Northern Michigan is proudly leading the charge in addressing healthcare workforce shortages with the successful completion of the State of Michigan’s first Medication Aide Certification program, a collaboration between Bay Bluffs–Emmet County Medical Care Facility and North Central Michigan College (NCMC). The first class of eight students from around Michigan successfully completed the nearly 6-week course on Friday, October 11, 2024, and they will now take the State of Michigan exam to become fully certified.

Approved by the State of Michigan earlier this year, the program allows Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to advance their careers by gaining the skills to administer medications, document errors and adverse reactions and monitor patient side effects—all without the need for direct supervision from a Registered Nurse (RN). As healthcare providers continue to face staffing challenges, this certification program is seen as a crucial step in filling workforce capacity gaps across the state.

The program has already garnered exceptional feedback, and the healthcare community is buzzing with excitement.

Kathe Shaw, MSN, RN, RAC-CT, Director of Skilled Services at Bay Bluffs and the driving force behind the initiative, is thrilled with the program’s success: “Our first class has exceeded expectations, and the enthusiasm from both the students and the healthcare community has been incredible. We are excited to see so many CNAs eager to expand their skills and step into more advanced roles that will help relieve some of the pressures our healthcare system is facing.”

Support for the program has been widespread, with many viewing it as a game-changer in addressing Michigan’s healthcare staffing shortages. Shaw adds, “This program is not just about certification; it’s about ensuring quality, compassionate care for our patients while empowering our team members to grow in their careers.”

Co-instructor Sonja Bosley, RN, NHA, Director of Nursing at Bay Bluffs, shares Shaw’s excitement: “We’ve seen firsthand the impact that training medication aides can have on healthcare delivery, especially in long-term care settings. This program is addressing a critical need for skilled medication aides at Bay Bluffs and throughout the region, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many healthcare workers eager to step up and fill that gap.”

The training program is a hybrid mix of online learning, in-person lab, and a week of clinical experience. Christy Lyons, Dean of Corporate and Community Education at NCMC, emphasized the broader community impact: “The outpouring of support from the healthcare community has been phenomenal. Everyone—from hospital administrators to care providers—is excited about what this program represents for the future of healthcare in northern Michigan. It’s a tangible solution to the workforce shortages we’ve all been grappling with.”

As the first graduates prepare for their State of Michigan certification exam, the demand for future classes is growing rapidly. In response to the program’s early success, Bay Bluffs and NCMC have already scheduled three additional courses for late October 2024, and January and March 2025 to meet the growing demand. CNAs interested in expanding their skill set are encouraged to register online (CLICK HERE). Questions, call 231-348-6822.

“This program is a perfect example of how our community can come together to create real, lasting change,” shares Lisa Ashley, MSW, LHNA, Bay Bluffs Administrator. “We’re not just solving an immediate need; we’re building a stronger, more capable healthcare workforce for the future.”

Those interested in registering for future classes, can do so online at https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com. For more information about Bay Bluffs–Emmet County Medical Facility and its role in the program, call 231-526-2161.

Bay Bluffs is located at 750 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. North Central Michigan College is located at 1515 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770

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About Bay Bluffs-Emmet County Medical Facility: Bay Bluffs is a leading healthcare provider committed to offering quality and dignified care for the elderly, ensuring they live their lives with respect and independence.

About North Central Michigan College: North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey with additional offerings in Cheboygan, Gaylord, and online. North Central’s mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education to the benefit of all. An Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Gold by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, North Central is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Learn more at www.ncmich.edu.

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Course Overview:

The Medication Aide Training Program is a comprehensive course designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer medications safely and effectively in a variety of healthcare settings.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a medication aide within the healthcare team.
• Learn the basic principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.
• Develop proficiency in medication administration techniques, including oral, topical, inhalation, and injectable routes.
• Master procedures for accurate medication documentation and record-keeping.
• Understand legal and ethical considerations related to medication administration.
• Recognize and respond to medication errors and adverse reactions.

The six-week class includes 49 hours of online classroom learning, 11 hours of skill practice, and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice at Bay Bluffs.

Prerequisites:

• Possess a valid Michigan nurse aide certificate.
• Have worked as a nurse aide in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility for at least 2,000 hours during the two years preceding the application for a medication aide certificate.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be eligible to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA).

Program Schedule:

1. 5 Weeks: Online classwork
2. 1 Saturday: Skills lab at NCMC Campus in Petoskey, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
3. 1 Week: Supervised clinicals at Bay Bluffs in Harbor Springs, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Upcoming Dates

• 10/28 – 12/6/24 https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5872636
• 1/20-2/18/25 https://www.ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5872844
• 3/10-4/18/25

Program Highlights:

• 100 hours of training
• Textbook
• Interactive sessions and hands-on training
• Assistance with grant opportunities to cover tuition
• Access to communication with qualified instructors
• Exam preparation
• Assistance with job placement
• Access to NCMC facilities and learning resources