MNA – Medication Nursing Assistant

Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA) Program

The Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA) Program will prepare competent Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA) to function as trusted care partners of the RN/LPN administering medications to stable clients in long-term care facilities. The scope of the course covers all the basic principles and techniques of medication administration including an overview of common drugs, their effects and side effects, and key safety issues that include medication interactions, common errors, over-the-counter medications, and medication use in older adults. This course will be delivered as 40 hours of theory in the classroom setting and 40 hours of clinical at an approved clinical facility.

The main topics will include:

• The professional role of the MNA,
• Medical ethics and laws,
• Infection control and safety for administering medications, 
• Basic pharmacology and common drugs used for a broad range of medical conditions.

Printable Program Sheet

Student Eligibility

Students who wish to enroll in the MNA program at River Valley Community College must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid unencumbered nursing assistant license issued by the Board of Nursing,
• Worked as an LNA for two full years (4,160 hours) within the past five years,
• Possess proficiency in Math and English and pass the Nursing Math Proficiency Test and English Test with an 80% pass rate,
• Has not been convicted of a felony,
• Pass a 12 panel drug test,
• Comply with RVCC’s application procedures, 
• Comply with RVCC’s tuition requirements. 

Enrollment Requirements

Eligible students shall complete the following:

• Application for the MNA Program Admission, 
• Provide a copy of resume, 
• Provide a copy of LNA license, 
• Provide a copy of current Basic Life Support Certificate (BLS)*, 
• Proof of working as an LNA for two years, 
• An essay explaining the desire to be proficient in the administration of medications, 
• Two – character references from nurse managers, or directors on behalf of the employee affirming the applicant’s honesty, integrity, compassion, and enthusiasm for nursing-related activities, 
• Criminal History Background Check form found through the NH State Police ($25.00 fee assessed by the State of New Hampshire; Notary Required),
• Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) Registry Consent Form,
• 12 Panel Drug Test (estimated fee of $50 – $75). Location to be determined with RVCC once application paperwork is complete and submitted, 
• Pass Math and English Proficiency Tests with a score of 80% or higher.

*Obtaining your AHA Basic Life Support CPR Certificate. Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support – American Heart Association BLS is offered at no charge for all RVCC students. The web-based program is through RQI 1 Stop. Students will need to complete the online didactic portion of the program, then come to RVCC to complete the manikin portion of the program.

• Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support – American Heart Association BLS Registration

Other in-state options:

• Life Safety Institute
• NH CPR

The MNA (Medication Nursing Assistant) Program is an 80-hour, non-credit course that certifies that those who have completed the program are eligible to work as an MNA. The course consists of:

• 40 hours of classroom theory and skills,
• 40 hours of clinicals (held at the Sullivan County Nursing Home).

Classroom Theory  (River Valley-Claremont)

Fall Semester MNA Class: 2024 Claremont

NOTE:  There has been a scheduling change to the Fall 2024 MNA class at River Valley. Please see the revised schedule below.

Theory:  3:00pm – 8:00pm at RVCC

Mon   9/30 (with Orientation)

Tues 10/1    

Mon 10/7   Tues 10/8  

Mon 10/14  Tues 10/15

Mon 10/21   Tues  10/22

Clinicals: Sullivan County Nursing Home
5 Nursing Home Dr., Claremont, NH 03743

6:30AM – 3:00PM

Mon  10/28 and Tues 10/29   

Mon 11/4 and Tues 11/5

Mon 11/11 

Please contact RVCC at (603) 542-7744 ext 5347 if you have any questions. 

Costs

Tuition: $1,800.00

Criminal Background Check: $25.00 ($25.00 fee assessed by the State of NH; Notary Required)

Drug Test: $50.00-$70.00 (estimated cost)

Textbook: Gauwitz, D.F. (2020). Administering medications pharmacology for healthcare professionals (9th edition). New York, New York: McGraw Hill Education. ISBN 978-1-259-92817-8

Sources of Financial Aid

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarship Application

Tuition Assistance

Applicants to the RVCC MNA Program may qualify for up to $6,500.00 in tuition assistance through the WIOA program. 

• WIOA training funding details and eligibility requirements.

All NH Residents – please be sure to reach out for this WIOA  assistance. For information on the enrollment process and to schedule a meeting with an SNHS Career Navigator, please call 603-647-4470 ext. 8047 or email [email protected] 

How to Apply:

• To schedule a meeting with a WIOA Employment Counselor, please call your local NH Works office Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. WIOA services are available statewide in all twelve NH Works offices.
  • NH Works locations and contact information.

Vermont Residents – VSCA’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) counselors can help you set up your educational goals, access college and career training services, explore financial aid options and fill out financial aid applications. To schedule an appointment, you can email Ran Wang at [email protected] or call 877-961-4369 to set up a time to talk with an EOC counselor. 

The goals of the MNA program at RVCC are to prepare students to:

• Serve as active, dependable, and proficient healthcare team players in the promotion. maintenance, and restoration of health, 
• Consistently adhere to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing regulations for MNA medication administration during the accurate execution of job functions.
• Exhibit professionalism and patient confidentiality while helping clients maintain independence and quality of life.

Learning Goals

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Use information related to a patient’s rights regarding accepting or refusing medications, 
• Explain the laws and rules pertinent to nursing and nursing-related activities in New Hampshire, 
•  Relate anatomy and physiology to medication administration, 
• Apply principles of infection control and aseptic procedures as they relate to medication administration, 
• Demonstrate proficient use of equipment and methods for assessing, monitoring, and reporting equipment malfunctions, 
• Practice the correct method of medication administration and dosage control to the correct stable client at the right time, 
• List the methods of medication administration to stable clients, 
• Summarize and properly document common reactions to medications, 
• Describe quality management related to storage, disposal, security, recording, and error control pertinent to medications, 
• Document the administration, storage, and disposal of medications, 
• Show proper medication reconciliation procedures, 
• State the security protocols for supplies of medications, 
• Distinguish errors in the administration of medications and translate their impact to patient care, 
• Develop communication skills that will facilitate professionalism with clients and healthcare staff, 
• Practice the accurate and safe administration of medications by the following methods:
  • Topical, 
  • Oral,
  • Nasal,
  • Ocular,
  • Auricular,
  • Vaginal,
  • Rectal, 
  • Enteral tubes, 
  • Injections, 
    • Pre-set or pre-drawn insulin deliver device,
    • Epinephrine from a labeled and pre-set or pre-drawn delivery device.
• Exhibit behaviors and performance expected of a licensed nuring assistant administering medications.