Medication Aide Program: Houston, TX
Master the Skills You Need to Excel as a Medication Aide
Program Overview for Medication Aide Training
The Medication Aide program at Smithwood Medical Institute in Houston, Texas is a comprehensive 140-hour course designed to teach essential skills for administering medications to patients in long-term care and home settings. The curriculum combines lecture, lab, and clinical practice and is approved by the Texas Department of Health & Human Services.
Graduates will:
- Communicate medication actions and side effects.
- Identify patients correctly before administration.
- Monitor for adverse reactions.
- Use proper infection control and body mechanics.
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of facility licensed environments, including nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, state supported living centers, and personal care settings. Medication aides are responsible for administering medications to facility residents, including residents with intellectual disabilities or related conditions, in accordance with the requirements set by Texas Health and Human Services and the health and safety code. This training equips students for employment in the growing healthcare industry, where there is an increasing demand for qualified workers.
Program Length
- Minimum: 60 days
- Maximum: 180 days
Course Performance Objectives
The following objectives are designed to prepare students for safe and effective medication administration:
Students will:
- Understand procedures for preparation and administration of medications
- Learn responsibility and accountability of medications
- Use reference materials effectively
- Document medication administration accurately
- Understand facility lines of authority
- Comprehend legal implications of medication administration
- Identify drug side effects and prohibited practices
Course Curriculum (Clock Hours); Medication Aide Classes
Our medication aide program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience to provide a well-rounded education. This structure ensures students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in Allied Health.
| Subject # | Title | Lec | Lab | Clinical | Total |
| MA 1 | Introduction, orientation and basic concepts | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 2 | Administration of medications | 08 | 10 | 00 | 18 |
| MA 3 | Drugs affecting the cardiovascular system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 4 | Drugs affecting the urinary system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 5 | Drugs affecting the respiratory system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 6 | Drugs affecting the digestive system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 7 | Drugs affecting the central nervous system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 8 | Drugs affecting the musculoskeletal system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 9 | Drugs affecting the endocrine system | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 10 | Antibiotics and anti-infective agents | 08 | 00 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 11 | Drugs affecting the eye | 06 | 03 | 00 | 09 |
| MA 12 | Drugs affecting the ear | 06 | 02 | 00 | 08 |
| MA 13 | Drugs affecting the skin | 04 | 05 | 00 | 09 |
| MA 14 | Alzheimer’s patients & related disorders | 06 | 00 | 00 | 06 |
| MA 15 | Immuno-compromised patients | 04 | 00 | 00 | 04 |
| MA 16 | Pediatric patients | 04 | 00 | 00 | 04 |
| MA 17 | Clinical Practice | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 110 | 20 | 10 | 140 |
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the Medication Aide program, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent evaluation)
- Be employed in a facility as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or non-licensed direct care staff on the first day of class
- Have at least 90 days of employment in a facility as unlicensed direct care staff (unless exempt as a CNA in Medicare/Medicaid facilities)
- NOT be listed on the nurse aide registry, medication aide registry, or employee misconduct registry
- NOT have a conviction under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 250
Course Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 18
- Ability to perform basic calculations
- Present original or unaltered proof of high school graduation or GED
Clinical Practice Details
- 10 hours of supervised medication administration under a licensed nurse
- Clinicals occur at the student’s place of employment with written permission
Graduation Requirements
To receive a Certificate of Completion, students must:
- Complete all coursework with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Score at least 70% on the final written exam
- Fulfill all financial obligations to Smithwood Medical Institute
- Complete the program within 60–180 days
Instructional Details
- Textbook: Deter, Lena. Basic Medication Administration Skills, Thompson Delmar Learning, 2006
- Instructional Methods: Lecture, PowerPoint, Handouts, Charts, Demonstrations, Role Play
- Max Student/Instructor Ratio: 10:1
- Class Schedule: Monday–Friday
Grading Scale
- P = Pass
- F = Fail
- W = Withdrawn by student
- D = Dropped by instructor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s a 140-hour program in Houston, TX that trains CNAs and qualified staff in the safe administration of medications in long-term care and home settings.
Students must be 18+, have a high school diploma or GED, be employed in a qualifying facility, and pass criminal and registry background checks.
The program is a minimum of 60 days and no more than 180 days. Classes are held Monday through Friday.
Yes, students must complete 10 hours of supervised clinicals at their place of employment under a licensed nurse.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to obtain the Texas Medication Aide Permit upon completion.
Basic Medication Administration Skills by Lena Deter (Thompson Delmar Learning, 2006).
The demand is high due to growth in healthcare and aging populations. Graduates often find work in nursing homes or home health agencies.