Baker College launches new Certified Medication Aide program

In an attempt to support Michigan’s growing demand for skilled healthcare industry professionals, Baker College has announced the creation of its new Certified Medication Aide Program. The program is set to launch this spring at the Owosso campus of Baker College. The program is a 100 hour course, which has been designed to train students to become Certified Nursing Aides, who will upon completion be able to safely administer certain medications in skilled nursing facilities and in nursing homes under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Baker College is one of only six schools in Michigan that have been approved to offer this program, which is in line with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Medication Assistant-Certified Model Curriculum. The program will include 60 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of instruction in a skills lab, and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, all of which will allow for a complete and hands-on learning experience.

In an article posted on Baker College’s website, Troy Napier, who serves as the Assistant Director of Strategic Partners and Training, was quoted about the new program, saying, “This program is a game changer for Michigan’s healthcare workforce. By equipping Certified Nurse Aides with the skills to assist in medication administration, we will provide much-needed support to licensed nurses to improve efficiency and enhance patient care.” 

Topics students will cover over the course of the curriculum with include: Individual Rights and the Role of a Certified Medication Aide, Safety, Legal and Ethical Issues in Medication Administration, Medication Basics and Forms of Medication, Prevention of Medication Errors and Reporting Symptoms, Storage and Disposal, Documentation, and Medication Orders.

Once students complete the course, they will be able to go on to take the Michigan Medication Aide Competency Test and earn their state certification. In order to enroll, students must have a valid Michigan Nurse Aide certification and have had at least 2,000 hours of employment as a CNA in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility within the past two years.

More information about the Certified Medication Aide Program at Baker College can be found at the program’s website, or by emailing CE@baker.edu

More information about Baker College and all of its programs can be found at the school’s website.