Certification Medication Aide

[MichelleB.]

What the difference between a Certification Medication Aide/Register Medication Aide/Medical Assistant

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

A certified medication aide is a CNA (certified nursing assistant) who has undergone training and obtained certification to administer certain drugs.

1. Nursing assistants fall under the nursing model of care provision, whereas medical assistants fall under the medical model. Therefore, the training is different.

2. A medical assistant typically attends school longer and can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science in medical assisting. A CNA/medication aide typically attends school for a few weeks to a few months and earns a certificate.

3. Medical assisting work is geared toward the doctors office and clinic setting, whereas medication aide work is geared mostly toward nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and skilled nursing facilities.