A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a Certified Nursing Assistant with additional training who works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to administer daily medications.
CMAs play a vital role in supporting how a healthcare facility operates daily. They’re responsible for preparing and administering routine medications, stocking and maintaining a sufficient drug inventory, documenting the administration and effectiveness of medications, and other related duties and responsibilities.
How Do You Become a CMA in Oregon?
To become a Certified Medication Aide in Oregon, you have to be a Certified Nursing Assistant in good standing on the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OBSN) registry with six months, or at least 832 hours, of experience working under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
If you’re not already a CNA, you must receive that training and certification first. CNA training programs can vary in length and can include hybrid, day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more about CNA programs in Oregon here.
If you’re already a CNA, you can enroll in an OSBN-approved Medication Aide training program.
How Long is a Certified Medication Aide Training Program?
OSBN-approved Medication Aide programs are made up of at least 84 hours of instruction, with 60 hours of classroom and lab instruction and at least 24 hours of supervised instruction in a clinical setting.
Certified Medication Aide Training Program Schedules
All CMA training programs in Oregon are required to meet the minimum requirements, but many programs offer different schedules, so you can find one that best fits your schedule.
These include hybrid programs, with portions taught over Zoom and the rest in person. Day, evening, and weekend classes to fit in with any schedule, as well as accelerated programs, are available.
When choosing a CMA program that works best for you, consider the following questions:
- Does the program offer full-time, part-time, or weekend classes? Will the schedule fit into your current commitments?
- Are there evening or online class options? If you need flexibility, can you attend courses outside of typical daytime hours or complete some coursework remotely?
- What is the overall length of the program? Does the program offer accelerated or extended schedules to meet your availability and learning pace?
- Are clinical hours flexible? Can you choose when and where to complete your hands-on training, or are there set times you must adhere to?
Advance Your Career by Becoming a Certified Medication Aide Today!
Caregiver Training Institute, a Division of Bryan University, offers a Medication Aide Training program with alternating schedules and portions of instruction offered over Zoom to fit any schedule.
CTI offers alternating schedules that meet or exceed OSBN requirements — you can see the latest schedule offerings here. After the program, students will be issued a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to apply for certification as a Medication Aide by competency examination with the OSBN. CTI is a Board of Nursing testing site.
Are you ready to start your career in healthcare as a CMA? Call us at 503-257-0117 or register online.