Become a Certified Medication Aide in Chapel Hill, NC

Take the next step in patient care. Master the skills to safely administer medications and expand your scope of practice in skilled nursing facilities.

Medication Aide Course

Moon River Nursing Careers offers a state-approved, 24-hour program is specifically designed for current Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in North Carolina who are ready to elevate their level of responsibility.

Following the North Carolina Board of Nursing curriculum, this intensive course provides the classroom and laboratory instruction necessary to safely administer medications in long-term care settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Upon successful completion, students will receive a Certificate of Completion recognized by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and will be eligible to take the NC Medication Aide Competency Examination.

Duration
3 Days

Tuition
$450

Location
Chapel Hill, NC

What’s included in the Course?

24 Total Hours (3 Intensive Days)

Day 1

Medication Fundamentals

8:00 am – 4:45 pm. Focus on legal requirements, the "Six Rights" of administration, and safe storage protocols.

Day 2

Clinical Prep & Procedures

8:00 am – 4:45 pm. Hands-on training covering dosage calculations, documentation, and infection control.

Day 3

Lab Mastery & Final Exam

8:00 am – 4:45 pm. Final practical lab check-offs followed by our school's comprehensive Medication Aide exam.

Why Become a Medication Aide?

Career Advancement

Move beyond basic care and take on a specialized clinical role that is highly valued by employers.

Increased Earning Potential

Adding "Medication Aide" to your resume often opens doors to higher-paying positions in skilled nursing.

Professional
Growth

Deepen your understanding of pharmacology, body systems, and the "Six Rights" of medication administration.

Enhanced Patient Impact

Play a critical role in patient safety by ensuring accurate dosage and identifying potential adverse reactions.

Are You Prepared to Succeed?

  • A Current North Carolina CNA already listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry in good standing and seeking specialization.

  • Detail-Orientedpersonality understanding accuracy is everything when it comes to patient safety and medication documentation.

  • A Career Advancer desiring work in skilled nursing facilities and taking on a role that requires higher clinical focus.

  • Ready for Responsibility and prepared to master the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with handling and disposing of medications.

Specialized Training

Medication Aide Curriculum

This course follows the North Carolina Board of Nursing-approved curriculum for Medication Aides. We provide the 24 hours of instruction required for current CNAs to safely bridge into specialized medication administration.

Key Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate understanding of the legal and ethical responsibilities of a Medication Aide.
  • Identify different drug classifications and their effects.
  • Apply the 'Six Rights' of medication administration.
  • Perform safe medication administration techniques for oral, topical, inhaled, as well as other installation routes.
  • Maintain infection control and resident safety during medication administration.
  • Accurately document and report medication administration.
  • Recognize and respond to adverse reactions and medication errors appropriately.

Course Modules (NC DHSR Approved)

The Foundations Modules 1-3
  • Module 1: Introduction to Medication Administration (Legal, scope, and ethical aspects).
  • Module 2: Basic Review of Body Systems and Medication Effects.
  • Module 3: Medication Fundamentals (Classifications, routes, abbreviations, and measurements).
Safety & Protocols Modules 4-5
  • Module 4: Infection Control and Safety (Hand hygiene and resident identification).
  • Module 5: Six Rights of Medication Administration (Right resident, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation).
Clinical Skills & Procedures Modules 6-8
  • Module 6: Medication Administration Procedures (Oral, topical, eye, ear, nasal, and inhalant techniques).
  • Module 7: Documentation and Reporting (MAR, errors, and refusals).
  • Module 8: Medication Storage and Security (Handling and disposal).
Observation & Evaluation Modules 9-10
  • Module 9: Observation and Reporting (Side effects and adverse reactions).
  • Module 10: Review and Final Evaluation (Written and skill competency checks).

Upcoming Medication Aide Classes:

The course is 100 percent in-person and can be completed in three full days.

Limited Seats Available

Weekday Daytime

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 3 Day Course
Upcoming Sessions Spring/Summer 2026
Jul 11, Jul 12, Jul 18
Saturday/Sunday + Sunday
Enroll Now

If a session is cancelled due to inclement weather a make-up class will be scheduled.

Call us at (919) 240-4510 for more information.

Requirements

  • Minimum 18 years of age

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Government issued photo identification

  • Registration fee to reserve your seat
    (Credit Card, Debit Card, or Check)

  • Be listed as a Nurse Aide in good standing on the North Carolina
    Nurse Aide Registry
  • Have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on the Nurse Aide Registry

  • Be physically and mentally capable of safely performing medication administration duties

Tuition

Course Investment

$450

Total Medication Aide Course Fee

Registration Fee $50
Tuition $400

Payment in Full – Tuition and all applicable fees paid at registration.

Make a Payment Online

What's Included

  • 24 Total Hours: Intensive training covering classroom theory and hands-on lab practice.
  • The Six Rights: Mastery of safe medication administration (Right Patient, Drug, Dose, Route, Time, and Documentation).
  • Technical Skills: Training in oral, eye, ear, nasal, inhalant, transdermal, topical, vaginal, and rectal.
  • Clinical Readiness: Preparation for the N.C. State Board Medication Aide Exam for skilled nursing facilities.
  • Expert Guidance: Instruction from seasoned RNs focusing on legal implications and infection control.
  • State Compliance: Fully approved North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) curriculum.

Why Choose Moon River Nursing Careers

Experienced Nurse Educators

Course is taught by registered nurse instructors with extensive clinical and teaching experience. Our instructors bring real-world knowledge into the classroom, ensuring students understand both the how and the why behind safe medication administration.

State-Approved, Regulation-Based Training

Our curriculum follows all state requirements and standards for Medication Aide training. Students are thoroughly prepared to meet certification expectations and practice within their scope safely and confidently.

Hands-On, Practical Learning

We emphasize practical application through skills-based instruction, real-life scenarios, and medication pass simulations.

Small Class Sizes & Individual Support

Our smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction, one-on-one support, and focused skills validation. We are committed to helping every student feel prepared and confident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Becoming a Medication Aide can open the door to increased responsibility, higher earning potential, and professional growth within the healthcare field. Our program supports students who are advancing their careers or preparing for future nursing roles.

Student-Focused Learning Environment

We understand the needs of adult learners and working healthcare professionals. Our program is structured to be supportive, professional, and focused on student success.

Commitment to Quality & Professionalism

We take pride in preparing Medication Aides who demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a strong commitment to resident safety—qualities valued by healthcare employers.

Moon River Nursing Careers

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Moon River Nursing Careers

Medication Aide Application

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