Key Points

• The official title in Louisiana is Medication Attendant Certified (MAC), regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
• To become a MAC, you must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in good standing, complete a state-approved training program, and pass the state certification exam.
• Training includes a minimum of 120 hours of core curriculum, with at least 45 hours of supervised clinical experience.
• Certification requires passing the 60-question, multiple-choice Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE).
• The average salary for this type of role in Louisiana is $31,840 per year ($15.31/hour)
• Certification must be renewed annually by completing 4 hours of continuing education and working at least 400 hours as a MAC.

What is a Medication Attendant Certified (MAC)?

A Medication Attendant Certified (MAC) is a healthcare professional trained to administer medications to residents in settings like nursing homes and long-term care facilities. This role is performed under the direct, on-site supervision of a licensed nurse.

MACs are responsible for safely administering medications through specific routes, such as oral, topical, sublingual, and inhalation. They play a critical role in patient care by monitoring for adverse reactions, accurately documenting administration, and adhering to all Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer medications via approved routes (oral, topical, eye/ear drops, etc.) under nurse supervision.
• Monitor residents for adverse reactions and side effects.
• Accurately record all administered medications in the resident's chart.
• Report any changes in a resident's condition to the supervising nurse.
• Assist with medication storage and inventory management.

Where Do Medication Attendants Work?

MACs are employed in various healthcare settings where residents require consistent and supervised medication administration:

• Nursing Homes: Provide daily medication to elderly and disabled residents.
• Long-Term Care Centers: Work with individuals who have chronic illnesses or require extended care.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Support semi-independent residents with their medication schedules.
• State-Supported Living Centers: Administer medications in structured residential care environments.

How to Become a Medication Attendant in Louisiana: Step-by-Step

The path to becoming a MAC in Louisiana is regulated by the LDH and involves four key steps.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before you can enroll in a training program, you must meet several state-mandated prerequisites. To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold a current, active Louisiana CNA license in good standing.
• Be employed as a CNA in a licensed long-term care facility when you begin training.
• Pass a statewide criminal background check and drug screening.

Once you confirm your eligibility, you can find the best medication aide training near you with Dreambound, one of the largest platform for vocational training programs.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved 120-Hour Training Program

You must enroll in and complete a MAC training program approved by the Louisiana Department of Health. These programs are required to provide a minimum of 120 hours of core curriculum, which includes:

• Classroom and Lab Instruction: Covers topics like pharmacology, medication safety, state regulations, and administration techniques.
• Supervised Clinical Training: A minimum of 45 hours of hands-on experience in an approved long-term care facility.

Training costs typically range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the school.

Step 3: Pass the Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE)

After successfully completing your training, you must pass the state certification exam to become a MAC. The exam is the Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE).

• Format: The MACE is a 60-question, multiple-choice online exam.
• Time Limit: You will have two hours to complete the test.
• Content: The exam covers authorized duties, medication administration, observation, reporting, and medication concepts.

Step 4: Get Listed on the MAC Registry and Maintain Certification

Once you pass the MACE, your name will be added to the official Louisiana Medication Attendant Certified (MAC) Registry, making you eligible for employment.

To maintain your certification, you must renew it annually. The renewal requirements are:

• Complete at least 4 hours of state-approved continuing education focused on medication administration.
• Document at least 400 hours of work as a MAC in a licensed facility within the previous 12 months.