Iowa Western Community College

Certified Medication Aide

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Certified Medication Aide

About the Program

    • All students must take the “Prepare to Care” 6-hour lecture on the first day of class. An exam given that day must be passed with an 80% or better in order to advance to the Medication Aide portion of the class
    • Students must have an 80% or better on the Medication Aide final exam, which is scheduled upon completion of the clinical portion
    • All course projects and reports must be completed. Students must complete at least 12 hours of clinical in the long-term care facility to successfully complete the course requirements and receive a certificate
    • Clinical must be taught by the Registered Nurse in the sponsoring facility. The skills checklist must be returned by mail or in person to IWCC within 6 weeks of the last day of class
    • All homework assignments must be completed satisfactorily prior to receiving the certificate
    • Upon successful completion of the course, and a 12-hour clinical in the sponsoring facility, the participant will receive a certificate.
    • 60-Hour course prepares nurse aides and residential attendants to administer non-parental medications in Long Term Care facilities. Course is approved but the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and Nebraska Health and Human Services regulations governing medication aides. Nebraska requires the participants to pass the Nebraska State Exam after completion of the course

Requirements Before Starting

  • A letter from the administrator or DON OR Provide a completed and signed Clinical Agreement verifying the following: 480 Hours of consecutive work experience at the current place of employment, DCW Registry (mandated only for long-term care employees), Employee’s attune interest & reliability.
  • Reading comprehension, writing ability and aptitude for math.
  • Absence of history of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Competency in obtaining blood pressure and apical pulses.
  • Copy of license of RN who will teach the 12 hours of clinical in the sponsoring facility.
    • If you are a facility wanting to pay for a student/s please fill out the Registration Form and fax it to 712-325-3721
  • Clinical Agreement

Available Courses

   10/19/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus

Medication Aide – Council Bluffs Campus

October 19th, 20, 21, 22, 27,  & 28th , 2026
Class:  Mon.-Thurs.  8:30am-4:30pm Looft Hall Room 109

PLEASE Contact Continuing Education for the course link to the mandated pre-requisite Prepare to Care Core  .  Prepare To Care Core is a state of Iowa 6-Hour online lecture. Completion of this online piece is mandated before attending October 19th Medication Aide Lecture. Please bring this Prepare to Care Core Certificate with you on October 19th. 

 

 

Call (712) 325-3259 or email:  [email protected]  

Start Date: 10/19/2026
End Date: 10/28/2026
Seats Available: 12
Cost: $585
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/16/2026 6:00 am
   01/28/2027 - Council Bluffs Campus

Medication Aide – Council Bluffs Campus

January 28th, 2027
Class:  Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm Looft Hall Room 109
Follow up date for State Exam TBA

Course information, including pre-requisites and required Agency Agreement, noted below.

Call (712) 325-3255 or email:  [email protected]

Start Date: 01/28/2027
End Date: 02/08/2027
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $599
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/16/2026 6:00 am
   03/22/2027 - Council Bluffs Campus

Medication Aide – Council Bluffs Campus

March 22nd, 2026
Class:  Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am-4:30pm Looft Hall Room 109
Follow up date for State Exam TBA

Course information, including pre-requisites and required Agency Agreement, noted below.

Call (712) 325-3255 or email:  [email protected]  

Start Date: 03/22/2027
End Date: 04/01/2027
Seats Available: 15
Cost: $599
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/16/2026 6:00 am