Are you wondering how to become a certified medication aide?
The requirements to become a certified medication aide (CMA) vary by state. Some states have recently updated their CMA legislation, while others, such as California, still do not recognize the role.
A CMA often builds on certified nursing assistant (CNA) experience while developing more advanced clinical skills. Therefore, becoming a CMA can provide valuable experience for those interested in pursuing nursing degrees.
If you are considering a certified medication aide path, here you can find state-specific requirements, average salaries, and information on whether you can move to another state and keep your CMA license.
This resource guide has been compiled based on publicly available information as of April 2026. For official guidance or case-specific questions, please contact the appropriate regulatory board within your state.
Quick-reference table: State pathways
The following table shows the states that do not require a CNA license before CMA training, those with the most extensive training, and those that added the role recently.
CMA vs. med tech: Which job are you actually looking for?
Are you searching for med tech jobs? The title can mean different things depending on the state and employer.
Med tech
In some states, a med tech administers medication in assisted living facilities. This may include:
- Opening containers
- Reading labels
- Reminding residents to take medicine
CMA
A CMA is usually a state-regulated role that involves administering medications under nurse supervision in approved care settings. The exact scope, training, and certification requirements vary by state.
How long is med tech training for CNAs?
If you’re a CNA considering a med tech role, the training is usually brief, but the exact length depends on your state and employer.
Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice, followed by an exam or competency assessment. As requirements vary, it’s best to check the local regulations and specific job posting before applying.
The financial upside: Medication aide salary in 2026
As with any occupation, salary data varies by geographic location (urban or rural), work experience, healthcare setting, and even supply and demand.
Hourly rates for CMA positions are similar to those of CNAs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the national median hourly pay for CNAs as $18.96.
The highest-paying states for certified medication aides include Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Also, working PRN shifts through Nursa can be a great way to earn more, since per diem jobs typically offer a higher hourly rate than permanent roles.
The 2026 state-by-state resource guide
The process to become a medication aide will depend on which state you live in. So, we've created this state-by-state resource guide just for you.
Alabama
Alabama uses the acronym MAC (medication assistant, certified). You must complete an approved MAC education program consisting of 60 hours of theory/lab training and 40 hours of supervised clinical activity.
Find information about MAC programs and resources, eligibility requirements, and more by visiting the MAC page on the Alabama Board of Nursing website.
Alaska
At this time, Alaska does not have a medication aide designation.
Arizona
To become a CMA in Arizona, you must first have a minimum of 6 months of work experience as a nursing assistant and complete a medication training program. Furthermore, you must pass Arizona's CMA skills and written test.
For more information, visit the Arizona Board of Nursing website.
Arkansas
In 2025, Arkansas updated its legislation regarding certified medication assistant roles. Previously, this position was identified as a medication assistant, certified; however, now the title CMA is also used.
The legislation also expanded a CMA’s role to include insulin injections and oxygen administration, once the required training is completed.
To qualify as a CMA, you must complete an approved medication assistant training program and pass the Arkansas certification exam. Many approved programs also require at least 1 year of continuous full-time CNA experience before admission.
Visit the Arkansas Board of Nursing site for more information.
California
At this time, California does not have a medication aide designation.
Colorado
In Colorado, this role is called qualified medication administration personnel (QMAP). Requirements include completing a state-approved training for medication administration and passing the medication administration certification test.
QMAPs are regulated through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Connecticut
Connecticut has the Medication Administration Certificate Program, which allows unlicensed personnel who have received certification to administer medication in certain facilities licensed by state agencies. The certification program has 4 parts: theory, lab, written exam, and on-site practice. Recertification is biennial.
For more information, check with the Department of Developmental Services.
Delaware
Delaware allows unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to be trained for limited lay administration of medications (LLAM). LLAM training requires yearly renewal. Eligibility requirements include completion of the LLAM curriculum, achievement of a passing score on the written exam, and a demonstration.
For details, visit the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Services.
District of Columbia
In Washington, D.C., there is a similar regulated and certified occupation called a trained medication employee (TME). Eligibility criteria include completion of a specific training course, 1 year of clinical work experience in a program or healthcare facility, and proof of first aid and CPR training. Certification must be renewed every 2 years to verify approved continuing education hours.
Visit DC Health for more information.
Florida
In Florida, these professionals are referred to as qualified medication aides (QMAs). Eligibility requirements include a minimum of 1 year of experience working as a nursing assistant and completion of the required QMA training program, consisting of 2 state‑approved courses.
For details on how to become a QMA, contact the Florida Board of Nursing.
Georgia
To become a certified medication aide in Georgia, a candidate must be an active CNA, complete the medication aide program, and pass the state exam. The written exam must be passed with a minimum score of 80% in no more than 3 attempts and within 1 year of program completion.
For more information, visit Georgia CareConnect.
Hawaii
Per Hawaii Administrative Rule §11-96-2, only physicians and licensed nurses in Hawaii may have medication administration responsibilities.
Idaho
Can a CNA administer medication in Idaho? The short answer is no—they must first become a CMA.
To become a CMA in Idaho, you must first be a CNA on Idaho's registry and complete an accredited program.
