MA-C (Certified Medication Aide) Program Details

Alia Healthcare is proud to be the first training program in Columbus, Ohio to be approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to offer the Certified Medication Aide course (MA-C). This program prepares students to safely administer medications in long-term care facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

For detailed info, please link to:  View the Ohio Certified Medication Aide Program PDF

The MA-C program builds upon your CNA (formerly STNA) certification and provides additional training in medication administration, including:

  1. Medication safety and administration techniques
  2. Understanding medication orders and documentation
  3. Recognizing and reporting medication errors
  4. Proper storage and handling of medications

This program meets all requirements set forth by the Ohio Board of Nursing for Certified Medication Aide training. Upon successful completion, graduates receive the Medication Aide Certificate. Graduates of the Medication Aide Training Program are required to pass an examination offered at the school that is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Program Length and Schedule

The Medication Aide Training Program has a duration of 81 clock hours: 50 theory hours, 15 lab hours, and 16 clinical hours. The program is offered part-time over 6 weeks, with students attending three classes a week. The 16 clinical hours are completed at the assigned site.

To graduate from the Medication Aide Program, all students must complete the required examinations, hours and services, with a minimum passing score of no less than 80% and passing marks on the clinical component. Students must also fulfill all financial obligations as stated in the Enrollment Agreement.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Certified Medication Aide program, the applicant must:

  1. Complete an Alia application.
  2. Be at least eighteen years of age.
  3. Have a high school diploma or a high school equivalence diploma.
  4. If the applicant is to function as a certified medication aide in a nursing home, be a nurse aide who satisfies the requirements of section 3721.32 of the Revised Code.
  5. If the applicant is to function as a certified medication aide in a residential care facility, be either a nurse aide who satisfies the requirements of section 3721.32 of the Revised Code, or have at least one year of direct care experience in a residential care facility.
  6. Complete an interview with one of the admissions advisors.
Accepted students will receive an orientation, receive the school catalog, and sign the enrollment agreement.

Tuition and Fees

The total program cost is $1,200.00, made up of a $100.00 seat fee, $850.00 tuition, $175.00 for books and equipment, $0.00 for supplies, and $75.00 in other fees (a $75.00 background fee).

The Medication Aide entry exam is $50.00 to assess aptitude. State testing is $110.00 per attempt and covers the skills and knowledge portions of the state exam through Alia. Uniforms (a navy blue scrub top and bottoms with white closed-toe, closed-heel tennis shoes) are procured by the student at their own expense, as are certain incidental supplies required for lab.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Certified Medication Aide program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Safely administer medications according to physician orders and facility policies.
  2. Accurately document medication administration and report any concerns or errors.
  3. Recognize and respond appropriately to medication side effects and adverse reactions.
  4. Maintain proper medication storage and security protocols.
  5. Work effectively under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.
  6. Understand the legal scope of practice for Certified Medication Aides in Ohio.
  7. Apply critical thinking skills when administering medications to ensure resident safety.
  8. Successfully complete the written and clinical examinations approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.