A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) plays a critical role in patient care by administering medications under the supervision of licensed nurses. With a growing demand for healthcare professionals in Washington, this career path offers stability, competitive pay, and career growth opportunities in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers.

Key Points

• A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) administers medications, monitors patient responses, and ensures proper medication management in long-term care settings.
• To become a Certified Medication Aide in Washington, candidates must hold a current CNA license or have one year of direct patient care experience, complete a state-approved 140-hour training program, and pass the Washington State medication aide certification exam.
• Training programs include 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of supervised lab practice, and 10 hours of clinical experience.
• The average salary for a Certified Medication Aide in Washington is $40,010 per year ($19.24/hour), with experienced CMAs earning $42,000–$50,000+ annually.
• CMAs in Washington must renew their certification annually, completing continuing education (CE) credits for renewal.

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.

Educational Requirements: Washington CMA Training Program

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.

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.

3. Apply for the Washington CMA Certification Exam

After completing training, apply for the state exam through the Washington State Department of Health website.

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

CMAs in Washington must renew their certification every year by completing continuing education (CE) credits.

Washington CMA Renewal Fees:

• First renewal: $15 (No CE hours required)
• Subsequent renewals: $15 (Must complete 7 CE hours)
• Late renewal (less than 90 days past expiration): $22.50
• Late renewal (91-365 days past expiration): $30
• More than 1 year expired: Must retrain and retest

To avoid late fees, complete your required CE hours and submit your renewal application through the Washington State Department of Health portal at least 3-4 months before expiration.

Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Medication Aide

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) role can lead to higher-paying healthcare positions, such as:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Upgrade to an LPN role with more responsibilities. LPN programs take 12-18 months to complete.
• Pharmacy Technician: Transition careers with a pharmacy training program! This path is ideal if you enjoy working with medicines but prefer a shift away from direct patient care.
• Medical Assistant (MA): Gain administrative and clinical experience in doctor’s offices and clinics. MA programs take 9-12 months to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a Certified Medication Aide in Washington?

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Washington typically takes 5 to 6 weeks. The Washington DOH requires:

• 100 hours of classroom instruction
• 20 hours of supervised lab practice
• 10 hours of hands-on clinical experience After training, candidates must pass the Washington Medication Aide Certification Exam.

How much does a Certified Medication Aide make in Washington?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CMAs in Washington earn an average salary of $40,010 per year ($19.24/hour).

• Entry-level CMAs start at $35,000 annually ($16.80/hour).
• Experienced CMAs in specialized settings earn $42,000-$50,000+ per year.

How much does it cost to renew a Medication Aide license in Washington?

The Washington CMA renewal fees are:

• First renewal: $15 (No CE hours required)
• Subsequent renewals: $15 (7 CE hours required)
• Late renewal (less than 90 days past expiration): $22.50
• Late renewal (91-365 days past expiration): $30
• Expired for over a year? Must retrain and retest.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) in Washington is an excellent healthcare career choice, offering job stability, competitive pay, and career advancement opportunities!

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

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