Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
$350 total
$600 total
$400 total
$50 total
$1,500 total
$675 total
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No cost info
$600 total
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For Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in San Antonio seeking to advance their career with more responsibility and higher pay, becoming a state-licensed Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is the most effective next step. This critical role offers a median salary of around $35,000 in the San Antonio metro area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This guide focuses specifically on the state-approved hybrid and flexible training programs in San Antonio that allow you to get licensed in just a few weeks.
Key Points
A Medication Aide—also known as a Medication Technician or Med Aide—is a trained professional who supports licensed nurses by administering prescribed medications to patients in regulated settings such as nursing homes, assisted living communities, and intermediate care facilities.
Responsibilities include:
Preparing and administering regularly scheduled medications (e.g., oral, topical, inhalants).
Verifying patient identity and cross-referencing medications with the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
Documenting all administered medications precisely and promptly.
Observing residents for any adverse reactions or side effects and immediately reporting them to a nurse.
Performing standard CNA duties as required.
Medication Aides play a vital role in ensuring residents receive their medications safely and on time.
The State of Texas has strict, non-negotiable requirements to become a CMA. Before you can enroll in any training program in San Antonio, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a high school diploma or a GED.
Be an active Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in good standing on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
Have verifiable work experience as a CNA (most programs require at least one year of experience in a long-term care setting).
Pass a criminal background check.
If you are already an experienced CNA who meets the prerequisites, the path to becoming a licensed CMA is exceptionally fast. Most state-approved training programs in the San Antonio area can be completed in as little as 4 to 9 weeks. After graduating and passing the state exam, you can be licensed and ready to apply for higher-paying jobs in just a couple of months.
Here are several schools that offer Medication Aide training in the San Antonio area:
While most Medication Aide programs require in-person clinicals, some schools offer hybrid formats, allowing students to complete classroom work online and attend skills labs or externships in person.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults or those managing other responsibilities while pursuing certification.
Though fully free programs are rare, financial assistance and scholarships may be available through:
To access government funding for education, it's worth checking directly with each school or visiting the Texas Workforce Commission for opportunities under WIOA training vouchers.
In Texas, becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a formal licensing process regulated by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS):
Meet CNA Prerequisite: You must be an experienced and active Certified Nurse Aide.
Complete Approved Training: Graduate from a 140-hour Medication Aide training program that is approved by Texas HHS.
Pass the State Exam: You must pass the official Texas Medication Aide Certification Exam (MACE) to prove your competency.
Get Your License: Submit an application to Texas HHS with proof of your training, exam results, and other required documents. Once approved, you will be a licensed CMA.
As a licensed CMA in San Antonio, you will be qualified to work in a variety of regulated healthcare settings, including:
Nursing Homes
Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID)
State Supported Living Centers
Correctional Facilities
Employers like Methodist Healthcare, CHRISTUS Health, and senior living networks often hire Medication Aides, offering stable income and benefits.
Once you are already a CNA, the training program itself is very fast, typically taking only 4 to 9 weeks. The entire process, including the exam and licensing, can be completed in about two months.
The median hourly wage for a Medication Aide (or a CNA with this advanced skill) in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro area is approximately $17.78 per hour, based on the latest BLS data from May 2024.
Yes. In Texas, you must be a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) with at least 1 year of experience working in a long-term care facility before enrolling in a Medication Aide program.
If you're considering a career as a Medication Aide in San Antonio, now is a great time to get started. With fast-track programs, hybrid formats, and growing job opportunities, you can quickly enter the healthcare workforce and make a difference in patient care.
Dreambound helps simplify the process by allowing you to compare schools, costs, and formats with ease—so you can start your journey toward certification with confidence.
Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:
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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.
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