On May 20, Paul D. Camp Community College will begin its Medication Aide program through its Allied Health Division. The program is offered each semester, with the next class starting May 20.

“In this program, students are taught the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform medication administration safely and effectively,” said Dr. Candace Rogers, dean of Nursing and Allied Health.

Similar to other growing health care professions, the demand for medication aides is expected to continue to grow substantially. “Because of the growing elderly population, many medication aides will be needed in adult day care and similar settings,” Rogers added.

The range of pay for Certified Registered Medication Aides nationally is $18,272 to $30, 444, depending on where you reside.

The college also is offering a nurse aide program through its Allied Health Division. Courses are offered each semester as well, with the next class starting May 20.

“Nursing aides help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. They are very active, visiting patients and residents, and helping feed, move, reposition or lift them,” Rogers said.

According to Rogers, employment of nursing aides is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Because of the growing elderly population, many nursing aides will be needed in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

“This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to break into the healthcare industry. The median annual wage for nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants was $24,010 depending on where you live,” added Dr. Rogers.

Signing up for either course is straightforward. Interested candidates should complete an application to the college and the nurse or medication aide programs. There are other program requirements, so interested parties should contact Laura Lanier, Nursing and Allied Health administrative assistant, at llanier@pdc.edu to obtain an informational packet and application.

Also, visit www.pdc.edu for other program details.