According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas has one of the fastest-growing elderly populations in the country, increasing the demand for long-term care professionals, including CMAs. Additionally, as of 2023, Texas has over 1,200 nursing homes and assisted living facilities, further solidifying the need for skilled CMAs.

If you’re considering becoming a CMA in Texas, this guide will walk you through the requirements, training programs, certification process, and career prospects.

Key Points

• A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional who administers medications, monitors patient responses, and ensures proper medication management in long-term care settings.
• Certified Medication Aides in Texas must have a current CNA license or 1 year of direct care experience, complete a 140-hour state-approved training program, and pass the Texas medication aide certification exam.
• Medication aide classes provide 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of supervised lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience.
• Medication aide training costs range from $800 to $1,500.
• The average salary for a Certified Medication Aide in Texas is $32,970 per year ($15.85/hour), with experienced CMAs earning $35,000-$42,000+.
• Annual renewal with 7 hours of continuing education (CE) is required after the first year.

3. Apply for the Texas CMA Certification Exam

After completing training, apply for the state exam through the Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP).

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.

5. Maintain Certification with Annual Renewal

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.

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 2023 data, Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in Texas earn an average salary of $32,970 per year, which translates to about $15.85 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.

Ready to start your career? Explore state-approved Medication Aide programs near you today!

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