Medication Aide is a Certificate program offered by Graduate America in Houston, TX. The program takes 140 clock hours — 6 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $1,095.
Program Overview
The Medication Aide program is a state-approved (Texas HHSC) 140-hour course training certified nurse aides to administer medications in long-term care, assisted living, and ICF/IID facilities. The curriculum adheres to Texas Administrative Code §557.119 and HHSC standards.
Students learn pharmacology fundamentals, all medication administration routes (oral, topical, inhaled, ophthalmic, otic, nasal, rectal, vaginal), dosage calculations, documentation requirements, controlled substance management, and patient safety protocols. Training covers drug classifications, adverse reactions, legal responsibilities, and communication with nursing staff.
Approval. The program page describes the course as TWC- and HHSC-approved and notes that the approval letter is pending upload. The 2026-2027 Houston catalog's Programs Offered table does not list the course.
What you'll learn.
- Understand pharmacology fundamentals and drug classifications
- Apply medication safety protocols and the six rights of medication administration
- Perform accurate dosage calculations
- Document medication administration per facility and regulatory standards
- Manage controlled substances and understand legal responsibilities
- Recognize and respond to adverse drug reactions and emergencies
- Complete supervised clinical practicum with medication passes
- Prepare for and pass the Texas HHSC Medication Aide Permit Examination
What sets this Program apart
Program highlights. HHSC- and TWC-approved training, hands-on clinical training, Certified Medication Aide (CMA) exam preparation and job placement assistance.
Format. In-person instruction plus clinical training at the Houston campus, regulated by Texas HHSC and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Career services from day 1. We don't wait until graduation to help you job-hunt. Resume building, mock interviews, and employer introductions start immediately.
Admission Requirements and Process
Graduate America maintains an open admissions policy for applicants who meet the following criteria: be at least 17 years of age (some programs may require 18+), provide proof of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent, complete an enrollment agreement, and meet program-specific requirements.
Required documentation. A valid government-issued photo ID; a high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate; a Social Security card (for financial aid applicants); and proof of residency (for state authorization purposes).
Non-discrimination. Graduate America admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Medication Aide prerequisite. The program trains certified nurse aides: it requires an active CNA.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageBe at least 17 years of age; some programs may require applicants to be 18 or older.
- Proof of educationProvide proof of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent: a high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate.
- Photo identificationProvide a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of residencyProvide proof of residency, which the school uses for state authorization purposes.
- Enrollment agreementComplete and sign an enrollment agreement.
- Active CNAThe Medication Aide course requires an active Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential.
Application Process
- 1Information sessionMeet with an admissions representative to learn about programs, career opportunities, and financial options.
- 2Submit your applicationComplete the enrollment application and provide required documentation.
- 3Entrance assessmentComplete any required entrance assessments for your program of interest.
- 4Financial planningMeet with a financial aid advisor to explore payment options, including federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans.
- 5Enrollment agreementReview and sign the enrollment agreement, which outlines program details, costs, and policies.
- 6OrientationAttend new student orientation before your program start date.
Program Schedule
140 clock hours in 6 weeks. Graduate in 6 weeks and qualify for the Texas HHSC Med Aide Permit.
Training hours. 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of skills lab and 20 hours of supervised clinical training.
Campus hours. The Houston campus is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, for select programs; it is closed Sunday.
Required Courses
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Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Graduate America is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The Houston campus holds a Certificate of Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission, and its Vocational Nurse program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Tuition is $1,095 for the 140-hour course. The school publishes no breakdown of other fees for it.
Financial aid. The course is not on Graduate America's list of Title IV eligible programs or in its Net Price Calculator, so it is shown here as not eligible for federal student aid.
Curriculum
140 training hours. The course combines 100 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of skills lab and 20 hours of supervised clinical training, following Texas HHSC training minimums.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Certification. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Texas Medication Aide Permit through HHSC, to administer medications in long-term care, assisted living, and ICF/IID facilities.
Job placement assistance. Job placement assistance is listed among the program's highlights.
What to expect as a Graduate America student
Attendance. Students must attend all scheduled classes, labs, and practical sessions; attendance is recorded daily for every scheduled class session, and students must maintain a minimum cumulative attendance rate of 80%. Students are responsible for all material covered during absences.
Absences and tardiness. Missing more than 15 minutes of scheduled class is an absence. Arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving more than 10 minutes early is a tardy, and three tardies equal one unexcused absence.
Probation and termination. Per Texas Workforce Commission standards, probation is triggered when attendance falls below 80% (a 30-day probation period); ten consecutive absences or failure to meet probation terms leads to termination.
Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students must maintain a cumulative grade average of 70% with a minimum letter grade of C in both theory and clinical/practical evaluations, and complete the program within 150% of the published program length. A student who misses SAP at an evaluation point is placed on warning for one evaluation period; a student may appeal in writing with documentation of mitigating circumstances and an academic plan, and if approved is placed on probation.
Leave of absence. Students may request a leave of absence for medical reasons, military service, jury duty, family emergency, or other documented circumstances. The request must be written and signed with the reason and expected return date, approved by the Academic Director, and may not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period.
Graduation. To graduate, students complete all required clock hours, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average), pass all required examinations and competency evaluations, complete all practical skill requirements, satisfy all financial obligations, complete exit counseling (for financial aid recipients), return all school property, and complete the graduation application.
Other Programs at Houston
Graduate America in Houston, TX also offers these 3 programs at 8203 Willow Place Drive S., Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070.