The process to become a medication technician varies by jurisdiction. In some places, you must already be certified as a nursing assistant before you can become a medication technician, although some jurisdictions do not have such a requirement. You will typically be expected to complete a training course that will teach you about different types of medications, potential reactions to medications, and administration techniques. After completing your training, you may need to pass an exam on the course material as well as a background check and health screening. If you already have some health care experience or training, some jurisdictions will allow you to become a medication technician without taking a course, although you may still need to pass a written examination.
A medication technician assists nursing staff in administering various types of medication to patients. In many cases, a medication technician is responsible for storing and organizing patient medications as well. After you become a medication technician, you will be expected to not only administer medication to patients but to make observations about their condition and response to the medication. Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, you may be permitted to work as a medication technician only in specific settings, such as assisted living homes, schools, or juvenile detention facilities.
If you want to become a medication technician, you should research the laws in your jurisdiction. In some cases, you will be expected to already hold certification as a nurse's aide before you can begin a training program. You may also be required to be employed in the setting in which you wish to administer medications. Typically, a medication technician training program is taught by a registered nurse who must be certified to teach such a course by a government agency or nursing board.
If you already have significant health care experience or are a nursing student who has already completed coursework in pharmacology, you may not need to complete an educational program. You may still need to take an examination, however, to demonstrate your knowledge of appropriate medication administration and record-keeping duties. After you complete your educational requirements, you will need to submit your application for registration to the appropriate agency in your jurisdiction. Along with your application, you may also need to submit identifying information so that the agency can run a background check on you. Finally, you may also need to document that you are in good health by submitting vaccination records as well as the results of a recent tuberculosis test.