For more information about how to become a medication assistant in Idaho, contact the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Illinois
Per Public Act 103-0886, Illinois medication aides are certified and regulated through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for assisted living and shared housing establishments.
Indiana
The state of Indiana uses the term qualified medication aide for this occupation. The eligibility requirements include CNA work experience of at least 1,000 hours within the previous 24 months, completion of an authorized QMA program, and passing a state exam.
For questions, details, and a list of approved programs, visit the QMA page on the Indiana Department of Health website.
Iowa
To become a medication aide in Iowa, candidates must first complete an approved training course or pass the medication aide challenge exam. Unlike many other states, Iowa does not require previous experience as a certified nursing assistant. Nursing students or graduates can take a challenge exam in place of completing the training program.
For more details, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing website.
Kansas
In Kansas, an individual working this role is called a certified medication aide. Interested persons must complete a 75-hour course and pass the CMA exam. Continuing education hours are required every 2 years to maintain the certification.
For more details on eligibility criteria and approved CMA courses, visit the Department for Aging and Disability Services website.
Kentucky
Kentucky identifies these healthcare workers as certified medication aides. The state has 2 tiers for this occupation: CMA I and CMA II.
For information on requirements, training programs, and certification, visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing website.
Louisiana
Louisiana refers to this occupation as a medication attendant certified (MAC). A medication attendant certified is a CNA who has completed a MAC training program. Certification is valid for 1 year.
For details, visit the Louisiana Department of Health website.
Maine
In Maine, certified nursing assistants who want the added medication aide designation (CNA-M) must meet eligibility requirements, including completing a board-approved training program.
The Maine State Board of Nursing oversees the certification and regulation of CNA-Ms.
Maryland
To become a certified medical aide in Maryland, an applicant must first be currently employed as a CNA and be recommended for the CMA training program by the director of nursing (DON) of their place of employment.
For details about eligibility, training programs, and CMA renewal, the Maryland Board of Nursing maintains a Certified Medicine Aide Fact Sheet.
Massachusetts
Direct care workers in Massachusetts must obtain the Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification to administer medications in specifically licensed community residences. These licensed community residences do not include long-term care (LTC) facilities.
For more information about MAP certification and the types of facilities it applies to, visit the Massachusetts.gov website.
Michigan
In Michigan, those interested in becoming medication aides must first have a valid nurse aide certification and sufficient work experience. After completion of a board-approved training program, candidates must pass the competency exam.
For more details, visit the Michigan Bureau of Community and Health Systems website.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, DONs in nursing homes may delegate their medication administration tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel. Selected UAPs must complete an approved nursing assistant training program and complete the necessary training to be eligible for this responsibility.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, there is no regulated occupation for medication aides. During the 2024 regular legislative session, lawmakers introduced the Medication Aide Act in SB 2860 and HB 1635, but the proposal did not become law.
Missouri
To administer medications in specific settings in Missouri, interested individuals must have the Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) certification. This certification requires continuing education for biennial renewal.
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
Montana
The state of Montana has 2 levels of medication aides: medication aide I, who can administer medications only in assisted living facilities, and medication aide II, who can administer medications only in skilled nursing facilities.
For information on licensing requirements, visit the Montana Board of Nursing.
Nebraska
To become a medication aide in Nebraska, a candidate must pass a 40-hour approved training course and the state examination.
For more information, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services site.
Nevada
In Nevada, medication administration by certified medication aides is regulated by the Nevada Board of Nursing under NRS 632.294.
Medication aides must complete an approved training program, be supervised by a licensed nurse at a designated facility, and hold a certificate to practice as a nursing assistant in the state.
New Hampshire
To become a medication nursing assistant (MNA) in New Hampshire, a candidate must already be a licensed nursing assistant and complete a board-approved MNA education program.
For more information on how to apply, visit the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification website.
New Jersey
Certified nurse aides, home health aides, and personal care assistants are eligible to become CMAs in New Jersey. Requirements include completing an approved medication aide training program and passing the medication aide exam within 6 months of finishing the program.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Health website.
New Mexico
New Mexico maintains 2 levels of medication aides: CMA I and CMA II. Eligibility criteria include a minimum of 3 months of healthcare experience working at a board‑approved agency within the last year (or holding a current New Mexico nurse aide certificate in good standing), current CPR certification, and completion of a board‑approved medication aide program.
For a list of approved programs, visit the New Mexico Board of Nursing website.
New York
New York authorizes registered nurses to delegate medication administration and other “advanced tasks” to advanced home health aides (AHHAs). Requirements for AHHA certification include completing a state-approved AHHA training course and passing the New York Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE).
Currently, New York is also running a limited pilot program in St. Lawrence County, allowing trained nursing home medication aides to administer certain oral and pre-filled medications in residential healthcare facilities under RN supervision.
Visit the New York State Office of Professions website for more information.
North Carolina
Medication aides in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) and must be listed on the state's Medication Aide Registry. Eligibility criteria include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, completion of an approved medication aide training program, and a passing score on a state competency evaluation program.
For more information, visit the North Carolina Board of Nursing website.
