Medication Assistant Technical Diploma

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following area:

• Certified Medication Assistant: maintain employment as a Certified Medication Assistant in a nursing home.

Requirements for Program Entry

• Be a current employee in a nursing home.
• Requirements for program entry must be completed prior to the start of the program.
• At least 18 years of age.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• Be on the State of Wisconsin Nurse Aide Directory, with current Federal eligibility.
• Have at least 2000 hours experience in direct patient care within the last three years.
• Have worked a minimum of 40 hours, within the last 90 days, with the residents to whom the student will be administering medications.
• Submit a completed employer recommendation form. Available upon request.

Program Outcomes

• Define the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the role of medication assistant.
• Identify factors that influence the effects of medications on the individuals.
• Utilize guidelines common to administration of all medications.
• Utilize knowledge of systems of measurement when administering medications.
• Administer medications safely and efficiently by selected routes.
• Identify effects of common medications on each body system.
• Describe the effects of normal aging on pharmacokinetics.

Note

• A preceptor is an RN at the nursing home where the student is employed. The preceptor acts as a mentor for the Medication Assistant student.
• The vital role of the preceptor is to assist the learner in meeting the program outcomes. NWTC asks that the agency agree to the following requirements:
• While supervising students (maximum of 2 students) during the med pass, the preceptor will be dedicated to the med pass.
• Students will be assigned to the same wing/residents for the entire 40-hour clinical rotation.
• Med pass block of time is utilized for med pass skill development and medication education.
• If your agency is unable to support these requirements, it is suggested you do not enroll students in this program.