Registry.

The requirements that you have to meet include:

• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Maintains good standing as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) on the Indiana Aide Registry, and
• Have a minimum of 1,000 work hours as a CNA within the past 24 months.

3. Complete your training

To become a QMA in Indiana, you must complete the 100-hour QMA training program— 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised practicum. You must also demonstrate competency in medication administration and treatment application. This includes safely dispensing medications and performing various healthcare treatments.

4. Pass the certification exam Ivy Tech Community College facilitates the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) competency evaluations in Indiana. They have a Central Testing Office in Indianapolis where the Central Coordinators staff handle all applications and schedules tests throughout the state. You must present the following documentation upon application:

• The original IDOH Test application for QMA completed online;
• Copy of high school diploma, official high school transcript (with graduation date), high school equivalency certificate, or official college transcript; Documentation of Qualified Medication Aide Practicum;
• Copy of current Indiana Nurse Aide Registry certification letter, and
• Payment of $65 or $75.

The fee for both the written and skills tests is $75. If you're only taking one test (written or skills), the fee is $65. You can pay using facility checks, money orders, or credit cards—no personal checks are accepted. Checks should be made payable to Ivy Tech Community College.

Ivy Tech will email you once your QMA application and payment are approved. This email will include important information about the QMA exam and how to schedule it at an Ivy Tech Testing Center. You will receive this email within 30 days of submitting your valid application.

5. Maintain certification

You must complete 6 hours of QMA Annual In-service Training every year and keep the records yourself. Here’s your guide to maintaining your certification:

• Complete your 6 hours of QMA in-service between January and December each year.
• Upload your in-service records when you renew your certification.
• The IDOH will review QMA in-service records in two ways:
• They may randomly select you to submit your in-service form.
• Surveyors may check your in-service form during annual or other surveys.
• Your facility should keep a copy of your in-service records for employment purposes.

If you don't have a CNA, your QMA certification will expire every 2 years. For example: If your current expiration date is 03/31/2018, your new expiration date will be 03/31/2020. If you have a CNA, your QMA will expire on the same day as your CNA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Medication Aide classes?

Dreambound makes it easy for you to look for medication aide classes. Simply select your closest city to begin exploring your options.

How long is the Medication Aide training in Indiana?

You'll need to complete 100 hours of training for the Medication Aide program in Indiana. Typically, you can finish this course in about 4-6 weeks, depending on your schedule and the specific program you choose. Some programs offer full-time options that you can complete more quickly, while others provide part-time schedules that may take longer.

How much do Medication Aides make in Indiana?

In Illinois, Medication Aides (classified under Orderlies) earned an average of $17.63 per hour. This translates to an annual salary of approximately $36,680 as of May 2023.

When will I receive my QMA registry information?

After completing your training, expect to wait about 4-6 weeks before your license arrives and your information appears in the online registry. You can check your status at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency website.

What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide in Indiana?

• Become a Pharmacy Technician: This role lets you work more closely with medications and support pharmacists in various settings. To get started, complete a Pharmacy Technician certification program and pass the national certification exam.
• Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): As an LPN, you'll provide more advanced patient care and have greater responsibilities. Start by enrolling in an accredited LPN program, which typically takes about 12-18 months to complete.
• Become a Registered Nurse (RN): Becoming an RN allows you to take on leadership roles and specialize in various areas of healthcare. Begin by earning an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing, then pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

If you're looking for a better fit, these other articles could be more in line with your expectations if this one isn't precisely what you had in mind:

• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Indiana
• Medical Billing and Coding Training in Indiana
• Medical Administrative Assistant Training in Indiana
• CNA Training in Indiana