Health/ Long-Term Care

Medication Aide CHLT-4000, CHLT-4005 (Hybrid) 

The purpose of this 60-hour course is to prepare individuals to safely administer non-parenteral medications in agencies/facilities licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA). With a strong emphasis on safe administration practices, students are provided with classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences to assist in achieving the course competencies. By the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to take the Medication Aide State Exam to earn a certification in the state of Iowa.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:)
Begins April 23rd, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 140479)
Begins June 25th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 143710)
Begins August 27th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 143861)
Begins October 29th, Cedar Rapids (Class ID 143862)

Click here to view a full list of upcoming offerings.

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
Medication Aide Certification

Careers:
Source: Career Coach 2018, Kirkwood Community College region.
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
Average hourly earnings: $20.10
Starting hourly earnings: $13.61
Projected job openings (2018 – 2023): 118

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
Prospective students must be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration. In order to take this course, individuals must be drug-free and work in an agency/facility licensed by the DIA.  Additionally, students must be employed for at least six months and provide a letter of recommendation from the administrator in the facility in which they are employed. Individuals employed in long term care facility (also known as a nursing home) will also need to be eligible on the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. The list of agencies/facilities licensed by the Iowa DIA include the following: Long Term Care (LTC), Assisted Living Programs (ALP), Residential Care Facilities (RCF), Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF-10), Psychiatric Medical Institutions for Children (PMIC), Psychiatric Medical Institutions (PMI).

Delivery Method:
Classroom, Hybrid

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
50 hours, 6.0 CEUs

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail course. Students must attend 100 percent of the classroom, lab, and clinic sessions and score 80 percent or greater on the state exam to pass and earn certification.

Course Objectives:
• Understand the scope of practice for a Medication Aide.
• Gain a basic understanding of pharmacology and medication safety.
• Know and practice the six rights of medication administration.
• Identify the different routes for medication administration as well as the effects of each route. Gain an understanding of body structure, functions, and classification methods for each body system.

Learning Outcomes:
Students completing this course will have the skills and knowledge to safely administer non-parenteral medications to patients in institutions licensed by the Iowa DIA, such as Long Term Care, Residential Care Facilities, and Assisted Living Programs.

Other Items to Know About this Course:
Students must purchase the following textbook: Hartman's Complete Guide for the Medication Aide. ISBN; 9781604251319. The clinic portion of the program must be facilitated by an RN working in the sponsoring facility.

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: 
NA