Starting a career as a Medication Attendant Certified (MAC) in Louisiana can put you on a fulfilling path in healthcare. In this role, you’ll help ensure proper medication administration, work closely with patients, and play a key part in their well-being. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know—from initial requirements and training programs to your future responsibilities on the job.

Summary

• To become a CMA in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• You must hold a valid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing in Louisiana.
• Be employed and undergo orientation in a Licensed Long-term Care Facility (LLCF).
• Complete a 120-hour training course inclusive of at least 45 clinical hours.

Understanding the Role of a Certified Medication Aide

A Certified Medication Aide helps healthcare providers administer medications safely and accurately. As a MAC, you’ll often work in settings like nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administering prescribed medications according to guidelines.
• Monitoring patients for potential side effects or reactions.
• Documenting each medication administered.
• Collaborating with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Medication Aide

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you get started, you’ll need to confirm that you meet these prerequisites:

• Show proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, understanding) at roughly an eighth-grade level, as required by your MAC training program.
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with documentation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold a current CNA certification and be employed in a licensed long-term care facility as of the first day of your MAC training program.
• Have at least one year of experience working in an LLCF.
• Complete a statewide criminal background check through the State Police (or a designated agency) within 90 days of starting the MAC program.

You’ll also need to be free of substance abuse. Periodic drug testing, as required by your facility, will be documented and kept in your personnel file.

2. Find a state-approved class

Dreambound is a great resource for finding approved MAC training programs that match your location, schedule, and budget. Although Dreambound highlights classes in various states, you can filter to find programs that work best for you.

3. Complete the MAC Training Program

Once you’ve met the prerequisites, you’ll need to enroll in an approved CMA training program accredited by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). This training ensures you know how to administer medications safely, effectively, and on time.

In addition to the classroom component, you’ll attend an orientation at the LLCF where you’re employed. After that, you’ll complete a 120-hour training course—at least 45 of these hours will be spent gaining hands-on clinical experience.

4. Pass the CMA Competency Evaluation

After finishing your training, you’ll need to prove your skills by passing a competency evaluation. Your training provider will handle this assessment, which typically includes:

• A written test covering medication administration, best practices, and patient care.
• A demonstration of your practical skills.

They’ll notify the registry of your successful completion within 15 days, ensuring you’re recognized as having met all requirements.

5. Apply for Certification

Once you’ve passed the competency evaluation, you can officially apply for your CMA certification. The application can be submitted online or by mail and generally requires:

• Proof that you completed a CMA training program.
• Verification of your CNA certification.
• Any applicable fees.

6. Maintain Your Certification

To stay current as a MAC, you need to meet ongoing requirements before your certification expires:

• Keep your CNA certification in good standing with no disciplinary findings on the MAC registry.
• Sign an attestation form confirming that you’ve reviewed the current MAC requirements.
• Show proof of completing four hours of state-approved continuing education on medication administration.
• Verify that you’ve worked at least 400 hours as a MAC in an LLCF over the past 12 months.
• If you don’t meet these renewal requirements, your certification may be considered voluntarily surrendered after 12 months. For the most detailed information, refer to the State Regulations Minimum Licensing Standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Medication Aide classes?

You can start exploring Dreambound to find the right medication aide classes for you. Dreambound makes it easy to look for available classes just by selecting your nearest city.

How long is the Medication Aide training in Louisiana?

The Medication Aide training in Louisiana requires completing a 120-hour course, including at least 45 clinical hours. Depending on the training program, it typically takes 6-12 weeks to complete.

How much do Medication Aides make in Louisiana?

As a Medication Aide in Louisiana, you can expect to make an average salary ranging from $21,440 to $34,430 per year, depending on your experience, location, and the facility where you work.

As of May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies an MAC’s hourly rate at $13.59.

Where do MACs in Louisiana work?

Medication Attendant Certified (MACs) in Louisiana typically work in healthcare environments such as nursing facilities and long-term care settings. They are utilized in various facilities where medication administration is required, including assisted living facilities and skilled nursing homes.

MACs can be employed in Home & Community-Based settings as well as Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF-DD).

What can I do after becoming a Medication Attendant Certified (MAC?

• Pursue a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) career: Transitioning to an LPN role allows you to expand your clinical skills and take on more responsibility in patient care. You can start by enrolling in an accredited LPN program, which typically takes about a year to complete.
• Become a Registered Nurse (RN): Advancing to an RN position opens up even more opportunities for career growth and higher earning potential. Begin by completing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing, followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Transition into Healthcare Administrator: Moving into healthcare administration lets you play a key role in managing healthcare facilities and improving patient services. Start by earning a Associate's degree in Healthcare Administration or a related field, and gain experience in healthcare management.

If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:

• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Louisiana
• Medical Billing and Coding Training in Louisiana
• Medical Administrative Assistant Training in Louisiana