Monroe County Community College has launched a new Certified Medication Aide (MA-C) Training Program for certified nursing assistants through its Office of Workforce Development. The fall offering of the course begins Aug. 27
Certified medication aides administer regularly scheduled medication to residents of nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities while under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.
MCCC's program is a Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs approved and permitted medication aide training program.
The curriculum for certified medication aide training in Michigan follows the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Model Curriculum and includes at least 60 hours of classroom and skills lab training, as well as at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
Fall class dates and times for the program are Mondays and Thursdays, 4-8 p.m., from Aug. 27-Nov.5. Clinicals are Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., from Nov. 13-21.
The cost is $2,549.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a current registration to engage in practice as a certified nurse aide and have worked as a CNA in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility for at least 2,000 hours during the 2-year period immediately preceding the date that the applicant will apply to the state for medication aide certification
- Be able to read, speak, and write English
- Be competent in basic mathematics
- Have earned a high school diploma or successfully passed the general educational development (GED) test
- Be 18 years or older
- Have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Meet history and physical requirements, submit to annual tuberculosis testing and disclose of COVID booster and flu vaccine status
- Submit to a background check
Topics of MCCC's course include:
- Medication Orders, Documentation, Storage and Disposal
- Mathematics, Weights and Measures
- Forms of Medication
- Medication Basics
- Safety and Rights of Medication Administration
- Preparation and Actual Medication Administration
- Prevention of Medication Errors
- Causes and Reporting of Medication Errors
- Building Relationships
- Reporting of Symptoms or Side Effects
- Report Any Change from the Client’s Normal Condition
- Documentation of Medication Administration
- Role of the Delegating/Supervising Nurse
- Routes of Administration
- Factors Affecting How the Body Uses Medication
- Classes of Medications Related to Body Systems and Common Actions
- Location of Resources and References
- Role of MA-C
- The Responsibility of MA-C When Accepting Delegation Tasks
- Rights of Individuals
- Specific Legal and Ethical Issues
- Safety and Rights of Medication Administration
After completion of MCCC’s Certified Medication Aide Program, students must pass the certification test through Headmaster LLP, which includes a knowledge exam and skills test. Fees for this test and assistance in preparing for the test are included in the MCCC training.
To apply for the Certified Medication Aide Program, contact Sherry Bussell in the Office of Workforce Development at (734) 384-4229 or sbussell@monroeccc.edu.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich and transform lives by providing opportunities and excellence in higher education. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave.,Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.