Embarking on a career as a Medication Attendant Certified (MAC) in Louisiana can lead to a fulfilling role in healthcare, where you assist in administering medications and ensuring patient care. This step-by-step guide will provide you with essential information about the certification process, requirements, and responsibilities you will face in your new career.

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 assists in the administration of medications to patients in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Key responsibilities include:

• Administering prescribed medications.
• Monitoring patients for side effects.
• Documenting medication administration.
• Collaborating with healthcare providers.

This role is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal health outcomes.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Medication Aide

1. Meet the requirements

Before you apply for a certificate, you need to fulfill certain prerequisites:

• Demonstrate that you can read, write, speak, and understand English at least at an eighth-grade level through the required entry placement test scores of the MAC training program;
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien with the proper documentation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
• Be at least 18 years old with a high school or a general equivalency diploma;
• Have worked as a CNA in a licensed long-term care facility (LLCF) on the first official day of your MAC training program;
• Have at least one year of experience working in an LLCF, and
• Completed a statewide criminal background/security check conducted by the State Police or its designee within 90 days of starting the MAC program.

You also need to be free of substance abuse, verified by periodic drug testing as per the LLCF’s policies. Ensure these results are received by the training provider, documented, and kept in your personnel file.

2. Find a state-approved class

Dreambound offers resources to help you find approved MAC training programs throughout Indiana, allowing you to search based on your preferences for location, program duration, and payment options.

3. Complete the MAC training program

Once you've met the basic requirements, the next step is to enroll in an approved CMA training program. Make sure you look for a program that is accredited by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). The goal of the MAC training program is to ensure you can safely, effectively, and promptly give medication to residents.

You must first attend an orientation within the LLCF where you’re currently employed before starting with the minimum 120-hour training course inclusive of the 45 clinical hours.

4. Pass the CMA Competency Evaluation

After completing your training, you will need to demonstrate your competencies by passing the CMA competency evaluation. Your training provider will develop and conduct a competency evaluation to make sure you can perform the skills taught in the training curriculum. This assessment usually consists of:

• A written test assessing your knowledge of medications, administration techniques, and patient care, and
• Notifying the registry of your name once you complete the curriculum within 15 days of passing the training and evaluation.

5. Apply for Certification

Once you have successfully passed the competency evaluation, you are ready to apply for your CMA certification. The application can be submitted online or via US mail, and will require:

• Proof of completed CMA training.
• Verification of your CNA certification.
• Payment of any applicable fees.

6. Maintain Your Certification

To ensure you remain a competent and certified Medication Aide, be aware of the ongoing education requirements. To recertify as an MAC, you need to be a CNA in good standing with no findings on the MAC registry, and provide the following before your certification expires:

• A signed attestation acknowledging you have reviewed the current MAC requirements.
• Proof of completing four hours of state-approved continuing education focused on medication administration.
• Proof of working at least 400 hours as a MAC in an LLCF in the past 12 months.

The department will deny your renewal if you violate any chapter regulations at the time of your renewal application. If you don't meet the renewal or re-issuance requirements within 12 months of expiration, it will be considered a voluntary surrender of your MAC certification. Full details are available at 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.

Exploring a Career in Medication Aide Outside Louisiana

If you've been reading this article and aspire to become a Medication Aide, but you reside in a different state, rest assured that achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become a Medication Aide in Arizona, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, or South Carolina. Don't worry if you haven't found your location among these, because Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing Medication Aide classes through a convenient search by zip code. With dedication and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

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