What Does a CMA Do?
A certified medication aide (CMA) — also called a med tech or a med aide — fulfills a vital role in the healthcare system. What does a CMA do? Their main duty is helping patients and other members of the healthcare team by administering medications that don’t require an injection.
What Is a CMA and What Does a CMA Do in the Medical Field?
CMAs are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who have completed extra training to safely give various medications to patients. These medical professionals work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Dispensing medication to patients may be done at a doctor’s or nurse’s request, or meds may be given on a set schedule.
What Does a CMA Do: Typical Duties
Your duties can be different, depending on where you work. Medication aides work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, retirement centers, and nursing homes. In general, medication aides:
- Prepare, dispense, and monitor the effects of medications under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- Check the identity of the patient receiving the medication.
- Verify the medication is the correct drug and dose, and that it’s given at the correct time.
- Maintain patient records related to medication administration.
The tasks above are examples. To better understand the full scope of practice for medication aides in your state, check with your state board of nursing.
Top CMA Skills to Develop
In addition to getting the proper clinical training, CMAs must develop many skills to be successful in their careers, such as:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- The ability to multitask
- The ability to follow biohazard and other safety guidelines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
How to Get CMA Certification
What does a CMA do before becoming certified? The answer is that you first must become a CNA by completing a certified nursing assistant program. Depending on what state you’re in, you may need to gain some experience working as a CNA before you can complete a CMA program from a community college or vocational school. You’ll also receive on-the-job training to round out your education.
CMAs must also hold a special license or certification to work. This may involve paying additional fees, completing continuing education requirements, or accomplishing tasks that prove professional competency. This role has different titles and requirements from state to state. Find more information about how to get certified as a CMA in your state.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a CMA?
There are many pros to working in this job. These are just a few.
Diversity in Job Tasks
Maybe you’re wondering, What does a CMA do in a nursing home or in another skilled nursing facility? Well, the fact is each day is different. Depending on patient assignments, you might administer different types of drugs. Also, you interact with many different patients throughout the day and are a source of comfort and caregiving.
Flexibility
You can typically work flexible hours depending on your place of employment. You may be able to choose your own schedule or pick up extra shifts to earn a little more cash.
Helping Other People
Certified medication aides are an essential part of the healthcare team. The work a medication aide does is an essential part of each patient’s treatment plan. Also, you really help other healthcare providers by taking over an important responsibility in patient care.
Positive Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for nursing assistants (the main category that a CMA falls under) is consistent. That’s good news for job seekers.
What Is a CMA Salary Expectations?
The average salary for nursing assistants is $39,610 per year. The amount you earn is influenced by facility type, which region of the country you live in, and your years of job experience. The highest-paying states for nursing assistants are:
To find out what you might earn as a certified medication aide in your area, check out the latest certified medication aide jobs on IntelyCare right now.
What Does a CMA Do for Career Advancement? Find Out
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to help patients get the medications they need. See how IntelyCare can help you find the jobs that are the best matches for your skills. Simply tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll delivery opportunities right to your inbox.