Research by Zippia shows there are over 275,582 medication aide job openings, and they’re expected to increase by 9% in the next five years. This presents an opportunity for clinical nursing assistants to advance their careers and earn better salaries. Medication aide classes online provide the knowledge and skills to become a certified medication aide and work in assisted living centers, nursing homes, or other care facilities. Our nursing class-take experts outline the medication aide class requirements, curriculum, length, and cost in this guide. We also do medication aide classes for students, including taking notes and participating in virtual lectures.
Medication Aide Classes Online Requirements
Before enrolling in medication aide classes online, students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. They must show they fulfilled the course requirements at the end of the course to pass the class and obtain a certificate. The following are the prerequisites for medication aide classes online. They may vary depending on the state:
- 18 years and above
- GED or high school diploma
- Complete English reading and writing test
- Be a certified clinical nursing assistant (some states require specific on-the-job hours completed)
Some online medication aide classes also require students to have these system requirements:
- Windows OS
- Google Chrome 5 and above, Safari 3 and above, Firefox and above, and Internet Explorer 9 and above
- A browser that allows pop-ups
Medication Aide Online Classes Curriculum
The sections covered in the medication aide classes online include virtual classroom lessons and laboratory practice. Students must complete both to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to administer patient medications. The following are the topics explained during the class:
Medication Basics
This lesson details the terms used to describe medications, such as generic and brand names and their abbreviations. It covers the appropriate dosage ranges and the actions, implications, and effects (adverse and therapeutic) of drug administration in the body. Class-takers also learn to anticipate adverse and allergic reactions caused by body contradictions, paradoxical effects, intolerance, and antagonistic effects. Finally, they discover the interaction of medications with other substances, such as juice and other medications.
Role of Medication Aide in Healthcare
This module specifies the tasks a medication aide can and can’t perform in a healthcare setting. For example, it explains how a medication aide cannot administer medication without the direct supervision of an experienced nurse. The lesson also covers instances where medication aides should report errors to their supervisor. Such situations may include when a patient exhibits life-threatening signs and symptoms or has undesirable effects or reactions to medications. Additionally, students learn to accept or reject delegations if unprepared to administer medication.
Medication Classification and Administration Routes
Medication aide classes online outline various medication categories, such as antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and antacids. They explore the body systems these medications impact, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems.
Learners also get insights into how drugs enter the human body. They learn the oral, topical, nasal, sublingual, buccal, inhaler, nebulizer, ear, eye, dressings, and soak routes of medication administration.
Medication Administration, Safety, and Rights
In this lesson, students discover the essential steps to take before and during medication administration. They learn to wash their hands, review medications, confirm client details, introduce themselves, position the patient, and explain the procedure. The module also covers the six medication administration rights. These include:
- Right client
- Right medication
- Right dosage
- Right channel of administration
- Right time
- Right documentation
Medication Order and Documentation
Medication aide classes online explain the correct documentation of medication. If an order is on the patient’s records, students learn to document the time, initials, and reasons for not administering the specified medicine.
In complete orders, they know the documentation elements to look for, such as the signature, drug name, route, dosage, time, and frequency. They also learn to question incomplete, telephone, or verbal medication order documentation.
Medication Storage and Disposal
This lesson equips learners with the knowledge to ensure medications are safely stored or disposed of. It explains how to document medication in a medication administration record (MAR) and controlled substance medication log.
Furthermore, students learn where to store documented medications, including the storage area, medication cart, room, and tray. Correct disposal of outdated, unused, and contaminated drugs is also part of this lesson.
Individual Rights, Legal, and Ethical Issues
This unit discusses patient rights such as confidentiality, privacy, autonomy, and the right to refuse medication. It also describes the abuse types to report to the supervisor, such as physical, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse. Course takers also learn the consequences of medical negligence, fraud, diversion, and theft.
Length, Cost, and Scoring
The length and cost of medication aide classes online vary depending on the institution. Timelines can range from 40 to 75 hours for theory and clinical lab sessions. Similarly, the cost may range from $300 to $1000. Also, students must attain a score of at least 80% to pass the class.
Get Help with Medication Aide Classes Online
Medication aide classes online can be demanding for students with busy schedules. The course covers extensive nursing materials and provides limited time for preparation. Our nursing exam experts can take the classes for students and write well-organized notes to revise before the exam.
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