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?
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Consistent curriculum and textbook throughout all Minnesota State ensures consistent training for all employees across Minnesota
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Textbook is geared specifically for the role of a medication aide and offered at an affordable price for students and facilities
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Flexible training options, including in-person and hybrid, to meet the scheduling needs of students and facilities
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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:
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achieve a cumulative score of 75% or higher on chapter quizzes and final knowledge exam;
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demonstrate competency of skills by passing the final skills exam; and
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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. 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.
ON-CAMPUS LOCATION:
Central Lakes College - Brainerd Campus
Workforce Solutions
- Room E208 (1st day of Orientation - 7/21/2025)
- Room W246 (Skills & Testing Dates)
501 W College Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
COVID-19 Notice - The safety of students and employees remains the college's top priority. The college will continue to follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. We will be prepared to adapt our plans if the situation changes.
Refund Policy- You must drop your course registration at least five business days prior to the start date to receive a full refund. You will receive a full refund if Central Lakes College cancels your course. If you fail to appear, you or your company will be responsible for full payment regardless.
Cancelation Policy- While we regret having to do so, it is sometimes necessary to cancel courses with insufficient enrollment. If your course is canceled, we will notify you and a refund will be processed. Please include your permanent cell and work numbers as well as an e-mail address at the time of registration.
REQUIRED ON-CAMPUS ORIENTATION:
Monday July 21st, 2025 - 3:00 - 5:00 PM - Room E208
Students should bring the laptop, tablet, or other device they plan on using for the online portion of the course to ensure it meets minimum requirements.
ONLINE COURSE SCHEDULE:
Students should expect to complete a minimum of 10 hours online as indicated in the schedule each week. This includes online self-paced work and the required 2-hour Zoom session per week. Zoom sessions are offered weekly on Sunday mornings or Monday evenings.
Required Zoom sessions are scheduled for:
Week 1: Sunday, July 28; 10 am - 12 pm OR Monday, July 28; 6 - 8 pm
Week 2: Sunday, August 3; 10 am - 12 pm OR Monday, August 4; 6 - 8 pm
Week 3: Sunday, August 10; 10 am - 12 pm OR Monday, August 11; 6 - 8 pm
Week 4: Sunday, August 17; 10 am - 12 pm OR Monday, August 18; 6 - 8 pm
ON-CAMPUS SKILLS SCHEDULE (Must attend BOTH Days)
Room W246
Friday August 22, 2025 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and Monday August 25, 2025 (9:00AM to 1:00PM)
FINAL ON-CAMPUS EXAM:
Room W245 & W246
Friday August 29th, 2025 (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Knowledge at 9:00AM in room W245 with individual skills tests following in room W246
*Bring your computer, drug guide, and drug cards on testing date
