How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Texas (2025)

Not sure what you want to do?

Take our free career quiz

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) assists an elderly resident with her daily medications in a long-term care facility. Texas has one of the fastest-growing elderly populations in the U.S., driving demand for long-term care professionals like CMAs. In fact, there are over 1,200 nursing homes in Texas (and about 2,000 assisted-living facilities) serving tens of thousands of residents!

Article continues after recommendations

Recommended for you

CCI Training Center

AAPC CPC Medical Coding Boot Camp

Online

Intensive CPC exam preparation in just 4 weeks
100% Online Job Training Program

Financial aid (may be available)

CCI Training Center

AAPC CPC Medical Coding/Certification

Online

Complete accelerated training in just 15 weeks
Study 100% online with flexible scheduling

Financial aid (may be available)

Health Tech Academy

Medical Assistant Bootcamp

Online

Earn Industry-Recognized CCMA Certification
16-week 100% online and self-paced

$212.17 to start

$1,990 total

MedCerts

Fully online Medical Assistant class

Online

Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7
In-person externship matching done after class

$239 to start

$4,000 total

Key Points

A Certified Medication Aide administers medications and monitors patient responses in healthcare settings.
To become a CMA in Texas, you need a CNA license or relevant experience, completion of a 140-hour approved program, and passing the state certification exam.
Training typically includes 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience.
After training, you must pass the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam, a 100-question multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of safe medication administration.
Certified Medication Aides in Texas earn an average of around $36,390 per year (about $17.49 per hour) according to recent BLS data.
Annual renewal with 7 hours of continuing education (CE) is required after the first year.

What Is a Medication Aide?

A Certified Medication Aide is a specialized healthcare professional focused on the administration of medications to patients in long-term care and assisted living facilities. CMAs are typically Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who have completed additional training to distribute oral and topical medications safely under nursing supervision.

What Does a Medication Aide Do?

Administer Medications: Ensures patients receive their correct dosages at the right times.
Monitor Effects: Observes and records any side effects or reactions.
Maintain Records: Keeps detailed logs of all medications administered.
Ensure Compliance: Follows all relevant laws and guidelines for medication safety.
Support Nursing Staff: Assists with medication-related nursing tasks.

Requirements to Become a Medication Aide in Texas

To become a Medication Aide in Texas, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete the required training and examinations set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Below is a breakdown of the key requirements:

Eligibility Requirements:

Age & Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Proof of graduation or equivalency may be required.
Language Proficiency: Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Health Status: Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and mental health to safely administer medications.
Experience/Employment: Hold a current CNA certification or have prior direct care work experience: Texas rules specify that you must be employed in a licensed healthcare facility (such as a nursing home) on the first day of your Medication Aide course, and if you are not a CNA, you must have worked at least 90 days in the past 12 months as an unlicensed direct care staff member. In practice, this means most candidates are already CNAs working in nursing homes, or caregivers/aides with some months of experience in long-term care. (If you’re not yet a CNA or care aide, you’ll need to gain that experience first – for example, by working as a nurse aide – before pursuing CMA training in Texas.)

Training Program Overview:

Once you meet the basic requirements, the next step is to enroll in a state-approved Medication Aide training program. Texas has many approved programs, offered by community colleges, vocational schools, nursing facilities, and other training institutes statewide. The program you choose must be approved by HHSC for you to be eligible for certification.

Here’s what to expect from the Medication Aide training curriculum in Texas:

Total Hours: 140 hours of instruction and training are required by the state
Classroom Instruction: You’ll start with around 100 hours of classroom instruction. You will cover topics such as basic pharmacology, drug classifications, and more!
Lab Training: Next, you will spend roughly 20 to 30 hours in a skills laboratory setting under supervision.
Clinical Practice: exas requires at least 10 hours of clinical experience in an actual healthcare facility.
Examination: The Texas Medication Aide exam is a written test of 100 multiple-choice questions, administered either by the training program or a testing service approved by HHSC.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Texas?

1. Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program

Start by finding a Texas-approved CMA program that fits your schedule and budget. Use Dreambound to search for approved medication aide training programs near you.

