Key Points

• Official Title: Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C), an endorsement on a Washington Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC/CNA) credential.
• Prerequisites: You must be a current CNA in good standing with at least 1,000 hours of work experience in a nursing home within the last year.
• Training: A state-mandated 100-hour program is required, consisting of 50 hours of classroom theory, 10 hours of skills lab, and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Average Salary: While not tracked separately, the underlying Nursing Assistant role in Washington has a mean annual wage of $49,960 ($24.02 per hour) as of May 2024.
• Exam: You must pass the Medication Assistant Certification Examination (MACE®) after completing your training.

What is a Medication Aide?

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a trained healthcare professional responsible for administering medications to patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers. They work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to ensure safe and accurate medication administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administering oral, topical, and inhalation medications as prescribed.
• Monitoring patients for side effects and allergic reactions.
• Documenting medication administration and patient responses.
• Ensuring compliance with Washington medication administration regulations.
• Assisting nurses with patient care and medication-related duties.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Washington?

Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites

Before you can enroll in a training program, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

To be eligible for the MA-C endorsement, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC/CNA) credential in Washington.
• Provide employer verification of at least 1,000 hours of work experience as a CNA in a nursing home. This experience must have been completed within the year immediately prior to your application.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

The next step is to successfully complete a commission-approved Medication Assistant training program. Washington mandates a total of 100 hours of training, which must be completed within the year before you apply for the endorsement.

The program is structured as follows:

• 50 hours of classroom theory
• 10 hours of skills lab practice
• 40 hours of a directly supervised clinical practicum in a nursing home

The curriculum is based on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) model, ensuring comprehensive instruction in medication administration, safety, pharmacology, and legal responsibilities.

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

Step 3: Pass the MACE® Competency Exam

After completing your training, you must pass the state-approved competency evaluation, which is the Medication Assistant Certification Examination (MACE®). This written exam, administered by Credentia, assesses the knowledge and skills required to safely administer medications in a long-term care setting. Passing this exam is a mandatory step before the state will issue your endorsement.

Step 4: Maintain Your Endorsement

To keep your Medication Assistant Endorsement active, you must renew it annually on your birthday, along with your CNA credential. Renewal requires completing eight hours of continuing education (CE) each year that is specific to medication administration and patient treatments.

The renewal fee for the endorsement is $10, which is separate from any fees associated with your primary CNA certification.