How to Become a CMA

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

A CMA candidate must successfully complete the required training and competency testing developed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). The required training program is offered by the Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research (CDDER) at UMass Chan Medical School. After completing the required coursework, a CMA candidate is eligible to sit for the state certification exam. 

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent. 
  • Current, active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. 
  • At least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment. 
  • Read and write in English at a competency level necessary to complete CMA duties.
    • These skills are assessed through a pretest. Applicants are advised to take the pre-test to assess their suitability for further training. Details and sample questions are available in the Pretest Guide. 
  • Good communication skills.
  • Employed in a long-term care facility in Massachusetts. 

CMA Program Completion Requirements

To successfully complete the Certified Medication Aide (CMA) program, students must:

  1. Apply for the CMA program and pay the fee.
  2. Register for the 8-week training.
  3. Complete all 8-week course requirements including experience with the assigned onsite clinical preceptor (see program breakdown).
  4. Pass the final State Certification Exam (knowledge and skills test required).

8-Week Course Requirements

The CMA program consists of 60 mandatory training hours over 8 weeks:

  • 8 hours - Virtual synchronous (Live online instruction)
  • 24 hours - Asynchronous learning (independent online modules and skills)
  • 24 hours - Clinical training (supervised by an LPN or RN preceptor)
  • 4 hours - Practice questions and exam preparation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Download Informational Flyer

All 60 hours must be completed to successfully finish the course. This course has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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