Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$350 total
No cost info
$600 total
$400 total
$50 total
$1,500 total
No cost info
$675 total
$600 total
No cost info
If you're a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Philadelphia looking to take on more responsibility and increase your earning potential, becoming a Medication Aide is an excellent career move. The Philadelphia metro area employs tens of thousands of nursing assistants, and specialized Medication Aides earn a median salary of around $40,500 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide breaks down the exact steps to find local training programs and get certified for this advanced role in Pennsylvania's healthcare system.
A Medication Aide is an advanced Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) who has received specialized training to administer medications to patients in specific healthcare settings, such as personal care homes and assisted living residences. They work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse or physician, ensuring that residents receive their prescribed medications safely and on time, which allows nurses to focus on more complex clinical tasks.
To become a Medication Aide in Pennsylvania, you must meet specific state requirements set by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
If you are already a working CNA, you can become a Medication Aide very quickly. The required training course is relatively short, often completed in just 2 to 4 weeks depending on the schedule (e.g., evenings or weekends). This allows you to upgrade your skills and potential pay grade in less than a month.
Several schools and healthcare organizations in the Philadelphia area offer Medication Aide training programs. Below are some reputable institutions in Philadelphia and the programs they offer related to this field.
Medication Aide Classes in Philadelphia Philadelphia has several training providers that offer the specific coursework needed to become a Medication Aide. Here are some of the top local options.
(Certificate Course)
(Certificate Course)
(Certificate Course)
In Pennsylvania, you typically cannot complete the entire Medication Aide training online because of the practical skills component. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services does offer an online "Train the Trainer" model for facilities, and some private providers may offer hybrid courses where the theory is done online, but you must attend an in-person session to demonstrate your competency in administering medications (like insulin injections) before a certified trainer.
The best way to get free Medication Aide training in Philadelphia is through employer sponsorship. Many personal care homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers (like Genesis HealthCare or Sunrise Senior Living) will pay for their existing CNAs or direct care staff to take the Medication Administration course because they have a high demand for qualified Med Aides. Always ask your employer if they offer this career advancement opportunity.
The job outlook for Medication Aides in Philadelphia is strong, driven by the aging population and the growth of assisted living facilities.
The training is short, typically ranging from 3 days to 4 weeks, depending on the provider and schedule.
While not strictly required by state law for all facility types (like personal care homes), most employers strongly prefer or require you to be a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) first.
Yes, if they have successfully completed the specific insulin administration portion of the DHS-approved training course and are working in a permitted facility.
Specialized Med Tech/Med Aide courses in Philadelphia are affordable, often costing between $350 and $1,000.
Becoming a Medication Aide in Philadelphia offers a rewarding career with many opportunities to make a difference in patient care. With various training programs available, you can earn your medication aide certification and qualify for exciting medication aide jobs in healthcare settings. Whether you're looking for classes near you or online options, now is the perfect time to pursue this path. The demand for certified medication aides is high, and this role provides competitive salaries and benefits. Start your journey today toward a meaningful career that impacts lives!
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.
