Medication Administration

Medication Administration for Certified Nurse Aide

In the Alvin College Medication Administration for Nurse Aide Program, those currently employed as certified nursing assistants can continue their education and develop a new skill. In this 160-hour state-approved program, you will learn the skills needed for the safe administration of routine medications to residents in long-term care, MHMR facilities, licensed personal care facilities and correctional institutions.

Program Description

The Medication Aide Program is a 9-week course delivered in a hybrid format. A computer with reliable internet access will be required. Lectures are delivered online, with mandatory Face-to Face lab 3.5 hours a week. The course concludes with 16 hours of clinicals at a long-term care facility. Upon completion of the program and successful state testing, you will earn your medication aide certificate, which allows you to perform certain skills with appropriate supervision, including:

• Observe and report reactions and side effects to medications
• Take and record vital signs prior to administering medications
• Administer regularly prescribed medication which you have been trained to administer
• Administer oxygen via nasal cannula or a non-sealing mask in an emergency

Admission Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
• Be able to effectively communicate orally and in-writing with English
• Have a basic understanding of computers and access to email
• Be physically able to stand for prolonged periods and maneuver in limited spaces
• Be able to push/pull/lift 50+ pounds
• Completed American Databank Screening including:
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pass a drug test
  • Be current in health care vaccinations
  • CEWD Physical form completed
  • Have a current American Heart Association CPR/BLS certification
  • Read and understand HB1508 requirements for the licensing path
• Have been employed in a facility for 90 days as a non-licensed direct care staff person – this employment must occur during the 12-month period preceding the first official class day.
• An employ-ability check using both the EMR and NAR will be conducted by the coordinator to verify that the student is not listed as unemployable and not listed as a revoked or suspended permit status in their CNA licensing.

Registration

• Click here to apply for the program
  • Select "Medication Aide Application" under Topic Code and press search.
  • The "Medication Aide Application" should populate, and then click on "Select" to the right
  • Select "Add Section" and then select "Next" on the top right corner
  • Complete the "Personal Details" portion to apply for the program
  • Click "Submit" on the bottom and complete the "Additional Details". Once completed with that select "Submit"
  • Click the "Register" option
  • The Admission and Advising Specialist will contact you with the next steps
• The American Databank Screening process must be complete before registering for classes
• Payment in full is due at the time of registration.
• Required forms and deadlines 
  • Form 5523, Form 5538, & Form 5534 are required for first in-person class day.