Credential in Certified Medication Aide at SMC

Medication Aide

Medication Aide Program

Build on your CNA experience, expand your skills, and boost your earning potential with a specialty credential as a certified medication aide.

  • About the Medication Aide Program

    A medication aid works in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care environment, providing medications to patients safely and on time. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses and physicians to administer necessary medications. Beyond dispensing the medications, they also monitor patients for reactions or side effects, document each dosage, and provide other caregiving tasks as needed for the care and comfort of the patients in their care.

    This 100-hour course, which features both online lectures and in-person clinical instruction, prepares students to work as a certified medication aide. Students entering the program must possess a current Michigan CNA license and have worked for two years (approximately 2,000 hours) in a care facility.

    Clinical hours vary based on clinical site availability. Special permission needed by the Dean to register for this course.

    Upon completion of the program, students will be able to complete basic medication administration for long-term care patients and take the certification  exam.

  • What You’ll Learn

    View the full curriculum guide for the Medication Aide program.

  • What Can I Do With a Medication Aide Credential?

    This credential expands a student's CNA experience and skills, providing additional opportunities and boosting earning potential. CNAs are often employed in nursing homes and home health care agencies. However, each organization will have a different schedule for hourly wages based on experience and location. 

    Careers and Salaries
    Career Option Salary
    Certified Nursing Assistant: $38,130

    2023 median pay. Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nursing and Health Services Building

Facilities

The Nursing and Health Education Building reopened in 2019 following a $9.6 million renovation. It is equipped with state-of-the-art skill and simulation labs to train students for real-world scenarios.

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