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How Do I Become a QMA

QMA Application

An individual must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have proof of a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Be in good standing as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) on the Indiana Aide Registry
  • Worked a minimum of 1,000 hours as a CNA within the past 24 months
  • Complete the 100-hour QMA Training Program
  • Pass the QMA written competency evaluation test

Student nurse must:

  • Be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program
  • Have completed pharmacology or equivalent course with a grade of "C" or above
  • Complete the 40-hour medication practicum under direct supervision of a licensed nurse
  • Note: Student nurses are exempt from the 60 hours of classroom training and CNA training and certification. Prior to beginning the practicum, the student must submit to the Indiana Department of Health:
    • a certified transcript showing the pharmacology course completed and the grade received; and
    • a letter or other document from the licensed long-term care/residential facility where the student will complete the practicum.
    • This information listed above must be submitted to IDOHLTCTrainingPrograms@health.in.gov for approval. Once approval is granted from Indiana Department of Health, the student may begin the 40-hour supervised medication practicum.
  • Submit proof of certified transcript and practicum to the testing entity with the test application. Contact Ivy Tech Community College at cna_qma_testing@ivytech.edu or go to https://www.ivytech.edu/cna_qma_testing to learn how to apply for the QMA written competency evaluation test.
  • Pass the QMA written competency evaluation test

Graduate nurse must:

  • Have graduated from an accredited nursing school within the past 12 months
  • Note: Graduate nurses are exempt from CNA training and certification and QMA classroom and practicum training
  • Submit proof of graduation from nursing school to the testing entity with the test application.
  • Contact Ivy Tech Community College at cna_qma_testing@ivytech.edu or go to https://www.ivytech.edu/cna_qma_testing to learn how to apply for the QMA written competency evaluation test
  • Pass the QMA written competency evaluation test

Out-of-state QMAs or equivalent must:

  • Be currently on the medication aide registry in another state with no verified complaints and have worked 1,000 hours a Certified Nurse Aide or Medication Aide in the past 24 months.
  • Must be a CNA on the Indiana Aide Registry
  • Contact Ivy Tech Community College at cna_qma_testing@ivytech.edu or go to https://www.ivytech.edu/cna_qma_testing to learn how to apply for the QMA written competency evaluation test
  • Pass the QMA written competency evaluation test

Psychiatric Attendant must:

  • Have been trained in and currently working in an Indiana state psychiatric hospital as a psychiatric attendant
  • Have worked at least 1,000 hours as a psychiatric attendant in the past 24 months
  • Note: Psychiatric attendants are exempt from CNA training and certification but must complete the 100-hour QMA training program.
  • Must submit proof of the following to the testing entity with the test application:
    • completion of psychiatric attendant training
    • current employment in a state psychiatric hospital, and
    • 1,000 hours worked as a psychiatric attendant in the previous 24 months
  • Contact Ivy Tech Community College at cna_qma_testing@ivytech.edu or go to https://www.ivytech.edu/cna_qma_testing to learn how to apply for the QMA written competency evaluation test
  • Pass the QMA written competency evaluation test

Foreign Nurse must:

  • Complete the Certified Nurse Aide 105-hour program, successfully pass the CNA written and skills exam, and be placed on the Indiana Aides Registry
  • Work 1,000 hours as a Certified Nurse Aide within the previous 24 months
  • Complete the 100-hour QMA course and successfully pass the QMA written competency evaluation test