If you are interested in a job in healthcare or love helping others, this is the perfect read for you! Being a Medication Aide is not just a thrilling and satisfying career, but it's also easier to achieve than you may believe. Join us as we break down the easy steps to get certified, moving you closer to a meaningful job in Minnesota's healthcare sector!

What is a Medication Aide?

A Medication Aide, also known as a Medication Technician or Medication Assistant, is a healthcare professional who is responsible for assisting patients with the administration of medications. They work under the supervision of a licensed nurse and are responsible for tasks such as preparing, distributing, and documenting the administration of medications.

Where Does a Medication Aide Work?

Medication Aides can work in several places. These may include long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes. They may also work in hospitals, hospice centers, and other healthcare settings where patients require medication assistance.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Minnesota? What are the Requirements to Become a Medication Aide in Minnesota?

If you're interested in becoming a Certified Medication Aide in Minnesota, here's a list of things that you should know and remember:

1.) In Minnesota, the director of nursing services can give permission for non-licensed staff to give medication.

2.) If you're a non-licensed nursing staff member and want to give medication in a nursing home as a medication aide, you need to:

• Complete a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before enrolling in a medication aide program. You can take the medication aide training program even if you’re not in the Nurse Aide Registry.

• Complete a standard medication aide training program for non-licensed staff in nursing homes. This program is offered by community colleges and other institutions. It covers areas like:

  • Checking the resident's medication record thoroughly.
  • Preparing the medication for administration.
  • Giving the medication to the resident.
  • Assisting residents to give medication to themselves when necessary.
  • Documenting details like date, time, dosage, and method of giving the medication. If the medication was not given as ordered, the reason must also be documented. The nurse or authorized person who gave the medication must sign this document.
  • Understanding what kind of information about giving medication needs to be reported to a nurse.

People often take medication aide training to meet the requirements to work as a medication aide in Minnesota. Others take the course for personal reasons, some to help them in another work-related role, like assisted living, or for guidance in caring for a family member who may need medications given.

If you're taking the course to fulfill a work requirement, it's advisable to work as a CNA for six months before taking this course and be at least 18 years old.

3.) Nursing homes must have written proof that all medication aide staff have completed an approved nursing assistant training program and medication aide training. This is the responsibility of your employer and should be put on your employee record.

4.) If you've completed the necessary training and are now a medication aide, you can give medication in various forms like oral, suppository, eye drops, ear drops, inhalant, or topical. However, these conditions must be met:

• The medication should be on a regular schedule.

• For 'as needed' (PRN) medications, a nurse must authorize the administration or be informed within a time frame set by the nursing home policy before the medication is given.

Where can I find Medication Aide classes in Minnesota?

Want to be a Medication Aide in Minnesota? Look no further than Dreambound! It's the top place to search and compare job training programs. They have a variety of Medication Aide classes that meet Minnesota's standards. Just go to Dreambound's website, look at the choices, and find Medication Aide classes near you.

Dreambound gives you all the information you need for each course - what you'll learn, how long it takes, how much it costs, and feedback from past students. This makes it simple for you to pick the best course for you. Plus, they have a digital AI coach called Skipper who can help you find the right course based on what you need!

Keep in mind, becoming a Medication Aide needs commitment, accuracy, and great people skills. With the right training and education, you can start a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Exploring a Career in Medication Aide Outside Minnesota

If you've been reading this article and long to become a Medication Aide, but you live in a different state, don't lose hope – achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become a Medication Aide in District of Columbia, Iowa, North Dakota, Rhode Island, or Wyoming. If none of these locations work for you, 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 determination and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

How do I get my Medication Aide certification in Minnesota?

The simple answer is you need to simply complete a medication aide training program. Completing a medication aide training program doesn't result in a certification, but a certificate of completion. There's no expiration date on the certificate of completion and there's no need for recertification. Once you've taken the class, you don't need to retake it, unless you lose your certificate of completion, which may be needed for work purposes.

If you're from another state, you'll need to take a medication aide training program to work as a medication aide in Minnesota. Even if you've been trained as a medication aide in another state, you'll still need to take and pass this course. There's no test-out option in Minnesota, even if you've completed similar training in another state or country.

Minnesota law oversees the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home.

Finding a Job as a Medication Aide

With your Medication Aide certification, you can apply for job opportunities at various healthcare facilities in Minnesota, such as nursing homes, assisted living communities, and hospitals. Many employers actively seek out certified Medication Aides to join their healthcare teams.

Career Paths and Opportunities

As a Medication Aide, you can pursue further education and training to advance your career. Some potential career paths include becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Medication Aides may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as geriatric care, hospice, or pediatrics. Here are some of the helpful blogs we have about other opportunities you can explore as a medication aide!

• Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medication Aide
• Difference Between Medication Aide and Medical Assistant
• Medication Aide vs Pharmacy Technician

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMA in Minnesota?

TMA means Trained Medication Aide. This is the title given to people finishing beginner-friendly courses about medication administration.

How long does it take to become a TMA in Minnesota?

The training for becoming a medication aide in Minnesota is at least 48 hours long. It's a mix of online classes, self-guided study, and hands-on lab days, which includes a final day of lab tests. You can also attend sessions in person.

How much does it cost to become a TMA in Minnesota?

Medication aide training in Minnesota can start at $650 and above. cost for books and other fees can increase the total amount of your tuition.

How much does a TMA make in MN?

In Minnesota, a typical medication aide or TMA can expect to earn between $40,000 and $41,000 annually, which equates to about $20-22 per hour. If you're just starting out in this career, your salary might be around $33,000 to $34,000 per year. However, if you have a lot of experience, you could earn as much as $45,000 to $54,080 per year.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide in Minnesota can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With the proper training, certification, and job opportunities, you can play a crucial role in providing safe and effective medication management for patients in various healthcare settings.

If you're thinking of a new career path, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to understand various job choices:

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