CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDE

  • CNA students learn to take blood pressure
  • CNA student learns to put on protective gear
  • CNA students learn to make a bed with patient in it
  • CNA student learns to make a bed with patient in it

The next step up – Certified Medication Aides are the next step up the career ladder from CNAs.

This course covers roles and responsibilities of a CMA, including how to prepare, administer, and record medications, major actions and side effects, common medical abbreviations, how drugs affect the different systems of the body, mathematics, weights and measures.

The program is a blend of classroom work, practical skills training and clinical experience.

This course  includes 25 hours of clinical practice, and meets all requirements to become a CMA in the state of Kansas.

Classes are available in the afternoons and evenings to work around students’ work schedules. 

Prerequisites: Nurse Aide Certification (CNA), 18 years of age before last day of class, Reading Placement Test, which is scheduled either by calling 785-309-3136 or online here. Clear copy of driver’s license. Clear copy of SS card.

Course Program Length Degree Earned Program Cost
Certified Medication Aide 6 – 8 weeks Certifcate of Completion $730
CMA Update 2 days Recertification, if successfully completed $159

CMA UPDATE

To remain eligible to work as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), the CMA must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years as specified in Kansas Health Occupations Credentialing Regulations.

The successful completion of the continuing education program will allow the CMA to be eligible to work an additional two years.

KDADS Regulations require that CMA’s update the certification every two years. If the certificate lapses, the CMA has a 1 year period (from the expiration date of the certificate) in which to take a continuing education course to renew the certificate.

After successfully completing the continuing education course to renew the certificate, documentation is sent to KDADS, which can take a minimum of 2 weeks to process.

YOU WILL LEARN

  • Understand the purpose and concepts of long term care.

  • Recognize patients’ rights and the legal implications of working in health care.

  • Demonstrate/perform hands on skills for meeting patient needs.

  • Demonstrate and practice infection control and blood borne pathogen precautions.

  • Have knowledge of the certification requirements for the State of Kansas.

  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret and understand medical terminology.

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

  • Possess knowledge of disease prevention and health promotion.

CAREERS

  • Hospitals

  • Physician offices

  • Long-term care

  • Nursing homes

  • Home health care

INFORMATION

FACULTY

Naomi Tatro MSN, RN

Naomi Tatro is a Registered Nurse who earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University.

Mrs. Tatro has experience with the aging population from working as a charge nurse and director of nursing in long-term care facilities. She has worked in forensic nursing and pediatric home health. As an educator, she began as a CNA instructor at Cloud County Community College before joining Salina Tech’s Allied Health Program in 2013. Mrs. Tatro later served as a full-time Practical Nursing instructor for Salina Tech before becoming the college’s Director of Nursing and Allied Health in 2023.

naomi.tatro@salinatech.edu
785-309-3105

CONTACT

Contact the CMA Enrollment Specialist or Health Occupations Specialist with any questions, or admission requirement information.

Emily Ingalls
785-309-3132
emily.ingalls@salinatech.edu

Bekki Ringle
785-309-3102
bekki.ringle@salinatech.edu