How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in New Jersey (2024)
Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in New Jersey is a rewarding career choice that offers job stability and the chance to make a difference in people's lives. This guide will teach you about the requirements, training, certification process, and more.
Summary
- You must be actively certified as a home health aide (HHA) or personal care assistant to become a Medication Aide in New Jersey.
- Medication Training programs in New Jersey take 4 to 11 weeks to complete— at least 40 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training.
- You must pass a Criminal Background Check (CBI) by the New Jersey State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to be eligible for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Medication Aide classes?
Dreambound simplifies finding the right medication aide classes! Click on your nearest metro area to get started for example Texas.
How long is the Medication Aide training in New Jersey?
The NJDOH requires you to complete a minimum of 56 hours of state-approved training which could take 4 to 11 weeks. The program is divided into two main parts. In the first part, you learn to administer medication effectively and assist residents with self-administration. In the second part, you train to help residents with the self-administration of prepared installations, treatments, and insulin injections.
How much do Medication Aides in New Jersey make?
As of May 2023, the average annual salary for Orderlies (including Medication Aids) in New Jersey was $87,820, which is approximately $18.66 per hour. New Jersey was also one of the states with the highest number of jobs and location quotients for Orderlies.
What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide?
- Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Becoming an LPN allows you to take on more responsibilities in patient care. You'll be able to do more complex tasks and may have the opportunity to supervise CNAs and Medication Aides. LPN training programs are shorter than becoming an RN, usually taking about 12-18 months. As an LPN, you can work in various healthcare settings and often earn a higher salary than a Medication Aide. **: Your experience handling medications makes becoming a Pharmacy Technician a great option. You'll work closely with pharmacists to prepare and distribute medications. It's a good choice if you enjoy working with medicines but want a change from direct patient care. You'll need to complete a Pharmacy Technician program and get certified, which can take 6 months to a year.
- Become a Medical Assistant: As a Medical Assistant, you'll get to use your medication knowledge while learning new clinical and administrative skills. You'll take patient vitals, assist with exams, and handle office tasks. It's ideal if you want a more varied workday. Most Medical Assistant programs take about 9-12 months to complete, followed by a certification exam.
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Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
