What Is a Certified Medication Aide?
A certified medication aide (CMA in medical terms) is a certified nursing assistant who has completed additional training to be permitted to administer medications in specific healthcare settings under nurse supervision.
Is CMA a Medical Abbreviation?
CMA is the acronym for the healthcare profession of a certified medication aide. Not all states have this professional designation, while others may have it by a different name. Other names may include medication aide-certified (MAC), certified medication technician (CMT), medication nursing assistant (MNA), certified medication assistant (also CMA), and more.
States that use the CMA moniker include the following:
What Does a CMA Do?
A CMA is a person who has completed special training—as indicated and approved by their state—to administer medications in healthcare facility settings. CMAs cannot administer medications that are intravenous or injections, however.
Many states require that a CMA is first a certified nursing assistant (or state-named equivalent) and has a minimum number of hours of experience prior to being eligible for medication aide certification; therefore, CMAs are also experienced in providing direct assistive care to patients.
CMAs must be diligent in the documentation of medication administration. They are expected to document the dates, times, and dosages of each medication they’ve administered, verifying the identity of each patient to ensure the correct medications are given. Proper medication administration is essential to the plan of care for each patient, impacting the overall condition and recovery of patients; as such, this job is critical.
What Do CMAs Work?
CMAs can often find work in long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Some states restrict the type of healthcare setting a CMA can work in. In some states, they also work in correctional facilities and care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
How to Become a CMA
Requirements for CMA certification will vary depending on your state. Nevertheless, general requirements typically include the following:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a high school diploma or a general education equivalent.
- You must complete a state-approved training program.
For more specific information on how to become a CMA in your state, check out our blog, “Medication Aide Requirements By State Resource Guide,” which provides further details and contact information.
Not all states have a separate CMA Registry; many regulate CNAs and CMAs with the same tool. If you’re already a CMA but unsure of your status, contact the regulatory board to check.
How to Find CMA Jobs Near You
If you’re looking for opportunities to earn higher pay rates and the independence to organize your own work schedule, have you tried working per diem (PRN)? With Nursa, CMAs and nursing clinicians can pick up shifts as independent contractors, making commitments one shift at a time in various healthcare facilities.
PRN shifts generally pay higher hourly rates because the need is urgent; these facilities have vacancies to fill to ensure continuity of care for their patients. You can reap the advantages and be part of the solution simultaneously when you join Nursa and pick up CMA shifts near you.