2. Complete the 140-Hour Training Program

Finish your 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20–30 hours of lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience to meet the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) requirements.

3. Apply for the Texas CMA Certification Exam

After completing training, apply for the state exam through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP). You’ll need to submit an application (often within 20 days of finishing the course) and pay the combined permit+exam fee of $25 to HHSC.

4. Pass the Medication Aide Exam

Take the 100-question multiple-choice exam. If you fail, you may retake the test once for free. A second failure requires retaking the training program. Remember, take your time and use the knowledge gained from training! To pass, you typically need a score of 70% or higher (specific passing criteria will be given by the test).

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

Try it now

5. Obtain Your Certification and Get Listed on the Registry

After you pass the exam, HHSC will issue your Medication Aide permit. You will be added to the Texas Medication Aide Registry, which is the official list of certified Medication Aides. At this point, you are legally allowed to work as a CMA in Texas!

6. Start working as a Certified Medication Aide

With your certification in hand, you can begin working independently as a CMA (under nurse supervision as required). For Medication Aide jobs, you may visit MyNextMove for opportunities near you!

7. Maintain Your Certification – Annual Renewal

The first renewal is due one year after your initial certification. For your first renewal only, you do not need any continuing education hours, but you still must submit a renewal application and the $15 fee to HHSC before your permit expires. For every renewal thereafter, you must complete 7 hours of continuing education (CE) each year prior to renewing.

Where to Find Medication Aide Classes in Texas

If you're ready to become a Certified Medication Aide in Texas, finding the right training program is your first step—and that's where Dreambound comes in.

Dreambound is an all-in-one platform that helps aspiring healthcare professionals find and compare vocational training programs across the U.S., including state-approved Medication Aide classes in Texas. You can easily search by location, schedule, or learning style—whether you want in-person, online, or hybrid options.

Dreambound partners with schools and training providers to list verified, up-to-date courses for over 70 vocational programs in healthcare, technology, trades, and more!

Some programs listed on Dreambound also offer:

Payment plans so you can split the cost over time
Financial aid, if you qualify
Flexible schedules for working adults

And because Dreambound is completely free to use, there’s no risk in exploring your options!

Start your journey today. Use Dreambound to search for Medication Aide training near you!

Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Medication Aide

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) role can lead to higher-paying healthcare positions, including:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Upgrade to an LPN role for greater responsibilities in patient care. You'll perform more complex tasks, potentially supervising CNAs and Medication Aides. LPN programs are shorter than RN programs, typically taking 12-18 months to complete. As an LPN, you can work in various healthcare settings and often earn a higher salary than a Medication Aide.
Pharmacy Technician: Transition into pharmacy-related careers. It's ideal if you enjoy working with medicines but prefer a shift away from direct patient care. Pharmacy Technician programs take 6 months to a year to complete, followed by certification.
Medical Assistant (MA): Gain administrative and clinical experience. Duties include taking vital signs, assisting with exams, and managing office tasks. It's perfect if you enjoy a diverse workday. Most Medical Assistant programs take 9-12 months to complete and culminate in a certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a certified medication aide in Texas?

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Texas typically takes five to six weeks. The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) requires a 140-hour state-approved training program, which includes:

100 hours of classroom instruction
20 hours of supervised lab practice
10 hours of hands-on clinical experience

After completing the program, candidates must pass the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam before working in licensed healthcare facilities.

How much does a certified medication aide make in Texas?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024 data, Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in Texas earn an average salary of $36,390 per year, which translates to about $17 per hour.

Entry-level CMAs typically start at $28,000 annually ($13.50/hour).
Experienced CMAs in specialized settings can earn $35,000-$42,000+ per year.
Wages vary based on location, experience, and type of healthcare facility.

How much does it cost to renew a medication aide license in Texas?

The Texas Medication Aide renewal fees are as follows:

First renewal: $15 (No continuing education required)
Second and subsequent renewals: $15 (Must complete 7 hours of continuing education)
Late renewal (less than 90 days past expiration): $22.50
Late renewal (91-365 days past expiration): $30
Expired for over a year? You must retrain and retest to obtain a new certification.

To renew, CMAs must complete their required continuing education hours and submit a renewal application through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP) at least 3-4 months before the expiration date to avoid delays.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Texas is a great entry point into the healthcare field, offering stability, career advancement, and rewarding work in patient care. Whether you want to stay in medication administration or advance to higher healthcare roles, this is a solid career choice.

Are you ready to start your journey? Enroll in a state-approved Medication Aide program today and take the first step towards a rewarding healthcare career!

Thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:

Written by

Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

Share this post:

Article continues after recommendations

Recommended for you

CCI Training Center

AAPC CPC Medical Coding Boot Camp

Online

Intensive CPC exam preparation in just 4 weeks
100% Online Job Training Program

Financial aid (may be available)

CCI Training Center

AAPC CPC Medical Coding/Certification

Online

Complete accelerated training in just 15 weeks
Study 100% online with flexible scheduling

Financial aid (may be available)

Health Tech Academy

Medical Assistant Bootcamp

Online

Earn Industry-Recognized CCMA Certification
16-week 100% online and self-paced

$212.17 to start

$1,990 total

MedCerts

Fully online Medical Assistant class

Online

Fully online, at your own schedule 24/7
In-person externship matching done after class

$239 to start

$4,000 total

Key Points

A Certified Medication Aide administers medications and monitors patient responses in healthcare settings.
To become a CMA in Texas, you need a CNA license or relevant experience, completion of a 140-hour approved program, and passing the state certification exam.
Training typically includes 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience.
After training, you must pass the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam, a 100-question multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of safe medication administration.
Certified Medication Aides in Texas earn an average of around $36,390 per year (about $17.49 per hour) according to recent BLS data.
Annual renewal with 7 hours of continuing education (CE) is required after the first year.

What Is a Medication Aide?

What Does a Medication Aide Do?

Administer Medications: Ensures patients receive their correct dosages at the right times.
Monitor Effects: Observes and records any side effects or reactions.
Maintain Records: Keeps detailed logs of all medications administered.
Ensure Compliance: Follows all relevant laws and guidelines for medication safety.
Support Nursing Staff: Assists with medication-related nursing tasks.

Requirements to Become a Medication Aide in Texas

Eligibility Requirements:

Age & Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Proof of graduation or equivalency may be required.
Language Proficiency: Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Health Status: Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and mental health to safely administer medications.
Experience/Employment: Hold a current CNA certification or have prior direct care work experience: Texas rules specify that you must be employed in a licensed healthcare facility (such as a nursing home) on the first day of your Medication Aide course, and if you are not a CNA, you must have worked at least 90 days in the past 12 months as an unlicensed direct care staff member. In practice, this means most candidates are already CNAs working in nursing homes, or caregivers/aides with some months of experience in long-term care. (If you’re not yet a CNA or care aide, you’ll need to gain that experience first – for example, by working as a nurse aide – before pursuing CMA training in Texas.)

Training Program Overview:

Here’s what to expect from the Medication Aide training curriculum in Texas:

Total Hours: 140 hours of instruction and training are required by the state
Classroom Instruction: You’ll start with around 100 hours of classroom instruction. You will cover topics such as basic pharmacology, drug classifications, and more!
Lab Training: Next, you will spend roughly 20 to 30 hours in a skills laboratory setting under supervision.
Clinical Practice: exas requires at least 10 hours of clinical experience in an actual healthcare facility.
Examination: The Texas Medication Aide exam is a written test of 100 multiple-choice questions, administered either by the training program or a testing service approved by HHSC.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Texas?

1. Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program

Start by finding a Texas-approved CMA program that fits your schedule and budget. Use Dreambound to search for approved medication aide training programs near you.

2. Complete the 140-Hour Training Program

Finish your 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20–30 hours of lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience to meet the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) requirements.

3. Apply for the Texas CMA Certification Exam

4. Pass the Medication Aide Exam

Get courses selected just for you

Try our powerful search engine

Try it now