Advance Your Nursing Career as a Certified Medicine Aide

Prepare for a Critical Role in Patient Care
Chesapeake’s Certified Medicine Aide course follows Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) guidelines, equipping CNA/GNAs with the skills to administer non-parenteral medications in long-term healthcare facilities. The program includes theoretical and clinical training.

Take the next step in nursing with comprehensive training for Certified Medicine Aide roles.

$745
Course Fee
12
Class Sessions
CNA
Active MD CNA/GNA Required

This certification course meets on every other weekend over two months, for a total of 12 sessions. The re-certification course has one all-day Saturday session. Students must attend 100% of sessions, meet prerequisites, and complete a drug screening and background check.

This MBON-approved program prepares Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) to administer medications safely in long-term care settings. The curriculum includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical training, ensuring readiness to handle medication administration responsibilities and contribute to patient safety. Completing this program also meets the requirements for Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) roles in Maryland, and graduates will be eligible for recertification every two years.

This program is suited for active CNA/GNAs in Maryland who have more than a year of experience in one long-term care setting with DON verification, and who wish to advance their roles by managing medication administration under nurse supervision. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented and interested in expanding their responsibilities in patient care. The recertification course is available for those who have already completed the CMA training and need to renew their license, providing updates on best practices and new drug therapies.

Chesapeake College offers Medicine Aid Recertification courses designed to keep the practicing CMA informed and updated regarding new medications, non-parenteral drug administration, policies and practices, and medications needed by geriatric clients. Emphasis is on new drug therapies and the role of the medicine aide in providing safe and competent care.

To register, students must submit a copy of their current CNA/GNA certification and must verify current CNA practice of at least 16 hours within the last two years, must verify active practice as a CNA/GNA/CMA in a licensed nursing home for at least 8 hours within the last two years, and must verify active practice as a CMA for 100 hours within the last two years.

Request a Chesapeake College Verification Form to register.

Please note: The Maryland Board of Nursing requires that this update be completed no more than 90 days before the expiration of the CNA/GNA/CMA certification.

This program is generally offered in late August each year, with classes typically scheduled on evenings and weekends.

Recertification for Certified Medicine Aides is required every two years, and can also be completed at Chesapeake College.

How to Enroll

Request a Verification Form

In order to enroll in this program, students must first request a verification form from our office. This form requires the following documented prerequisites:

  • A current, active, unencumbered Maryland Board of Nursing CNA/GNA certificate
  • Current employment and two (2) years full time experience as a CNA in a Maryland ICF/MR setting OR
  • Current employment and one (1) year full time work experience as a GNA in a Maryland licensed nursing home
  • Current Director of Nursing recommendation
Request a Verification Form
Complete Placement Testing

Email Admissions to request a Placement Testing Slip for Accuplacer: Reading Comprehension and Arithmetic. Come to the Chesapeake College Testing Center to take the test. Minimum scores of 230 (reading comprehension) and 240 (arithmetic) are required to enroll in this program. To see if you qualify for an exemption, and find out more about the Accuplacer test, visit the webpage below.

Accuplacer Placement Testing
Complete Career-Planning Course

Complete the pre-requisite course CEI 165 – Career Planning for CNA/GNA in order to obtain clinical site clearance.

Register Online
Approval to Enroll

Once you’ve completed the above steps, email us your completed verification form for approval to enroll. We’ll send you the appropriate registration information to get started.

Email for Approval
Pay & Prep
Payment for this course is due at the time of registration. Explore Ways to Pay below for additional information. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $500. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class.
Maintain Your Certification

Recertification for Certified Medicine Aides is required every two years. Chesapeake’s 8-hour course complies with Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines and provides the necessary documentation for recertification. To enroll, request a verification form no more than 90 days before the expiration of your current certification.

Request a Verification Form to Register

equipped for the FUTURE

WAYS TO PAY

Convenient payment options for noncredit students.

At Chesapeake College, we offer several payment options to help you manage your tuition and fees in a way that best suits your financial situation. Whether you’re paying upfront, setting up a payment plan, or utilizing employer sponsorship, we’ve got you covered.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for an assortment of institutional scholarships, Workforce Investment Board funding, and Maryland Promise Scholarships, among others. Before registering for your course, make sure you have allowed ample time to apply for scholarships at the link below. 

A medicine aide certificate can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore certified medicine aide careers, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

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