The Medication Aide-Certified program is sixty (60) hours of instruction, consisting of forty (40) classroom and skill lab hours, and twenty (20) clinical hours. A 2-hour orientation will precede the first day of class. A course provides theory and applications that will prepare students to administer medications to clients in healthcare settings safely. The course will prepare the Certified Nursing Assistant or the Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant for effective communication and interpersonal skills through basic pharmacology. The student will gain knowledge of medical terminology, medication administration, and fundamentals of body systems. Upon completion, the student will have the knowledge, skills, and ability to safely administer medications using the “Six Rights” of Medication Administration in the LTAC population. The 60-hour course will adhere to approved Tennessee Board of Nursing Medication Aide training requirements.
Textbooks can be purchased at the Walters State Bookstore or any online vendor. “Mosby’s Textbook for Medication Assistants” – Textbook and Workbook Package, 2nd Edition, 2023, Anderson. Cost: $122.00 for both.
Program Requirements:
- Students must be, at least, 18 years of age to take this class.
- Must have a high school diploma or have successfully passed the test and received a General Educational Development (GED) or a High Scholl Equivalency Test (HiSET) exam.
- Must be a Certified Nurse Assistant or Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Has worked as a C.N.A. or a licensed occupational therapy assistant in a nursing home, assisted care living facility, or a P.A.C.E. for at least 365 days of continuous, uninterrupted, full-time work at no more than two (2) different facilities, at the time the applicant submits an application.
- All students attending an Allied Health program in the Division of Workforce Training are required to receive the CPR-BLS and AHA Bloodborne Pathogens certifications. The course is offered monthly at WSCC campuses. Cost: $80
Clinical Site Requirements vary but could require the following (more information given in class):
- Truescreen background check.
- 10-panel drug screen.
- Immunization certificate with 2 MMR vaccinations or an MMR titer test showing immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
- TB skin test with negative results.
- TN state competency exam $137.50
- Scrubs must be worn for the clinical portion of the class. Your instructor will provide specific information about the appropriate attire for the clinical site. Students should not purchase these items until after the first day of class.
- Personal health insurance is encouraged.
- HPSO.com professional liability insurance.
The TN state competency exam will be scheduled after class and clinicals have been completed. Upon successful completion of the course, the individual will be given a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the state certification exam.