The Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) program at Broward-Miami Health Institute is a Florida-approved 40-hour course that prepares experienced Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to safely assist with medication administration in nursing centers and assisted living facilities. The curriculum meets the requirements defined in Florida Statutes 400.211(5) and 464.2035, and applicable rules of the Florida Board of Nursing.
The course combines self-paced online coursework covering medication safety, Florida law, and documentation with required in-person training, where students complete a safety review and demonstrate competency in a supervised medication pass.
Florida requires QMA candidates to hold an active CNA license for at least one year before enrolling, and to pass both a written exam and a hands-on competency evaluation to earn certification.
General Admission
Clinical Requirements
shortage by 2028
Certified Nursing Assistants who add Qualified Medication Aide certification typically see a pay increase of $2–5 per hour over standard CNA pay, since the credential expands their scope of responsibility in nursing centers and assisted living facilities. A 2024 Mercer report projects a nationwide shortage of roughly 73,000 nursing assistants by 2028 — facilities are actively seeking CNAs who bring additional certifications like QMA to the table.
Where QMA Graduates Work
As a Qualified Medication Aide, you'll take on greater responsibility in resident care — a meaningful next step for CNAs ready to grow their healthcare career.