With Ohio’s aging population and increasing demand for long-term care professionals, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects continued growth in healthcare support occupations, including CMAs. By 2032, the U.S. is expected to add over 2 million healthcare jobs, making this a high-demand career path. If you're considering a stable job with opportunities for career growth, this guide will help you understand how to become a CMA in Ohio, the training process, salary expectations, and potential career advancements.
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A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a trained healthcare professional responsible for administering medications in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers. CMAs work closely with nurses and healthcare teams to ensure safe medication administration, monitor drug interactions, and maintain accurate medical records.
Certified Medication Aides work in various long-term care settings where patients require consistent medication management. Common workplaces include:
To enroll in an Ohio Medication Aide training program, you must:
An Ohio state-approved Medication Aide program consists of:
You can find Ohio-approved CMA training programs through:
Use Dreambound, the largest vocational training platform, to find Medication Aide training programs near you!
Start by enrolling in a state-approved Ohio CMA program. Use Dreambound to find, compare, and enroll in Medication Aide training programs near you.
Finish 100+ hours of classroom instruction covering medication safety and regulations. Completing supervised clinical practice is also crucial to develop hands-on skills!
After training, submit your exam application to the Ohio Board of Nursing and register for the Ohio Medication Aide Certification Exam.
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Take the 100-question multiple-choice exam assessing medication administration and patient safety. You must pass with a score of at least 75%. If you fail, you may retake the test once for free. A second failure requires retraining.
To keep your certification active, Ohio CMAs must:
A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can transition into higher-paying healthcare positions, including:
Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Ohio takes approximately 5-6 weeks, including:
The average salary for a CMA in Ohio is $33,240 per year ($16.00/hour).
Ohio CMAs must renew their certification every two years, with renewal fees of $25-$50 depending on the renewal period.
No, Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in Ohio are not allowed to administer injections. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, CMAs are only permitted to administer oral, topical, and inhalation medications. Any injectable medications, intravenous (IV) therapy, or controlled substances must be administered by a licensed nurse (LPN or RN).
Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Ohio is a great way to enter the healthcare field with job stability, career growth, and rewarding work in patient care. Whether you continue in medication administration or advance into nursing or allied health careers, this is a solid career choice.
Ready to start your career? Explore state-approved Medication Aide programs near you today.
Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.