Key Points

• What is a Medication Aide? Officially called a Medication Assistant in South Carolina, this is a certified professional trained to administer medications to residents in settings like skilled nursing facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• How to become a Medication Aide in South Carolina? As of 2026, you must complete a 100-hour state-approved Medication Assistant Training Program (MATP), pass a skills competency evaluation, and pass the Medication Aide Certification Exam (MACE).
• Is a CNA required? No. Under the new 2026 guidelines, a CNA certification is no longer a prerequisite to become a Medication Aide in South Carolina.
• Length of training for a Medication Aide: The required 100-hour training program typically takes between 4 and 15 weeks to complete, depending on the school's schedule.
• Average Medication Aide salary in South Carolina: While the BLS reports a median of $35,970 annually for the related role of Nursing Assistant, salary aggregators report an average hourly wage for South Carolina Medication Aides of around $16.90 to $18.00.

What is a Certified Medication Aide? What does a Medication Aide do?

A Certified Medication Aide—officially known as a Medication Assistant in South Carolina—is a vital healthcare professional who specializes in medication management. This role allows licensed nurses to focus on more complex clinical duties while ensuring residents receive their medications safely and on schedule.

Common duties include:

• Administering Medication: Dispensing prescribed oral (pills/liquids), topical (creams), and inhaled medications.
• Observation: Monitoring residents for adverse reactions or side effects and reporting them immediately to the supervising nurse.
• Documentation: Accurately recording every dose administered in the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Safety Protocols: Strictly following the "Six Rights" of medication administration (Right Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time, Documentation).
• Vitals: Checking vital signs like blood pressure and pulse before administering certain medications as required.

Medication Aide Salary in South Carolina

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have a separate category for "Medication Aide." Instead, they are grouped with related professions. As of May 2024, the BLS reports the following national median salaries:

• Nursing Assistants: $35,970 per year ($17.29 per hour)
• Home Health and Personal Care Aides: $29,390 per year

Where Do Medication Aides Work?

In South Carolina, Medication Aides are in demand at facilities that provide long-term care for elderly or disabled individuals. Common workplaces include:

• Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes): The primary employer for Medication Assistants certified under the new state program, working under the direct supervision of an RN.
• Community Residential Care Facilities (Assisted Living): A common work environment for aides who handle medication distribution.
• Correctional Facilities: Assisting medical staff with medication rounds for the inmate population.

Requirements to Become a Certified Medication Aide in South Carolina

To become a Certified Medication Aide in South Carolina, you must meet the following eligibility criteria set by the state.

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Training: Successfully complete a state-approved Medication Assistant Training Program (MATP).
• Proficiency: Be able to read, write, and understand English to interpret prescriptions and medical charts.
• Background Check: Pass a criminal background check and drug screening as required by your training program or employer.

Under the new regulations effective January 1, 2026, you are no longer required to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to enroll in a Medication Aide training program.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in South Carolina

The path to becoming a Medication Aide in South Carolina is a clear, multi-step process focused on specialized training and competency.

1. Enroll in a State-Approved MATP Program

Your first step is to find and enroll in a Medication Assistant Training Program (MATP) approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). These programs are designed to give you the foundational knowledge for safe medication administration.

• Curriculum: The state mandates a minimum of 100 hours of training. This includes at least 60 hours of classroom (didactic) and skills lab instruction, where you'll learn pharmacology, legal responsibilities, and infection control.
• Find a School: Dreambound makes it easy to find newly approved MATP programs across South Carolina. Use our platform to compare schools by location, cost, and schedule to find the right fit for you.

2. Complete Your Supervised Clinical Training

A critical part of your training is the hands-on clinical component. You must complete a minimum of 40 hours in a supervised clinical practicum. This takes place in a licensed nursing home under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). Here, you will apply what you learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, practicing skills like:

• Reading a Medication Administration Record (MAR)
• Preparing and administering different types of medication
• Properly documenting each dose
• Checking vital signs before administration

3. Pass the Skills Competency Evaluation

After completing all 100 hours of your MATP, you must pass a skills competency evaluation administered by your training program. This evaluation confirms that you can safely and accurately perform the essential duties of a Medication Aide before you are eligible to take the certification exam.

4. Pass the MACE Certification Exam

Once your training program verifies your eligibility, you must register for and pass the Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE). This exam is administered by Credentia.

• The Test: The MACE is a standardized, computer-based test that evaluates your knowledge of medication administration procedures, pharmacology, and safety protocols.
• Fee: The exam fee is $80 per attempt.
• Passing: Achieving a passing score is the final step before certification.

5. Get Listed on the State Registry

After you successfully pass the MACE, your name will be added to the South Carolina Medication Assistant Registry. Employers are required to verify your active status on this registry before hiring you. Once listed, you can legally work as a Certified Medication Aide in the state.