North Dakota
For North Dakota residents, there are 3 designations for medication administration: medication assistant I (MAI), medication assistant II (MAII), and medication assistant III (MAIII).
For more information about MAI and MAII certification, visit the North Dakota Health & Human Services website.
For more information about the MAIII certification, visit the North Dakota Board of Nursing website.
Ohio
In Ohio, interested persons must complete an approved medication aide training program and pass the state’s medication aide exam. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
Visit the Ohio Board of Nursing site for more information on the process and a list of approved training programs.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 2 certificate types for this profession: certified medication aide and CMA-insulin administration. Eligibility criteria include current certification as a direct care worker in a long-term care, home health, or developmental disability setting and completion of a state-approved training program.
For more information, visit the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
Oregon
To become CMAs in Oregon, interested persons must meet the eligibility requirements, complete approved medication aide training programs, and pass the competency examination.
For details on eligibility and approved training programs, contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the Medication Administration Training Program teaches unlicensed staff in licensed facilities how to administer medications. It is a hybrid course of classroom and online learning. An annual practicum is required for requalification.
For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Medication Administration.
Rhode Island
Licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) in Rhode Island can become medication aides. Requirements include completing an approved medication aide training program and passing the exam. The written part of the exam is done online, while the skills are evaluated in person.
For more information, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health.
South Carolina
South Carolina now has a Medication Assistant Training Program (MATP). Candidates must complete a state‑approved MATP with 100 hours of training, including didactic and supervised clinical practicum hours, then pass the MACE to be listed on the state registry.
For more information about the MATP, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, the criteria for becoming an unlicensed medication assistant (UMA) include completing a board-approved training program and passing the UMA exam. Applicants have up to 2 attempts to pass the UMA exam.
For more information, visit the South Dakota Board of Nursing site.
Tennessee
Tennessee residents interested in becoming certified medication aides must complete approved medication aide training programs. They must also have 365 days of continuous, uninterrupted, full-time work experience as CNAs at no more than 2 different facilities.
For more details on training programs, go here.
Texas
Texas CNAs actively employed in state-licensed facilities may be eligible to become medication aides. Candidates must complete approved medication aide training programs and pass the state exam. Once issued, the permit is valid for 1 year, and continuing education hours are required after the first year.
Visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website for more details.
Utah
Active Utah CNAs may complete the requirements to receive medication aide licenses. Eligibility criteria include at least 2,000 hours of work experience within the previous 2 years in long-term care settings, a current CPR certification, and completion of an approved medication aide education program.
For more information, contact the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
Vermont
To become a medication nursing assistant in Vermont, a candidate must hold an active nursing assistant license, complete a state-approved medication assistant education program, and pass the MACE and the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
Visit the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation website for more information.
Virginia
Virginia residents interested in becoming medication aides should complete state-approved medication aide training programs.
First-time applicants and those interested in renewals or reinstatements should visit the Virginia Board of Nursing website.
Washington
In Washington, certified nursing assistants may apply for the medication assistant endorsement. Those interested must meet the initial application requirements and pass the medication assistant competency evaluation and the written competency evaluation. The endorsement requires yearly renewal.
For more information on eligibility and approved training programs, visit the Washington Department of Health site.
West Virginia
This occupation is known as approved medication assistive personnel (AMAP) in West Virginia. All AMAPs must be trained by approved registered nurses who.
Contact the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification for more information.
Wisconsin
Nurse aides currently registered in Wisconsin may become medication aides in nursing homes or hospice settings. Eligibility requirements apply and include completion of an approved medication aide training program.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services site.
Wyoming
Wyoming residents interested in this occupation must meet eligibility criteria, complete state-approved medication aide-certified training, and pass the exam.
Visit the Wyoming Board of Nursing website for more details.
Please remember: This resource guide has been compiled based on publicly available information. For official guidance or case-specific questions, please contact the appropriate regulatory board within your state.
Moving states: The reciprocity headache
Can a CMA work in any state? Unlike for nurses, there is no large-scale agreement or compact in place.
Still, check with the right state agency, since some states may offer limited medication aide reciprocity, streamlined applications, or a challenge exam that lets you qualify without repeating the full course.
Tip: Some states offer CNA reciprocity, so even if your medication aide certification isn’t transferable right away, your nursing assistant certificate may help you get to work immediately after a move.
Online medication aide certification classes in 2026
As with CNA training programs, there are hybrid medication aide training programs. Furthermore, many states have enabled online testing for medication aide certification.
However, medication aide training programs typically require in-person hours as well.
Check with the appropriate regulatory agency in your state for details.
Future-proofing your clinical career
Becoming a certified medication aide is an excellent way to expand your clinical skills and—if it's in your plans—build your path to other nursing roles like an LPN or RN.
If you are ready to pursue your CMA certification, start by checking your state requirements, training programs, and exam details. You can use this guide as a starting point; however, regulations change constantly, so it is important to consult the state agencies responsible for the CMA process where you want to practice.
If you are already a CMA or thinking of becoming one, make sure to update your Nursa profile to unlock high-paying shifts in 2026.
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