This article helps facilities understand the correct medication role terminology recognized in each state and how they map to roles available in Clipboard. Using the correct role when posting shifts ensures you are matched with workers who hold the right credentials for your facility.
Why this matters
Medication role terminology varies by state. Some states use "Certified Medication Aide," others use "Medication Technician," and some have multiple distinct roles depending on the care setting. Posting under the wrong role may result in mismatched workers or fewer filled shifts.
State-by-State Guide
Iowa
In Iowa, the state-recognized medication role is the Certified Medication Aide (CMA), governed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL).
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Certified Medication Aide | Long-term care facilities (NF/SNFs), Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IIDs), Residential Care Facilities (RCFs), Psychiatric Medical Institutions (PMIs) |
Kentucky
Kentucky uses the Certified Medication Aide (CMA) designation, structured into two tiers.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| CMA I | Certified Medication Aide | Long-term care facilities, residential facilities |
| CMA II | Certified Medication Aide | Same as CMA I, with additional insulin administration scope |
Maryland
Maryland distinguishes between Certified Medication Technicians, who work in community and assisted living programs, and Certified Medicine Aides, who work in nursing homes.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medication Technician | Medication Technician | Community and assisted living programs |
| Certified Medicine Aide | Certified Medication Aide | Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) and Intermediate care facilities (ICF/IID) |
Minnesota
In Minnesota, unlicensed personnel who administer medications are referred to as Medication Aides (formerly Trained Medication Aide / TMA). This is not a licensed or certified credential; it is a certificate of completion.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Aide (formerly Trained Medication Aide / TMA) | Certified Medication Aide | Nursing homes, certified boarding care homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs), housing with services/home care settings |
Notes:
- Workers may obtain their Medication Aide certificate from a Minnesota postsecondary institution or an MDH-approved Medication Curricula Training Program
Missouri
In Missouri, there are two state-recognized medication roles. These roles are not interchangeable. Each applies to a specific care setting and worker credential.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medication Technician (CMT) | Medication Technician | Skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities |
| Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) | Level 1 Medication Aide (L1MA) | Assisted living and residential care facilities |
North Carolina
In North Carolina, healthcare personnel who administer medications are generally referred to as Medication Aides. The distinction between roles depends on the type of training completed, which varies by care setting (e.g., adult care homes vs. long‑term care facilities).
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Requirements | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Aide | Certified Medication Aide | NC Medication Aide – Nursing Home | Skilled Nursing Facilities |
| NC Medication Aide – Adult Care Home | Adult Care Homes |
Oregon
In Oregon, the state-recognized medication role is "Certified Medication Aide". However, Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) in Oregon also commonly look for "Medication Technician" or "Med Tech", which are informal, facility-assigned titles.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Certified Medication Aide | All settings requiring a licensed medication role |
| Medication Technician / Med Tech (informal) | Medication Technician | Assisted living and residential care facilities |
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the recognized credential for licensed medication administration support staff is the Certified Medication Aide. Unlicensed staff may administer medications in assisted living facilities and personal care homes; however, they must first complete a state‑approved medication administration training program before doing so.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Medication Aide | Certified Medication Aide | Long-term care nursing facilities (i.e., nursing homes / SNF setting) |
| Unlicensed Medication Technician | Medication Technician | Assisted Living Facilities + Personal Care Homes (community-based settings) |
South Carolina
South Carolina has two distinct medication roles governed by different state authorities.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Assistant (license-based, SC Board of Nursing) | Certified Medication Aide | Nursing homes and long-term care facilities |
| Medication Technician (training-based certificate, DDSN) | Medication Technician | Assisted living / Department of Disabilities and Special Needs programs |
Texas
In Texas, the state-recognized medication role is "Medication Aide".
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Aide | Certified Medication Aide | Nursing facilities, ICF/IID, assisted living facilities, home & community support services agencies |
Washington
In Washington, there are three distinct state-recognized medication pathways. Each applies to a specific care setting and worker credential type.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Requirement | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication Assistant Endorsement (MACE) | Certified Medication Aide | Medication Assistant Endorsement (MACE) License Verification | Nursing homes only |
| NAC/HCA with Nurse Delegation Certificate | Certified Medication Aide |
|
Assisted living facilities (ALFs), Adult Family Homes (AFHs), community-based care, in-home care |
| Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) | Medical Assistant | NA | Outpatient clinics, urgent care, specialty practices |
Notes:
- Both MACE and Nurse-Delegated NAC/HCA workers are posted under the Certified Medication Aide role on Clipboard. To ensure your shifts are filled with the correct workers, please map the corresponding requirement to the role
- For NAC/HCA with Nurse Delegation Certificate, you may map one or both requirements depending on your facility's needs.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the state-recognized medication role is "Medication Aide." This is not a standalone license; it is an additional training notation added to a worker's existing Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) registry record.
| State Terminology | Clipboard Role | Applicable Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Aide | Certified Medication Aide | Nursing homes and hospices |
Don't see the right role for your facility?
If the role you're looking for is not yet included in your contract, please reach out to your Account Manager or contact our support team to enable the role
- Call the 24/7 support line at 408-837-0116
- Submit the Workplace Support Request Form