Program Description
This course trains certified Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA) in the proper techniques, principles, and procedures for safe administration of non-parental medications. Topics include: drug categories; side effects; legal responsibilities; drug dosage forms; mathematical computations necessary for the safe and accurate administration of oral and topical medications. Supervised clinical experiences are provided.
Program Outcomes
Successful Completion:
CCBC Credential: Students will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate.
Financial Aid and Payment Options:
Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
Tuition Waiver for Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities
Employer/Sponsor Paid Tuition
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Local Office of Workforce Development
Program Length
6 weeks
Course is held in the evening starting in April and October at CCBC Essex.
Program Requirements
Must be a certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing; must provide a letter of recommendation from their Director or Assistant Director of Nursing on organization letterhead; and must provide a resume showing at least 2 years of current employment as GNA.
Application Process
Provisional Entry – Must make an appointment and meet with the Coordinator, and provide GNA and employment verification, for acceptance into the class.
Program Course Sequence
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Course Number
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Course
Title
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Course Hours
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Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
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Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees
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AHE 128
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Medicine Aide Training
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87
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Administering Medications – Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals; 8th Edition; McGraw Hill; ISBN 978-0-07-351375-1; $129.35
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$915
T-$330/F-$585
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Additional Information
Skills for Success:
See Technical Standards at the end of this document.
Career Opportunities:
Certified Geriatric Assistants can advance their career by becoming a Certified Medicine Aide in a long-term facility.
Program Contact Information
Program Coordinator:
Kerry Cleaver
kcleaver@ccbcmd.edu
443-840-2786
Essex, HTEC 013
Administrative Assistant:
Nancy Laubach
nlaubach@ccbcmd.edu
443-840-1819
Essex, HTEC 013
Technical Standards
Technical Standards for CCBC’s Medicine Aide Training
The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County’s Medicine Aide Training program is to train Geriatric Nursing Assistants to become Certified Medicine Aides through the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Certified Medicine Aides are required to be on their feet for long periods of time, caring for patients at the bedside, transferring and/or positioning patients. They need to exercise safe practices while exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, materials and communicable diseases. Their duties also require them to function quickly with accuracy while being detail-oriented. A high level of manual dexterity, psychomotor skills, and personal integrity are vital.
Following is a partial listing of the types of skills usually required for adequate job performance:
Physical Requirements:
A. Sufficient strength and mobility to:
- Work/or stand on feet for up to 12 hours
- Lift at least 50 pounds or more and position patients
- Move swiftly within close quarters while maintaining sterile field
- Assist with minor procedures
B. Adequate vision to:
- Read patient ID bracelets for correct administration of care
- Read instruction sheets and computer screens
- Read medical measuring equipment, scale, thermometer, graduated cylinder, sphygmomanometer
C. Sufficient hearing to:
- Hear and understand verbal instructions
- Properly use of stethoscope
- Hear machines/equipment or room bells
Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
A. Have the ability to:
- Interact with other health professionals in a polite and professional manner
- Respect patient confidentiality and rights
- Adhere to all policies of CCBC and/or clinical externship facility
- Work in a professional manner as part of a team
- Interact in a professional with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
B. Sufficient communication skills to:
- Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
- Carry out all written and verbal instructions
- Follow proper channels of communication
- Communicate in a calm and professional manner
- Accurately interpret patient needs
- Provide patient/public education related to the Nurse Support Technician profession
Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:
- Exercise independent judgment within the practice to properly care for patients
- Accurately identify and carry out tasks delegated by registered nurses
- Work calmly and efficiently in stressful situations
- Maintain calmness during an emergency situation
- Complete program requirements
Environmental Requirements:
- Wearing gowns, caps, masks, gloves, and eye protection
- Working in an environment that may be noisy at times
- Working in an environment that exposes one to potentially hazardous materials including cleaning agents and chemicals, body fluids
- Working in an environment with unpleasant odors
- Provide proof of recent immunizations against infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus
- Receive Hepatitis B vaccinations and/or sign a waiver
