Garden City Community College

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) studies the basic science, regulations, side effects, and administering of medications in order to support patients with medication needs. If you would like to work in a role where your support and care is crucial to the patient that you serve, you might want to study to become a CMA. 

In the GCCC CMA program, you will work to identify basic pharmacologic terms, abbreviations, and symbols related to medication. The coursework also teaches you to examine federal laws and regulations as they relate to use of medications in a medical facility. You will learn to apply the components of the aide process to the administration of medications related to body systems and client diagnosis,demonstrate proficiency of common medication names and side effects, and identify the aid standards for administering medications to older adults and pediatrics.  

Certified Allied Health medical staff are involved in a supportive role with the delivery of health related services under the supervision of physicians and nurses. As health care professionals, certified aides work in the promotion of optimum function and health in the improvement of health related quality of life. As an important component of the health care team, certified aides practice direct contact with patients and clients in nearly all departments and specialties for clinics, hospitals, personal residences, assisted living, or long-term care. The course consists of a minimum of 90 clock hours and includes both class work and clinical experience to prepare students to provide patient care in an adult care home.

Class Sizes

Each semester, there are 8 to 10 students in each CMA course, giving you valuable one-on-one time with the instructor as well as an opportunity to develop relationships with classmates for additional support and learning. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are available for students in CMA classes at GCCC, visit the Financial Aid page for more information about which scholarships you are eligible for. 

 Advisement

Your advisement in the accounting and business management programs are provided directly by the accounting faculty with whom you will take classes.  The faculty also hold office hours in the Academic Building on campus and are available via phone and email.  

Career Outlook

• CMAs typically work in nursing homes/assisted living facilities and/or long-term care facilities.