What is Minnesota State Medication Aide Training?
Minnesota State provides the required training to work as a Medication Aide in a skilled nursing facility. Students will develop an understanding of drug administration with this comprehensive training program. Available in two formats, classroom and hybrid, the Minnesota State curriculum offers consistency and customized training options to meet any needs. A wide variety of exercises and activities let students apply their knowledge to healthcare settings. The class includes a new textbook specifically designed for the medication aide. The training and supplemental resources will also prepare participants for written and skills exams by building knowledge and developing skills competency. This course requires a minimum of forty-eight hours of instruction. This class is a hybrid class which includes both online and in-person course work. More details on the schedule are below.
What are the highlights of this training?
• Consistent curriculum and textbook throughout all Minnesota State ensures consistent training for all employees across Minnesota
• Textbook is geared specifically for the role of a medication aide and offered at an affordable price for students and facilities
• Flexible training options, including in-person and hybrid, to meet the scheduling needs of students and facilities
• Eligible costs of the training may be reimbursable to nursing facilities participating in the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Nursing Facility Employee Scholarship Program
What pre-requisites are there for students?
Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. To work as a Medication Aide in a skilled nursing facility, students must have completed a nursing assistant training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health before enrollment in a trained medication aide program. These employees are not required to take the nursing assistant exam, nor to have ever been on the nursing assistant registry. A person who challenges the Minnesota nursing assistant exam or transfers in from another state, for example, would not be eligible. It is the responsibility of the facility to document completion of an approved nursing assistant training program. Students will apply classroom learning in the laboratory setting promoting safe medication administration.
To successfully complete the course, students must:
• achieve a cumulative score of 75% or higher on chapter quizzes and final knowledge exam;
• demonstrate competency of skills by passing the final skills exam; and
• meet the online and in-person class attendance requirements with a minimum of 48 hours.
Minnesota law governs the qualifications required to work as a medication aide in a licensed nursing home. If you question your eligibility, please visit this website for more information.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4658.1360/.
It is recommended that a person works as a certified nursing assistant for six months before taking this course and be at least 18 years of age.
Course fee: $775 (includes online materials, skills kit, and required textbook). Participants will be responsible for purchasing their own drug reference guide.
Financial Assistance:
This course is approved under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) allowing qualifying participants to receive tuition reimbursement. To determine your eligibility status, please contact your local CareerForce center.
Please note that courses offered through Continuing Education and Customized Training are not Financial Aid eligible; however, as noted above, you may seek funding or assistance from an outside source such as a Government Program, Workforce Agency, Employment Center or Employer.
Tip: A drug reference will be useful for your entire career in healthcare. Check with your employer and/or college to see what they use daily.
