About the Medication Aide Course

The Medication Aide/Assistant training program prepares students to administer routine medications to patients under the direction of a licensed nurse in nursing facilities, assisted living environments, correctional institutions and more.

Though not required, Medication Aides/Assistants are typically Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) or Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMA). Please be sure to research your employers of choice to determine if they require their Medication Aides to be CNAs or CCMAs.

Following the successful completion of training, candidates are eligible to apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing to start the process to become certified. Once listed on the registry, student may sit for the Medication Aide Certification Exam (MACE) administered at a local Pearson Vue location. Cost for the exam not included in the tuition fee.

Requirements

Documentation of recent of 2 TB skin tests within a 2 ½ week period or Chest X-ray, or T-Spot results.
Student must provide scrubs for the clinical.
Approved drug screen and background check
- Process will be sent with class paperwork. Background check and drug screen process must be started no later than October 2, 2025.
If applicable, documentation of Certified Nursing Assistant license – may be any state – expired or current
- Note – Employers may require a current Alabama C.N.A. license for employment.

Course Information

NOTE: Must be at least 18 years of age to enroll in the Program. Maximum number of students in class is 12.

Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: October 6, 2025 – November 14, 2025
Days: 60 hours classroom students (on campus) and 40 hours of clinicals (off-site)
Times: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday through Friday – first 3 weeks – Huntsville
9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday through Friday – last 2 weeks (Clinicals)
Location: Calhoun Community College, Huntsville-Research Park Site, Sparkman Building
Fee: $1199 (includes textbook)
Eligible for WIOA Funding – click on Funding Options link for information

Additional Costs not included in the fee

Current 2 TB skin tests done 2 ½ weeks apart or Chest X-ray results- $50.00 (estimate)
Application fee for Alabama Board of Nursing $53.50.
– due after successfully completing
Background check and drug screen- $ 83.00 minimum
MACE (Certification Exam)- $120.00
– due the day of exam
Scrubs for Clinical Rotation- $Varies

Course Funding Options

Paths for Success Scholarship

Students may qualify for and apply for the Paths for Success scholarship if they need financial assistance to cover costs like tuition, transportation, or childcare while pursuing a credential or certification that leads to employment.

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The ELM Foundation Scholarship

A student can apply for a workforce scholarship from the ELM Foundation in Huntsville, AL if they need financial support to pursue career training or certification programs that lead to sustainable employment and long-term self-sufficiency.

Inquiry Form

Interested in a personal student loan from Sallie Mae®? Students must be certified/authorized for Sallie Mae® loans at least 30 days prior to the class start date.

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Refund Policy (Instructor-Led Courses Only)

All refund requests must be received in writing by 5:00 pm on September 15, 2025. Email diane.peck@calhoun.edu with your request and then call 256-306-2515 to confirm receipt of the request.  All refund requests must be received in writing by 5:00 pm on September 15, 2025.