Top 11 Medication Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for medication technicians in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle medication. Certified medication technicians also have a better chance at securing higher-paying positions, since employers know that certified technicians are more reliable and knowledgeable than non-certified ones. Certification also demonstrates a commitment to professional development, which is increasingly valued by employers. Lastly, certification can provide greater job stability and career advancement opportunities, as certification can help medication technicians stay up-to-date on relevant industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Medication Technicians and explain how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Medication Technician Certifications?

Medication technician certification is a credential offered by professional organizations and educational institutions to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively manage medications. The certification is designed to help ensure that medication technicians are able to provide quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.

The certification process involves completing an approved course of study, which typically includes instruction on topics such as medication administration, drug interactions, side effects, storage and disposal. Upon successful completion of the coursework, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

Having a medication technician certification can open up career opportunities for those interested in working with medications or in a pharmacy setting. It can also give employers added confidence when hiring a candidate for a position related to medication administration or management. Furthermore, it can provide peace of mind for patients who are receiving medications from certified technicians, as they know that the person providing them with their medications has been properly trained and certified in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering medication technician certification, make sure to research each program thoroughly to ensure that it meets the requirements of your state. Additionally, look for programs that have been accredited by a third-party organization, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), as this can provide assurance of quality and relevancy.

Related: What does a Medication Technician do?

Top 11 Medication Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medication Technicians today.

1. Certified Medication Technician (CMT)

Certified Medication Technician (CMT) is a certification program for individuals who administer medications in long-term care facilities. It is designed to ensure that medication technicians are properly trained and qualified to safely and accurately administer medications to residents of long-term care facilities.

To become a Certified Medication Technician, an individual must complete a state approved training program, pass the national certification exam, and submit an application for certification. The training program typically consists of classroom instruction and clinical experience in a long-term care facility. The length of the training program varies by state but usually takes around 40 hours to complete.

The cost of the certification process varies by state but typically ranges from $100-$200. This includes the cost of the training program, exam fees, and application fees. In some states, there may also be additional fees associated with background checks or other requirements.

Once certified, CMTs must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses and submitting an application for renewal.

2. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT)

A Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to assist pharmacists in providing medication and other health care products to patients. The CPT must complete a formal training program and pass an exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years.

The CPT program typically takes between six months to one year to complete, depending on the individual's schedule and preference. During this time, students will learn about pharmacy operations, drug safety, dispensing medications, inventory management, customer service, and more.

To become a CPT, individuals must first complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program or have equivalent experience as a pharmacy technician. After completing the training program, individuals can then take the PTCB exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, quality assurance, inventory control systems, patient counseling techniques, and more.

The cost of becoming a CPT varies depending on the institution offering the training program. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1000 for tuition fees alone. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the PTCB exam which is currently $129 for members and $189 for non-members.

3. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. They help patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and transferring from bed to chair. CNAs also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

It typically takes around six to twelve weeks to become a CNA. This includes completing an approved training program and passing the state certification exam. The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the state and the program you choose, but it typically costs between $500-$1000.

To become a CNA, you must first complete an approved training program. Training programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, nursing homes and through online courses. After completing your training program, you must pass the state certification exam in order to become certified as a CNA. Once certified, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

4. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification is a nationally recognized credential for pharmacy technicians. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who work in pharmacies. The certification is awarded after successful completion of an exam that tests knowledge and understanding of pharmacy operations, drug information, and patient safety.

To get certified, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of experience as a pharmacy technician in the last two years, and passing the NHA Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Candidates must also complete an approved training program prior to taking the exam.

The NHA Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as drug information, pharmacy operations, inventory management, patient safety and more. The exam takes about two hours to complete and candidates are allowed three attempts to pass it within one year from the date they register for it.

The cost of the NHA Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam varies by region but typically ranges from $129-$179 USD. After successfully passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $49 USD for recertification every two years.

5. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certified Pharmacy Technician

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Certified Pharmacy Technician program is a nationally recognized certification program that recognizes pharmacy technicians who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform pharmacy services safely and effectively. This certification is designed to provide assurance to patients and employers that certified pharmacy technicians are qualified to handle medication orders, prepare medications for dispensing, provide patient education, and other related duties.

To become an ASHP Certified Pharmacy Technician, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old;

2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent;

3. Have completed a formal training program in pharmacy technology;

4. Have passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE);

5. Have worked as a pharmacy technician for at least one year in the last two years;

6. Be currently employed as a pharmacy technician in an accredited pharmacy setting; and

7. Submit proof of continuing education credits each year to maintain certification status.

The process of getting ASHP Certified typically takes between six months to one year depending on your experience level and how quickly you can complete all the necessary requirements outlined above. The cost of becoming an ASHP Certified Pharmacy Technician varies based on the type of training program you choose and any associated fees such as exam fees or application fees associated with your chosen program or organization.

6. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Medication Administration Technician

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Medication Administration Technician certification is a nationally recognized credential that verifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work as medication administration technicians. The certification is designed to ensure that medication administration technicians are competent in their roles and can safely administer medications to patients.

To obtain the NICET Medication Administration Technician certification, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set by NICET. These include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an approved training program, and passing the required examinations. Applicants must also submit proof of current licensure or registration with their state board of pharmacy or other regulatory agency.

