Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for CMAs

What is a Certified Medication Aide (CMA)?

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional trained to administer medications to residents of long-term care facilities under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN), nurse practitioner, or physician, in accordance with Massachusetts regulation 105 CMR 775.000.

Who is eligible to apply for the CMA program?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Hold a current, active CNA certification
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read and write in English at a competency level necessary to complete CMA duties.
  • Have good communication skills
  • Be employed at a Massachusetts long-term care facility

How long is the CMA training program?

The CMA training program is 60 total hours, completed over 8 weeks.

What is the training format?

The program uses a hybrid model, including:

  • 8 hours of synchronous (live, virtual) instruction
  • 24 hours of asynchronous online learning (self paced modules and skills practice)
  • 24 hours of supervised clinical training with an RN or LPN preceptor
  • 4 hours of practice questions and exam preparation

All components are required.

What can I expect from online learning?

Online learning modules are self-paced. This means you can read the pages and complete the required activities at your own pace. There is also a required quiz to pass after each module. You can only do one module a week, for a total of 8 weeks. 

To be successful, we recommend:

  • A quiet, dedicated space for online learning
  • Ensuring low distractions during learning time
  • Not competing job responsibilities during online learning time

Where does clinical training take place?

Clinical training takes place onsite at a long-term care facility under the supervision of an approved RN or LPN preceptor.

Is a preceptor required?

Yes. Each student must have an onsite nurse preceptor who has completed the required CMA Preceptor Course. Preceptors are verified as part of the readiness process before training is scheduled. Learn more about How to Become a Preceptor

Is there a pre-test?

Yes. Before entering the CMA training program, students take a pretest to assess their readiness to take the training. Review sample pretest here

The pre-test assesses:

  • Read and write in English at a competency level necessary to complete CMA duties.
  • Basic math skills needed for medication administration
  • Other CMA-related competencies

What happens after I pass the pre-test?

After passing the pre-test, students:

  1. Complete a Readiness Quiz to name their onsite nurse preceptor
    • Note: This response is verified by the CMA Program Director (may take up to 3 business days)
  2. Once approved, students will schedule their CMA training online through www.masscma.com

Is attendance required for all training hours?

Yes. All 60 hours are mandatory. Students must complete every required hour to be eligible for the state certification exam.

Does completing the training mean I am certified?

No. Completing the training:

  • Makes you eligible to take the state CMA Certification Exam
  • Does not automatically place you on the Certified Medication Aide Registry

Certification requires passing the state's knowledge and skills test.

Who administers the CMA certification exam?

The state certification exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&S DT). The exam includes both a knowledge test and a skills test.

How much time should I expect to spend each week in the training program?

Most students spend 7-10 hours per week, including:

  • Online learning (self-paced)
  • Live instruction session (mandatory via Zoom for 1 hour)
  • Skills practice onsite with their nurse preceptor

Time commitment may vary depending on individual student learning time.

Can I work while completing the CMA program?

Yes. Most students continue working while completing the program. However, because attendance and skill completion are required, you should plan ahead with your employer to ensure you have time for the weekly, 1-hour live session, the onsite clinical sessions, and enough time to read and work through the online modules.

What happens if I miss a class or training hour?

All 60 training hours are required.

If you miss required timed, you may need to:

  • Make up the hours, if allowed
  • Delay completion of the program

Missed time may affect your eligibility to take the certification exam.

What support is available if I am struggling?

Students may receive support through:

  • Instructor guidance during weekly live sessions
  • Feedback from nurse preceptors
  • Practice questions and exam preparation materials
  • Program staff support through the training site

You are expected to ask for help early if you need it.

Do I need computer skills to succeed in this program?

Basic computer skills are needed, such as:

  • Logging into a website and into Zoom instructional sessions
  • Watching videos
  • Completing online quizzes and interactive activities
  • Sending and receiving email and participating in online discussion forums

What computer equipment do I need to participate?

  • A strong internet connection
  • A modern, updated web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
  • A device such as a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet that will connect to the internet.
    • If using a smart device, you have the option of viewing the course through the device’s internet
      browser, or you can download the Moodle app and complete the course that way.
  • A camera and microphone on your device that will allow you to participate in Zoom sessions.

Will I be giving injections as a CMA?

CMAs only administer medications by allowed routes, as defined by MA DPH regulations and facility policies. Injections is not an allowable route.

Will I be responsible for narcotics?

CMAs may be trained to count non-narcotic, countable controlled medications, if required by facility policy. CMAs will NOT manage or administer narcotics per state regulations.

What happens if I make a medication error as a CMA?

The CMA program teaches:

  • How to recognize errors
  • How to report them promptly
  • How to follow facility and regulatory procedures

CMAs are always supervised by a licensed nurse, and safety is the priority.

Will this certification transfer to other states?

CMA certification requirements vary by state. Massachusetts CMA certification may not transfer to other states. You must check requirements in the state where you plan to work.

What if I don't pass the certification exam?

Testing policies, retake options, and waiting periods are determined by D&S DT. Additional fees may apply. Details are provided during the testing process.

Does CMA certification lead to career advancement?

Many employers view CMA certification as:

  • A specialized skill
  • Evidence of advanced responsibility
  • A pathway to expanded roles in long-term care