As you may already know, terminology surrounding healthcare certifications and licenses may differ greatly from state to state.
In this article, we’ll discuss the requirements and typical training process for becoming a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), which may also be called a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), medication technician, or med aide, depending on your location.
What is a QMA?
Qualified Medication Aides, or QMAs for short, are often Certified Nursing Aides (CNAs) that have taken additional courses or attended another training program to learn how to administer medications to patients.
What do QMAs do?
In addition to typical patient care responsibilities like maintaining hygiene and providing comfort, QMAs are licensed to assist doctors and nurses in ensuring patients receive their medications at the correct time, in the appropriate dosage, and in the correct manner.
How long does it take to become a QMA?
Many states require QMAs to have first obtained their CNA certification and completed a certain number of hours working in a medical setting.
In Wend Care's home state of Indiana, applicants to QMA programs must have obtained their CNA certification, have at least 1,000 hours of experience working as a CNA during the last two years, and currently be in good standing on the Indiana CNA Registry.
Similar to other states, Indiana requires potential QMAs to then complete a state-approved training program that is at least 100 hours in length.
Although the duration of the training program will depend on how the classroom and clinical hours are spread out, you can expect a QMA course to take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to complete.
So if you want to become a QMA but currently have no prior healthcare experience, it could take approximately two years to complete a CNA training program, work 1,000 hours in a hands-on setting, then complete a QMA program.
However, if you are already working as a CNA, you could become a QMA in as little as 6 weeks!
However, if you are already working as a CNA, you could become a QMA in as little as 6 weeks!
Similar to the requirements for becoming a CNA, you may need to pass a written or practical competency test at the end of your QMA training program before you can be considered a fully-licensed medication aide and be added to your state’s registry. These requirements, including the type of test, if one is given, also differ from state to state.
As always, be sure to visit your state's health department website to see what your state requires.
As always, be sure to visit your state's health department website to see what your state requires.
Becoming a QMA is a great way to advance your career in the healthcare field. Good luck, and reach out to our counselors or submit an article suggestion if you have more questions!
