Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse.

Set up treating or testing equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (x-ray) equipment, or overhead irrigation bottles, as directed by a physician or nurse.

Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves.

Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.

Supply, collect, or empty bedpans.

Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.

Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.

Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays.

Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.

Turn or reposition bedridden patients.

Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility.

Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care.

Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.

Change bed linens or make beds.

Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.

Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.

Explain medical instructions to patients or family members.

Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.

Record height or weight of patients.

Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.

Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.

Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum.

Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.

Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination.

Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician.

Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.

Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper.

Prepare or serve food trays.