Once all eligibility requirements have been met, applicants may register for the examination through the National Council for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NCET). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, medication administration techniques, and recordkeeping procedures. The practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to accurately prepare and administer medications to patients.

The cost of obtaining the NICET Medication Administration Technician certification varies depending on the applicant’s state and whether they are taking the exam online or in-person. In most cases, however, it typically costs between $200-$400 USD to take the exam.

Overall, it usually takes about one year from start to finish for an individual to obtain their NICET Medication Administration Technician certification.

7. Certified Clinical Medication Technician (CCMT)

A Certified Clinical Medication Technician (CCMT) is a healthcare professional who has been certified to administer medications in an ambulatory or long-term care setting. CCMTs are responsible for administering medications according to the physician’s orders, monitoring patient responses, and providing education on medication use.

The certification process typically takes between 6-8 weeks depending on the state and type of program chosen. To become a CCMT, you must complete an approved training program and pass a certification exam. The cost of the training program and exam varies by state but typically ranges from $500-$1000.

8. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certification

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certification is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of phlebotomy and electrocardiography. The certification is offered to individuals who have completed an accredited program in either field, or who have obtained a minimum of one year of experience in the area.

To obtain the AMT Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certification, applicants must first complete an accredited program in either phlebotomy or electrocardiography. After completing the program, applicants must pass a written exam administered by AMT. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, laboratory safety procedures, specimen collection techniques, and EKG interpretation.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete once all requirements are met. Applicants must submit their application form along with proof of completion of an accredited program or one year of experience in the field. Once approved by AMT, applicants can register for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost for obtaining the AMT Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certification is $125 for members and $175 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of registration for the exam as well as any applicable fees associated with taking it.

9. National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in the field. It is designed to measure the competencies of individuals who have completed an accredited medical assisting program or have obtained equivalent experience.

To obtain the NCCT Medical Assistant certification, you must pass the NCCT Medical Assistant Exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and medical office procedures. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any approved testing center.

In order to be eligible to take the NCCT Medical Assistant Exam, you must meet certain requirements such as having a high school diploma or GED, completing an accredited medical assisting program or obtaining equivalent experience, and passing a criminal background check.

The cost of taking the NCCT Medical Assistant Exam is $105.00 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. You can pay for your exam online via credit card or mail in a check or money order made payable to NCCT. Once payment has been received, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your chosen testing date and location.

Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your official certification from NCCT within 4-6 weeks after your test date. Your certification will remain valid for three years before needing to be renewed by retaking the exam.

10. American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of a medical assistant in a variety of healthcare settings. The CMA credential is awarded by the AAMA after passing their comprehensive exam, which tests knowledge and skills related to patient care, administrative tasks, and clinical procedures.

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the AAMA CMA exam. During this time, candidates should review study materials such as textbooks and practice exams, attend classes or seminars on medical assisting topics, and gain hands-on experience through an externship or job shadowing.

To become certified as a CMA, applicants must submit an application form with proof of completion of an accredited medical assistant program, pay the applicable fees, pass a criminal background check, and take the AAMA CMA exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; pharmacology; clinical procedures; patient care; laboratory procedures; administrative procedures; legal principles; safety principles; infection control practices; and communication techniques.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMA varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $125 - $200 for the application fee plus $125 - $150 for the exam fee.

11. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Clinical Medical Assistant Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Clinical Medical Assistant Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a medical assistant's knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. This certification is designed to validate the competency of medical assistants who have completed a formal training program or have at least one year of work experience in the field.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass a computer-based exam that covers topics such as patient care, medical terminology, pharmacology, and safety and infection control. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the NHA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification exam varies depending on whether you are taking the test at an approved testing center or online. The fee for taking the test at an approved testing center is $125, while the fee for taking it online is $95.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from NHA within four to six weeks. Your certification will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Do You Really Need a Medication Technician Certificate?

In order to become a medication technician, it is important to have a certificate. The certificate outlines the knowledge and skills that you need in order to safely handle medications and provide proper care for patients. It also helps employers know that you are qualified to do the job.

Having a medication technician certificate will show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about medications and how they should be administered. This can help them trust that you are knowledgeable enough to handle their medication needs. Additionally, many states require medication technicians to be certified before they can work in certain healthcare settings, such as nursing homes or hospitals.

A medication technician certificate can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of pharmacy and medications. You will learn about advances in drug therapies, new safety protocols, and other important topics related to medication administration. This knowledge will help ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your patients.

Overall, having a medication technician certificate is an invaluable asset for anyone looking to enter this field of work. It shows potential employers that you are serious about being a competent professional who is knowledgeable about medications and their administration. Additionally, it helps ensure that you stay up-to-date with all of the latest developments in this field so that you can provide quality care for your patients.

Related: Medication Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Medication Technician Certifications

1. What is a Medication Technician Certification?

Answer: A Medication Technician Certification is a credential that demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively provide medication assistance in healthcare settings.

2. How do I become certified as a Medication Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a Medication Technician, you must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet any other state-specific requirements.

3. What types of courses are included in a Medication Technician Certification program?

Answer: Courses typically include pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medication administration techniques, and patient safety protocols.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Medication Technician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Medication Technician depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you complete the required coursework. Generally speaking, most programs take between 6 months and 1 year to complete.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require continuing education credits for maintaining your certification status as a Medication Technician. Credits must usually be earned within each two-year renewal period in order to remain active with your certification.