Medication Aide Training and Refresher Course

The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) course is a 140-hour program that adheres to the regulations and curriculum established by the Texas Health and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) (Texas Administrative Code Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 95, Rule 95.101 introduction). Students will learn how to use these skills and procedures via classroom and clinical hands-on training. The students will learn the following concepts and skill sets;

• Procedures for preparation and administration of medications
• Responsibility, control, accountability, storage and safeguarding of medications
• Use of drug reference material
• Documentation of medications in residents clinical records
• Minimum licensing standards for facilities covering pharmaceutical service, nursing service, and clinical records
• Federal and state certification standards for participation under Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act pertaining to pharmaceutical service, nursing service, and clinical records
• Lines of authority in the healthcare facility
• Responsibilities and liabilities associated with the administration and safeguarding of medication
• Allowable and prohibited practices of permit holders in the administration of medication
• Drug reactions and side effects of medications commonly administered to facility residents

Rules Governing the Medication Aide Training Program

The course prepares the student to take the state-administered examination. Students are considered licensed medication aides upon passing the state exam (under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Sub Chapter N). The Medication Aide graduates will be qualified for entry-level employment as direct care staff in long-term or personal care facilities, correctional settings, state schools and state hospitals.

Admission Requirements: The following are requirements for admission into the Medication Aide Program.:

• Be at least 18 years of age,
• Suitable physical and emotional health,
• You must be free of communicable diseases and suitable physical/emotional health to safely administer medications.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED. (If you received your high school diploma or GED in foreign country, then you must also have your diploma/transcripts evaluated to determine if the education you received in a foreign country is at least equivalent to what you would receive in the US. We recommend Foreign Credentials Service of America @ (https://foreigncredentials.org/ ) with address at 1910 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757, but you are free to use an evaluation service of your choice.)
• Must be employed as a certified nurse aide in a state-approved long-term care or assisted living facility on the first official day of class OR,
• Must have at least 90 days working experience as a non-licensed direct care staff in a state-approved assisted living facility.
• Vaccination Requirement: TB skin test and Hepatitis B shot

Login or set up your account with the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP):
https://txhhs.my.site.com/TULIP/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2FTULIP%2Fs%2F

Link to Documents (Texas Medication Aide Forms)