Apex Clinical Training Institute · New Jersey
A Certified Medication Aide credential lets New Jersey CNAs, home health aides, and personal care assistants administer medications in assisted living. Apex Clinical is building an RN-taught CMA program and a recertification CE course for New Jersey. Join the interest list to be first in line.
Program status: in development. Apex Clinical currently operates a Board of Nursing-approved Medication Aide program in Virginia. Our New Jersey program is not yet approved and is not enrolling.
How to become a Certified Medication Aide in New Jersey
New Jersey regulates medication aides under N.J.A.C. 8:36. In summary, to earn the CMA credential you must:
- Hold an active New Jersey certification as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA), or Personal Care Assistant (PCA).
- Complete a medication administration training course approved by the New Jersey Department of Health. Approved courses are taught by a registered nurse in collaboration with a registered pharmacist and include supervised medication passes at a licensed assisted living community.
- Pass the state-approved standardized written examination within six months of completing the course.
- Clear a criminal background check.
Certification is valid for two years. To renew, a CMA must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education, seminars, or in-service training during each two-year certification period.
Requirements are set by the New Jersey Department of Health and may change. Confirm current rules with NJDOH before enrolling in any program.
Where New Jersey CMAs work
Certified Medication Aides administer medications under a registered nurse’s delegation in New Jersey assisted living residences, comprehensive personal care homes, assisted living programs, and dementia care homes. Only a registered nurse may delegate medication administration; licensed practical nurses cannot.
What the Apex Clinical New Jersey program will include
We’re building four offerings on one school approval, so caregivers can start with us and keep advancing without changing schools:
- Certified Medication Aide course taught by an RN with a licensed pharmacist, with supervised medication passes at a partner assisted living community
- 10-hour CMA recertification continuing education for medication aides renewing their two-year certification
- Certified Nurse Aide training
- Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide training
Our instructor for New Jersey is a registered nurse who has completed the New Jersey medication aide train-the-trainer program and holds a compact multistate license verified for New Jersey.
Program details are subject to New Jersey Department of Health approval and may change.
Why train with Apex Clinical
Apex Clinical Training Institute is a division of Apex Recruiting & Consulting LLC, a New Jersey-based healthcare staffing and clinical training company. We already run a Virginia Board of Nursing-approved Medication Aide program taught by licensed nurses, and we place clinical staff in senior living communities. We know what assisted living employers expect from a new CMA, and we teach to that.
See our Virginia Medication Aide program
For New Jersey assisted living communities
Communities can reserve seats for their CNAs and CHHAs, host supervised medication passes, or book on-site recertification CE for their current medication aides. Communities that host medication passes get first access to graduates. Say so when you join the interest list and we’ll contact you directly.
Join the New Jersey interest list
No cost and no obligation. You’ll get one email when enrollment opens and nothing else.
Or write to questions@apex1consulting.com with “New Jersey interest list” in the subject line and your name, mobile number, city, and current certification.
New Jersey Certified Medication Aide FAQ
Is the Apex Clinical New Jersey program approved?
Not yet. The program is in development. We will only enroll students after New Jersey Department of Health approval is confirmed.
Do I need to be a CNA to become a medication aide in New Jersey?
You need an active New Jersey certification as a CNA, CHHA, or PCA before you can take an approved medication aide course.
Can the New Jersey CMA course be taken online?
The supervised medication passes must be completed in person at a licensed assisted living community. Whether classroom hours may be delivered live online is determined by NJDOH approval; we’ll publish the format when enrollment opens.
How long is a New Jersey CMA certification valid?
Two years. Renewal requires at least 10 hours of continuing education during the certification period.
I’m already a CMA. Do you offer the 10-hour recertification CE?
It’s part of our planned New Jersey program. Join the interest list and note that you’re a current CMA renewing so we can notify you first.
Can a CMA give insulin in New Jersey?
Scope of practice for medication aides is defined by N.J.A.C. 8:36 and your employer’s policies under RN delegation. Our course covers exactly what a CMA may and may not do.
How much will it cost?
Tuition will be announced when enrollment opens. Like our Virginia program, we plan one all-inclusive fee with no separate charges for materials, clinical coordination, or the background check.