Key Points

• What is a Medication Aide? A state-certified professional authorized to administer specific medications in long-term care nursing facilities under the supervision of a nurse.
• How to become a Medication Aide in Pennsylvania? You must hold an active CNA certification, complete a new 80-hour state-approved training program, and pass a state certification exam.
• Prerequisite: You must be an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in good standing on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
• Length of training: The new state-mandated training program requires a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction.
• Program Status: The law is in effect, but as of late 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is still developing the official training program and examination. Applications are not yet open.
• Average Salary: CMAs in Pennsylvania can expect to earn approximately $20.05 per hour.

What is a Medication Aide?

A Certified Medication Aide in Pennsylvania is a CNA who has completed additional state-approved training and passed a certification exam, legally authorizing them to administer medications in long-term care nursing facilities.

The new law strictly defines their scope of practice. CMAs can administer oral, topical, inhaled, ophthalmic (eye), and otic (ear) medications. They are prohibited from administering controlled substances, injections, or medications through tubes (like gastrostomy or jejunostomy tubes). All medication administration must be done under the supervision of an on-site nurse.

This new CMA role is distinct from the "Medication Technician" title often used in Personal Care Homes (PCH) and Assisted Living Residences (ALR). Those roles are governed by separate Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations and training programs.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Pennsylvania?

The path to becoming a CMA in a Pennsylvania nursing facility now follows a single, state-mandated process.

1. Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This is the mandatory first step. You must complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the competency exam to be listed in good standing on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. This foundational certification proves you have the essential patient care skills.

Dreambound can help you find and enroll in affordable, high-quality CNA programs near you to start your journey.

2. Complete the DOH-Approved CMA Training

Once you are a CNA, you must enroll in and complete the new Certified Medication Aide training program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). The law requires this program to include at least 80 hours of classroom instruction.

3. Pass the Pennsylvania CMA Certification Exam

After completing the training, you must pass the state's official CMA certification exam. The law specifies that a passing score is 80% or higher. This exam will test your knowledge of medication administration, safety protocols, and scope of practice.

4. Apply for CMA Jobs

With your CNA and new CMA certifications, you can apply for jobs in long-term care nursing facilities. Search for job titles like "Certified Medication Aide," "CMA," and "Medication Technician." You can use resources like MyNextMove.org to explore the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

Pennsylvania's New CMA Training and Examination Process

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for developing and overseeing the entire CMA certification process. This includes creating the curriculum, approving training providers, and administering the state exam.

As of December 2025, the DOH has not yet released an official timeline for when the first training programs will be available or when exams will be offered. Details about application procedures, fees, and approved testing vendors have also not been published.

Pennsylvania CMA Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), does not track "Medication Aide" as a separate occupation. It groups these workers with Nursing Assistants. The May 2024 BLS data shows the mean hourly wage for Nursing Assistants in Pennsylvania was $20.05, with a mean annual salary of $41,700. The formalization of the CMA role may positively impact future wage potential and job opportunities across the state.