A CMA is, essentially, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who has completed additional hours of coursework to become licensed to dispense medication to patients so long as they are under the supervision of a registered nurse. Becoming a certified medication aide (CMA) is one step closer to becoming a registered nurse (RN) and typically opens up more career opportunities within the medical field. The state of Oklahoma requires aspiring CMAs who meet all of the prerequisites to take a written exam prior to receiving their certificate. The examination will be aligned to whatever the skill standards are for the area in which an individual is taking the exam. A complete study guide to the exam can be found here. A score of 70% or higher is required in order to pass the examination. Individuals seeking an advanced certificate will be required to obtain a score of 80% or higher.
Prerequisites
Prior to taking the exam, aspiring CMAs will need to ensure that they meet all of the prerequisites necessary in order to be considered for a certificate. In order to take the exam a candidate must be currently certified in the state of Oklahoma as a long-term care, home-health care or developmentally disabled direct care aide. It’s also necessary that a candidate has at least six months of experience as a CNA. Candidates must also complete an approved training program. All candidates must be 18 years of age, have obtained a high school diploma and it is important that their CNA certificate not have any records of abuse.
Documentation
Prior to taking the examination, candidates will need to submit a number of documents. Those documents include an original training verification form that has been signed by a training supervisor. Candidates must also submit a valid U.S. government issued photo I.D. (i.e. Drivers License, Passport, School Issued I.D.). Candidates will also need to provide original proof of their social security number or Tax Identification Number. Lastly, candidates will need to submit verification of their Oklahoma Current Nurse Aide Certification.
Cost
Members of the AAMA, CAAHEP or ABHES will pay $125 dollars for the exam and all other candidates will pay $250. Those who apply between the 1st and 14th of any given month will be slotted to take the exam on the first day of the following month. Those who apply after the 14th of a given month will be slotted to take the exam on the fifteenth of the following month.
Candidates who have completed all of the prerequisites and submitted all of the required documentation should receive notice of acceptance within 30 days of submission of an application. Those who receive a passing score should receive their certificate within nine weeks of passing the exam.
