No cost info
$978 total
$350 total
$400 total
$50 total
$1,500 total
No cost info
$675 total
$600 total
No cost info
For Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in New York City looking to increase their earning potential and responsibilities, becoming a Certified Medication Aide is the most direct path for career advancement. This advanced role, which involves administering medications under the supervision of a nurse, offers a median salary of around $47,390 in the NYC metro area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide details the state-approved training programs, certification requirements, and local schools that will qualify you for this critical healthcare role.
What is a Medication Aide? A Medication Aide is a state-certified healthcare professional, typically an experienced Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), who is authorized to administer routine medications to patients.
How much is the average/range of tuition cost of a Medication Aide in New York City? Certificate programs in NYC typically range from $800 to $1,500.
Length of training for a Medication Aide: The specialized training programs are fast, usually lasting between 4 to 8 weeks.
Certification required for most jobs: To work in most facilities, you must be a New York State Certified Medication Aide, which requires being a CNA first.
Ave. salary in New York City according to the latest US BLS data 2024: The median salary for this role in the NYC metropolitan area is approximately $47,390 per year.
A Medication Aide, also known as a Medication Technician or Medication Assistant, is a healthcare professional who assists licensed nurses in the administration of medications to patients. Their primary responsibilities include distributing, monitoring, and recording the use of prescribed medications under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Verifying patient identity and medication orders before administration.
Distributing prescribed oral, topical, and other routine medications.
Documenting all administered medications accurately in patient charts (MARs).
Monitoring patients for any adverse reactions to medications and reporting them immediately to a nurse.
Maintaining a clean and organized medication cart and storage area.
Performing standard CNA duties as needed.
New York State has strict requirements for this role to ensure patient safety. Before you can even consider a Medication Aide program, you must first meet these foundational requirements:
Be a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA): You must be an active CNA in good standing on the New York State Nurse Aide Registry.
Experience: Most programs require you to have at least one year of experience working as a CNA.
Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED.
Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Once you are already an experienced CNA, the path is very fast. The required Medication Aide certification course itself can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 weeks. After finishing the course and passing the state competency exam, you can add this advanced certification to your credentials and begin applying for jobs immediately.
There are several Medication Aide classes available in New York, each with its own unique features and requirements. Here are a few examples:
New York City College of Technology (NYCCT): NYCCT offers a Medication Aide certificate program that can be completed in 4 weeks. The program includes 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. Tuition is approximately $1,000, and students must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a background check.
Bronx Community College: Bronx Community College provides a Medication Aide training program that can be completed in 5 weeks. The program consists of 75 hours of instruction, including both classroom and clinical components. The tuition is around $800, and applicants must have a valid CNA certification.
Long Island University (LIU): LIU's Medication Aide program is a 6-week course that includes 90 hours of instruction, with both classroom and clinical components. The tuition is approximately $1,200, and students must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check.
In addition to the in-person options, there are also online Medication Aide classes available in New York. These programs allow students to complete the theoretical portion of the training remotely, with the clinical component typically done in a healthcare facility. While online classes can be more convenient, it's important to ensure that the program is state-approved and meets all the necessary requirements.
In terms of free Medication Aide classes, there are limited options available in New York. Some healthcare facilities or community organizations may offer free or low-cost training programs, but these are often limited in availability and may have strict eligibility criteria.
In New York, becoming a Certified Medication Aide involves a specific state-regulated process:
Be an Eligible CNA: First, you must be an active and experienced Certified Nurse Aide.
Complete an Approved Program: Enroll in and successfully graduate from a Medication Aide training program approved by the NYS Department of Health (DOH) or Department of Education (NYSED).
Pass the Competency Exam: After completing the course, you must pass the official state-administered Medication Aide certification exam. This exam will test your knowledge of medication types, proper administration procedures, patient rights, and safety protocols.
Get Certified: Once you pass the exam, your certification will be added to your record on the state registry, and you can officially use the title of Certified Medication Aide.
Certified Medication Aides are primarily employed in long-term care settings where there is a need for routine, daily medication distribution. In NYC, you will find abundant opportunities in:
Nursing Homes
Assisted Living Facilities
Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Centers
Hospice Care Facilities
Group Homes for individuals with developmental disabilities
No. In New York, the Medication Aide role is considered an advanced certification for existing Certified Nurse Aides. You must be a CNA in good standing before you can enroll in a state-approved Medication Aide training program.
A Medication Aide works under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) and can only administer routine, pre-packaged medications. A nurse has a much broader scope of practice, including conducting patient assessments, administering injections and IV medications, and developing care plans.
The median hourly wage for a Medication Aide (or a CNA with this advanced skill) in the New York City metropolitan area is approximately $24.01 per hour, based on the latest BLS data from May 2024.
Becoming a Medication Aide in New York can be a rewarding and in-demand career path. With the city's robust healthcare industry and the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals, the job market for Medication Aides is promising. By completing a state-approved training program and obtaining the necessary certification, aspiring Medication Aides can position themselves for success in this dynamic field.
If this article isn't quite hitting the mark for you, why not give these other articles a try:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
Dreambound is completely free for you to use! We are supported by schools and organizations who pay to advertise on our website, so we can offer all of our career resources for free.
