Key Points

• Length of training: The state-mandated training is 100 hours (50 hours classroom, 10 hours lab, 40 hours clinical).
• Average MA-C salary in Washington: The median annual salary is approximately $41,800 ($20.11 per hour).
• Certification preferred: You must hold a Medication Assistant Endorsement from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
• Prerequisites: You must be a current CNA with at least 1,000 hours of work experience in a nursing home.
• Cost of training: Tuition typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, though many employers cover this cost.

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.

Where Do Medication Aides Work?

Certified Medication Aides primarily work in long-term care settings, where patients require consistent medication management. Common workplaces include:

• Nursing Homes: Administer daily medications to elderly or disabled residents.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Support semi-independent residents with medication needs.
• Long-Term Care Centers: Work with patients with chronic conditions or disabilities.
• State-Supported Living Centers & Correctional Facilities: Provide medication administration in structured care environments.

Requirements to Become a Medication Assistant in Washington

Eligibility Requirements:

To enroll in a Washington state-approved Medication Aide training program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Hold a current CNA license in Washington or have one year of direct care experience.
• Be in good physical and mental health.
• Be able to read, write, and communicate in English.

Training Program Overview:

A Washington state-approved Medication Aide program consists of:

• 100 hours of classroom instruction – Covers pharmacology, medication administration, and regulations.
• 20 hours of hands-on lab practice – Focuses on real-world medication administration skills.
• 10 hours of supervised clinical experience – Provides training in healthcare settings.
• Final exam with 100 multiple-choice questions – Tests knowledge on medication administration.

Training programs are available through:

• Community colleges & vocational schools
• Nursing homes & long-term care facilities
• State-approved healthcare training providers

Find the best Medication Aide training programs near you with Dreambound, the largest platform for vocational training programs.

Some other requirements include:

• Certification: Hold a current Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC/CNA) credential in good standing in Washington.
• Experience: Have completed at least 1,000 hours of work experience as a CNA in a nursing home within the last year.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Training: Successfully complete a commission-approved Medication Assistant education program.
• Competency: Pass the state-approved competency evaluation (MACE).
• Endorsement: Apply for the MA-C endorsement with the Department of Health.

How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in Washington?

1. Enroll in a State-Approved Training Program

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

2. Complete the 140-Hour Training Program

Finish your classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical training to meet the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requirements.