Key Requirements to Become a CMA in Oregon

• Prerequisite: You must hold a current, unencumbered Oregon CNA certification to be eligible for CMA certification. Some pathways also require at least six months of full-time experience (832 hours) as a CNA.
• Training: You must complete an 80-hour, OSBN-approved medication aide training program. The curriculum includes 45 hours of classroom instruction, 11 hours of lab work, and 24 hours of supervised clinical experience.
• Exam: After training, you must pass the Board-approved Medication Aide Competency Exam, administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies).
• Salary: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups CMAs with Nursing Assistants. The mean hourly wage for this group in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area was $22.83 as of May 2024.
• Renewal: Effective January 1, 2026, CMAs must complete eight hours of continuing education related to medication aide duties every two years to renew their certification.

What is a Certified Medication Aide?

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is an advanced CNA who has completed additional state-approved training to administer medications to patients. They work under the supervision of a licensed nurse in settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

The CMA role is strictly defined by the OSBN. While they are responsible for the safe and accurate distribution of prescribed medications, they are not permitted to perform certain tasks. These limitations include calculating or converting medication dosages, assessing a patient's need for medication, or using nursing judgment to administer PRN (as-needed) medications.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Oregon

The path to becoming a CMA in Oregon is structured to ensure you have foundational patient care experience before handling medications. Follow these steps to meet the OSBN's official requirements.

1. Become an Experienced CNA

Your first step is to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. If you are not already certified, you must complete a CNA 1 training program and pass the state exam to get your license. Some CMA certification pathways require you to have at least six months of full-time work experience (equivalent to 832 hours) as a CNA before you can apply.

2. Complete an OSBN-Approved CMA Program

Next, you must enroll in and complete a Medication Aide training program that is officially approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. You can find the complete, up-to-date list of schools on the OSBN's approved program website. Note that some schools, like Portland Community College and Chemeketa Community College, are approved for CNA training but are not currently listed as approved CMA program providers.

The curriculum, updated effective July 1, 2025, requires a minimum of 80 hours of instruction:

• 45 hours of didactic (classroom) instruction
• 11 hours of supervised laboratory practice
• 24 hours of one-on-one supervised clinical experience

3. Pass the State Competency Exam

After successfully completing your training program, you must apply for and pass the Oregon Medication Aide Competency Exam. The exam is administered by the state's approved vendor, D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). You must pass the exam within one year of finishing your training program.

4. Get Certified and Find a Job

Once you pass the exam, the OSBN will issue your CMA certificate, and your name will be added to the state registry. You are now legally authorized to work as a Certified Medication Aide in Oregon.

Update your resume to highlight your new CMA certification and search for positions at healthcare facilities. Employers like Avamere and Prestige Care, as well as local nursing homes and assisted living communities, frequently hire CMAs.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medication Aide?

If you are already an experienced CNA, the CMA training itself is relatively quick. The 80-hour program can typically be completed in 3 to 6 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

If you are starting without any certification, you must also account for the time to complete a CNA program (typically 4 to 12 weeks) and gain the required six months of work experience. This makes the total timeline from start to finish approximately 9 to 12 months.