Program Information
The Medication Assistant Certification training program at Trenholm State Community College is designed to prepare the student to safely dispense and manage medication(s) to residents of nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care & assisted living facilities; obtain the knowledge and skills to avoid problems; as well as correctly & accurately document the medication pass to avoid errors.
Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Medication Assistant Certification Exam (MACE).
Occupational Choices
Employment of medication assistants is projected to grow from 2022 to 2032.
As the baby-boom population ages, medication assistants will be needed to help care for an increasing number of older patients in nursing and residential care facilities. Older people are more likely than younger people to have disorders such as dementia, or to live with chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Medication assistants will be needed to care for patients and dispense medications according to doctor’s orders.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Modified September 6, 2023.
Average Full-Time Wage
According to January 2022-January 2024 reports, nationally, medication assistants earned a mean annual wage of $36, 962 per year.
Source: Lightcast Quarterly Workforce Indicators, January 2024.
Additional Requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years old.
- Applicants not currently employed by a healthcare agency will be required to complete a background check and drug screen which will be an additional expense.
Duration
5-6 hours per day
4 days per week
5-week course
(60 classroom hours; 40 clinical hours)
Financial Assistance
Funding may be available for those who qualify through the Alabama Career Center. Must be CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certified.
For information regarding eligibility and application for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), please contact an Alabama Career Center.
Montgomery Career Center
334-286-1746
Location
Training will be held at the Trenholm Campus located at 1225 Air Base Blvd., Montgomery. Clinicals will be held at a location to be determined.
Awards Available
Certificate
Medication Assistant
Program Contact
334-420-4400
workforcedev@trenholmstate.edu
Classes Required
(This program is non-credit and is not Pell Grant eligible)
- Medication Fundamentals
- Safety In Medication Administration
- Communication & Documentation
- Medication Administration
- Ethical and Legal Considerations
Medication Assistant Program Unit Descriptions
Medication Fundamentals
This unit will provide a basic understanding of the requirements and scope of the practice of professional nursing assistants and home health care providers for delegation and medication administration.
Safety In Medication Administration
This unit will provide students with the knowledge of safely administering medications, as well as how to demonstrate effective infection control techniques.
Communication & Documentation
This unit will provide students with the knowledge of effective communication skills.
Medication Administration
This unit will provide instruction on how to describe the relationship of medications on various body systems, as well as explain the structure and function of the body.
Ethical and Legal Considerations In Medication Administration
This unit will introduce the student to comprehending the requirements and scope of practice concerning the medication assistant.
All Medication Assistant Information
can be found on the Trenholm State website at:
https://www.trenholmstate.edu/workforce-development/medication-assistant/
Estimated Program Length & Cost
| Award | Length | Tuition/Fees | Books |
| Certificate | 5 Weeks | $1,000 | |