How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Texas (2025)
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!
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:
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Payment plans so you can split the cost over time
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Financial aid, if you qualify
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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:
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
