Want a rewarding career in healthcare without a nursing degree? Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Texas could be your perfect path! As a CMA, you'll play a vital role in assisting patients with their medications, under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a CMA in Texas.

Key Points

• A Medication Aide helps administer medication in settings like nursing homes, assisting nurses by preparing and giving medications.
• To become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Texas, you need to complete 140 hours of training and pass the certification exam.
• The Medication Aide training program in Texas includes 100 hours of classroom learning, 20 hours of skills practice, and 10 hours of hands-on clinical experience.
• In Texas, the average medication aide salary is $32,970 annually, which is approximately $15.85 per hour.

What is a Medication Aide?

A medication aide is a healthcare professional who helps with administering medication to patients, often in settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They assist nurses or other healthcare providers by preparing and giving medications, monitoring patients for side effects, and ensuring that medications are taken as prescribed. Medication aides play a crucial role in supporting the overall care of patients by focusing on their medication needs and ensuring proper administration.

What is my role as a Certified Medication Aide in Texas?

As a Medication Aide, you are authorized by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer medications to residents in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, correctional institutions, and assisted living facilities.

What are the requirements to be a Medicaton Aide in Texas?

To work as a medication aide in a licensed Texas facility, you must meet these requirements:

• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Be free of communicable diseases and be in suitable physical and emotional health to safely administer medications.
• Be currently employed as a certified nurse aide (CNA) listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry in active status.
• Completes a total of 140 hours of training required by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) and passed the certification exam.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Medication Aide in Texas

1. Meet the Requirements

Before searching for the best training provider to enroll in for your medication aide training, make sure you meet the following pre-requisites:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Be in good physical and mental health to safely handle medications.
• Be free from any communicable diseases.
• Have a valid Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license in Texas and be currently employed as a CNA in a licensed Texas facility.

2. Find a state-approved class

Community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities provide these valuable programs. What’s great is that you now have the convenience of finding top-notch training providers of state-approved Medication Aide training programs through Dreambound by searching based on location, length, payment options, and program duration. You can also find schools through the Texas HHS’s listings.

3. Complete the medication aide training program

Once you've enrolled in the appropriate medication aide training, you can start the program. Here are the requirements you need to meet:

• Completion of a 100-hour classroom training program;
• Finishing a 20-hour skills demonstration lab;
• Gaining 10 hours of hands-on clinical experience under a nurse's supervision, and
• Passing a 100-question multiple-choice exam testing your medication knowledge.

4. Pass the certification exam

Since July 5th, 2023, medication aides and permit applicants applied through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP), an online system for long-term care providers. All permit and application functions can be completed online, with user guide assistance available on the TULIP landing page.

If you don't pass the exam, you can take it again once for free. To retake the test, you need to send a written request to HHS. The second exam must be taken within 45 days of the failure notification.

If you fail the second exam, you can only take a third exam if you enroll in and complete another training program.

5. Maintain certification

You do not need continuing education hours for your first permit renewal. However, for subsequent renewals, you must complete a seven-clock-hour continuing education program approved by HHS. To renew your medication aide permit promptly, complete your continuing education three to four months before your permit expiration date.

Here is the list of renewal fees:

• First renewal: $15 (no CE hours required)
• Second renewal and subsequent renewals: $15 (7 CE hours required)
• Late renewal (less than 90 days): $22.50
• Late renewal (91-365 days): $30
• Late renewal (more than one year): Must retrain and retest

To avoid late fees, complete your required CE hours and submit your renewal application and fee through TULIP on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Medication Aide classes?

You can search for medication aide training programs near you with Dreambound's easy-to-use search tool! Just click on your nearest metro area and get started on your healthcare career path.

How long is the Medication Aide training in Texas?

The Texas HHS requires 140 hours of state-approved medication aide training. This training typically takes about five weeks to complete and includes 100 hours of classroom learning, 20 hours of skills practice, and 10 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

How much do Medication Aides in Texas make?

As a Medication Aide in Texas, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $32,970, which translates to about $15.85 per hour.

What can I do after becoming a Medication Aide?

Looking to build upon your skills as a Medication Aide? Here are some exciting paths you can explore:

• Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Transitioning to an LPN role allows you to take on greater responsibility 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.

• Become a Pharmacy Technician**: Your experience handling medications makes you a perfect candidate for Pharmacy Technician! You'll work hand-in-hand with pharmacists, preparing and dispensing medications. 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.

• Become a Medical Assistant: Leverage your medication knowledge while gaining new clinical and administrative skills as a Medical Assistant. 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.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Texas is a great way to start a meaningful career in healthcare. With medication aide certification, you’ll gain valuable skills to handle medication responsibilities and improve patient care. This role offers rewarding medication aide jobs and a solid foundation if you want to advance in the healthcare field. If you’re passionate about helping others and ready for a fulfilling career, becoming a certified medication aide might be the perfect path for you.

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

• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Texas
• Medical Billing and Coding Training in Texas
• Medical Administrative Assistant Training in Texas
• CNA Training in Texas