Key Points
- Texas requires 140 hours of state-approved training (100 classroom hours, 20–30 lab hours, 10 clinical hours).
- Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and meet English proficiency and health requirements.
- You must hold a CNA certification or have at least 90 days of recent direct care experience in a licensed facility.
- Applications for the exam and permit are submitted through TULIP, the Texas licensing portal.
- The Medication Aide exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions with one free retake.
- CMAs in Texas earn about $37,580 per year.
- Renewal is required every year; CE hours begin after the first renewal.
- Training programs are available statewide, including Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, McAllen, and San Antonio.
Step 1: Meet the Texas Medication Aide Requirements
Before enrolling in any Texas Medication Aide program, applicants must satisfy all HHS eligibility standards. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and mental health
- Hold an active CNA certification, or have 90 days of employment in the past 12 months as a non-licensed direct care staff member
- Be employed in a licensed facility on the first day of training
- Not be listed on:
- The Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR)
- The Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) as revoked or suspended
If you meet these requirements, you can enroll in an approved Medication Aide course.
Compare Medication Aide training options on Dreambound to find programs that fit your schedule and location.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved 140-Hour Medication Aide Program
Texas HHS requires a structured 140-hour training program consisting of:
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100 hours of classroom instruction
Topics often include basic pharmacology, medication safety, drug classifications, infection control, and reporting procedures.
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20–30 hours of skills laboratory demonstration
Hands-on practice under supervision. Training covers safe administration, measurement, documentation, and observation.
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10 hours of clinical experience
Conducted in a licensed healthcare facility with direct supervision from a licensed nurse.
Only programs approved by HHS qualify you for certification. Community colleges, technical schools, and long-term care facilities across the state offer these courses.
Step 3: Apply for the Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam
Once you complete the 140-hour program, you must apply for the state exam through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP).
Your application typically includes:
- Personal information and identification
- Proof of training completion
- Employment verification
- Required documentation from your training provider
Texas charges a $25 combined permit and exam fee, which must be submitted through TULIP.
Programs usually require students to complete their applications within 20 days of finishing the course, so submit early to avoid delays.
Step 4: Pass the Texas Medication Aide Exam
The Texas Medication Aide exam is a 100-question multiple-choice test that evaluates your understanding of:
- Safe medication administration
- Medication classifications
- Federal and state regulations
- Observation, documentation, and reporting
- Resident rights and safety procedures
Important exam facts:
- You may retake the exam once at no cost.
- If you fail the exam twice, Texas requires you to retake the entire training program.
- Passing standards and test scheduling are usually handled by your training program or an HHS-approved testing provider.
Step 5: Get Your Medication Aide Permit in Texas
After you pass the exam and meet all documentation requirements, HHS issues your official Medication Aide permit. You will also be added to the Texas Medication Aide Registry, which confirms your eligibility to work as a CMA in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and similar settings.
Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Step 6: Maintain and Renew Your Medication Aide Permit
Texas requires annual renewal of your Medication Aide permit.
First renewal:
- No continuing education required
- Renewal fee: $15
Subsequent renewals:
- 7 hours of continuing education (CE) annually
- Renewal fee: $15
- Late fees:
- Less than 90 days late: $22.50
- 91–365 days late: $30
- More than 1 year late: must retrain and retest
Renew your permit before the expiration date to avoid lapses in employment eligibility.
Medication Aide Classes Near You in Texas
Training availability varies by region. Explore programs in:
