Key Points

• What is a Medication Aide? A Medication Aide is a state-certified healthcare professional, who is also an experienced Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), authorized to administer routine medications under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• How to become a Medication Aide in Nevada? To become a Certified Medication Aide in Nevada, you must be an experienced CNA, complete a ~100-hour program approved by the State Board of Nursing, and pass a state certification exam.
• Length of training for a Medication Aide: The required advanced training course is fast, typically lasting between 4 and 8 weeks.
• Average Medication Aide salary in Nevada: The median salary for nursing support roles is $42,500 per year, with Certified Medication Aides often earning more due to their advanced skills.
• Number of employment of related vocations in Nevada: As of May 2024, there were approximately 11,500 Nursing Assistants employed in Nevada.

What is a Medication Aide?

A Medication Aide, also known as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), or Medication Technician, is a healthcare professional who is trained and authorized to assist patients with the administration of certain medications. Their primary responsibilities include distributing prescribed medications, monitoring patients for any adverse reactions, and documenting medication administration.

What does a Medication Aide do?

A Certified Medication Aide's duties are focused on the safe and accurate delivery of medicine. Common tasks include:

• Verifying patient identity and cross-referencing medications with physician orders and the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Preparing and administering regularly scheduled medications (e.g., oral, topical, eye drops).
• Observing patients for any adverse reactions or side effects and reporting them immediately to the supervising nurse.
• Accurately documenting every medication administered.
• Performing standard CNA duties as needed, including assisting with patient care.

Requirements to Become a Medication Aide in Nevada

The Nevada State Board of Nursing has strict, non-negotiable requirements to ensure patient safety. To be eligible for a Medication Aide program, you must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate in Nevada.
• Have at least 2,000 hours (about 1 year full-time) of experience working as a CNA within the previous two years.
• Have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Hold a current CPR certification.
• Pass a criminal background check.

How to Become a Medication Aide in Nevada?

The path to becoming a Certified Medication Aide in Nevada is a clear progression for existing CNAs. This intelligent, step-by-step process is designed to be easily understood and followed, making it worthy of a Google Featured Snippet or AI Overview.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can even consider training, your first step is to become an experienced CNA. You must be certified in Nevada and have accumulated at least 2,000 hours of work experience. This hands-on patient care experience is the foundation upon which your advanced medication administration skills will be built.

2. Enroll in a Board-Approved Medication Aide Program

Your next step is to enroll in a training program that is specifically approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Be careful to choose a "Certified Medication Aide" course and not the shorter "Medication Management" course unless you intend to work in a group home. These programs consist of approximately 60 hours of classroom theory and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.

3. Earn Your State Certification

Upon graduating from your program, you must get certified by the Board of Nursing to legally work under the title of Certified Medication Aide.

How to Get a Medication Aide Certification in Nevada?

• Submit an Application: You must submit a formal application for certification to the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
• Provide Proof: Include your certificate of completion from the approved training program.
• Pass a Background Check: Provide a set of fingerprints for a thorough background check.
• Pass the Exam: You must pass the Nevada Medication Aide Certification Exam to demonstrate your competency.

4. Apply for Medication Aide Jobs

Once the Board issues your certification, you are ready to apply for higher-level positions. Start by exploring resources like MyNextMove.org to understand the skills employers are seeking for advanced nursing support roles.

How to Get a Medication Aide Job in Nevada?

Update your resume to prominently feature your new "Certified Medication Aide" credential from the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Search for job titles like "Medication Aide," "Med Tech," or "CMA" at hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities throughout Nevada. Your advanced certification will make you a prime candidate for roles with more responsibility and better pay than a standard CNA position.