Certified Medication Assistant - Technical Diploma
This program will prepare students to administer medications to residents in a nursing home. The Medication Assistant program consists of classroom and laboratory instruction and supervised practice in a nursing home. After completing this program, students will meet state requirements for the Medication Assistant Registry. Employers or individuals interested in this certificate must email carolyn.debaker@nwtc.edu or call (920) 498-6985.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.Contact an NWTC support representative to find ways to pay for this program.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Getting Started:
- To take this class you must be a current employee in a nursing home, be on the State of WI Nurse Aide Directory and have at least 2000 hours experience in direct patient care within the last three years. Employers or individuals interested in this certificate must email carolyn.debaker@nwtc.edu.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
This competency-based program is for certified nursing assistants who will, upon completion, be involved with administration/distribution of medications to residents in a skilled care nursing facility. Employer approval, proof of work experience and a pre-enrollment assessment are required for participation in this course. The Certified Medication Assistant Technical Diploma is a 75 hour program which includes 30 hours of theory/lab, held at NWTC Campus, and 45 hours of clinical, held at Nursing Home where student is employed. Upon graduation, a student will have completed two credits.
- Curriculum Note: Course must be passed with a C.
Program Outcomes
- Define the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the role of medication assistant.
- Identify factors that influence the effects of medications on the individuals.
- Utilize guidelines common to administration of all medications.
- Utilize knowledge of systems of measurement when administering medications.
- Administer medications safely and efficiently by selected routes.
- Identify effects of common medications on each body system.
- Describe the effects of normal aging on pharmacokinetics.
What careers are in my future?
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following area:
- Certified Medication Assistant: maintain employment as a Certified Medication Assistant in a nursing home.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- A preceptor is an RN at the nursing home where the student is employed. The preceptor acts as a mentor for the Medication Assistant student.
- The vital role of the preceptor is to assist the learner in meeting the program outcomes. NWTC asks that the agency agree to the following requirements:
- While supervising students (maximum of 2 students) during the med pass, the preceptor will be dedicated to the med pass.
- Students will be assigned to the same wing/residents for the entire 45-hour clinical rotation.
- Med pass block of time is utilized for med pass skill development and medication education.
- If your agency is unable to support these requirements, it is suggested you do not enroll students in this program.
- Online
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Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.