In Oklahoma, aides dispense meds to nursing center residents

Nurses rely on them for team-based health care. Oklahoma is among few states to have the position.

BY PAULA BURKES | Published: August 29, 2010 Comment on this article

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Career spotlight: Certified medication aide (CMA)

• Course prerequisites: 18 or older, at least six months' work experience as a certified nurse aide, and the ability to read, write and speak English.

• Training: Seven days of classroom study and three days of clinicals in a long-term care facility, a passing score on the state licensure test and eight hours of continuing education every year.

• Necessary traits: Well organized, aptitude for math and measurements, compassion, love for seniors.

• Salary: $10-$10.50 an hour to start, more with experience and advanced training/certification in insulin, inhalers and tube feeding.

• Demand: Strong, due to countless retiring baby boomers and longer life expectancies.

As a certified medication aide, or CMA, at The Legend at Jefferson's Garden assisted living facility, Efiom, 31, is responsible for dispensing medication to all 40 residents, each of whom take at least 10 prescriptions. She knows everyone's name and more.

"It's just like taking care of my granny back home," said Efiom, who moved from Nigeria to join her parents and siblings here 10 years ago.

With no education or work background, she trained to become first a certified nurse aide and then a certified medication aide.

She's worked as a CMA for the past seven years and has had no regrets, Efiom said.

"I find it very, very challenging to know the meds, what they're used for and their side effects," she said.

Connie Guinn, director of education services at the Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers, said the job is an important one.

"Depending on the medications, it can be life and death," she said.

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