The MA-C’s role is to assist the nurse in one of the many tasks related to the safe administration of medication. The MA-C is allowed to pass limited types of medications to specific types of patients. Licensed nurses may delegate selected tasks of medication administration to MA-Cs, and therefore licensed nurses are accountable for the delegation and supervision of MA-Cs. MA-Cs cannot replace the licensed nurse’s role in the administration of medications, as nurses must still exercise their judgment when administering medications, such as deciding when to administer a PRN drug; assessing clients such as evaluating the need for, or response to, medication; educating the patient; and performing the conversions or calculations of drug dosages whenever necessary.
The MA-C curriculum consists of 60 hours of didactic training, which will include work in a skills lab and/or simulation facility and online learning, in addition to 40 hours of supervised clinical practicum. The elements of this standardized curriculum include the essential content, practical/actual experience, demonstration of skills and a competency exam. After completion of the 40-hour clinical students must contact Wyoming State Board of Nursing to schedule their Medication Aid exam.
Admission Requirements
· Be at least 18 years of age;
· Have a high school diploma or a GED;
· Have a current unencumbered certified nursing assistant certificate.
· Work in an area where opportunities exist to complete the competency skills tests (Long Term Care);
· Students must have a current CNA license and CNA II certification through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.