What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Medication Aide-CMA position at Lakeside Residence & Rehab?
A Medication Aide, or Medication Technician, administers medications to patients in various medical and care facilities. Typical duties you may wish to add in a job description include giving prescription and over-the-counter medications to patients or residents, documenting timing and dosage information for medication administration, and monitoring and reporting any changes in patients’ conditions.
Medication Aide duties and responsibilities
A Medication Aide ensures patients receive the correct medication dose at the right time. However, the job involves more than simply administering medication. Common duties and responsibilities listed in a Medication Aide job description include :
Preparing medications for patients
Administering various types of medication throughout the day
Recording every dose of medication administered
Observing patients to look for changes
Notifying nurses about changes or medical issues with patients
Following all safety protocols
What does a Medication Aide do?
Medication Aides typically work in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living and nursing homes. They may also work in hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities and other care centers.
Their main duty is to administer daily medications safely, which means ensuring the dosing and timing are correct. Medication Aides also document the doses in patients’ records and monitor them for side effects. Since Medication Aides are often Certified Nursing Assistants, they may handle some patient care tasks as needed.
Medication Aide skills and qualifications
A successful Medication Aide should have certain skills and qualifications before being hired. Some examples to list in your Med Aide job description include :
Copy this section
Written and verbal communication skills
Strong attention to detail
First aid and CPR certification
Knowledge of medical terminology and conditions
Ability to prepare medication doses accurately
Patient, calm demeanor
Strong problem-solving skills
Medication Aide experience requirements
It’s common for a Certified Medication Aide job description to ask for previous experience in a similar role. Experience as a CNA could be helpful, especially if their duties included administering or monitoring medication. You might also consider general experience working in a long-term care facility or one that’s similar to yours.
Medication Aide education and training requirements
A Medication Aide’s education and training requirements vary by state. Some Medication Aides might begin with a CNA certification, which requires an approved CNA training program that lasts at least four to 12 weeks. They must then pass an exam to become a CNA .
The career path also requires completing a Medication Aide training program, which can take a few weeks to a few months. Graduates must then pass a written exam to become certified. Check your state’s requirements to determine what type of education and training a candidate should have.
You may also require more education requirements in your Medication Aide job description. For example, even if your state doesn’t require candidates to become CNAs first, you might prefer candidates who have completed the CNA program.
