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.
If you are interested in the Medication Nursing Assistant Course, complete the online application in order to receive emails on upcoming classes. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected], or (603) 542-7744 ext. 5347.
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,
- 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
*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.
Other in-state options:
Fall 2025
Starts on Monday, September 15, 2025 in Claremont. Theory runs Monday- Wednesday from 4:00pm-9:00pm. Clinicals will be held at the Sullivan County Nursing Home in Unity, NH , 7:00am-3:00pm.
River Valley Community College. 1 College Pl. Claremont, NH
Due to the limited class size for MNA clinicals the first section has been closed and we have added a second clinical section. Please see dates below.
Note: the times and dates of the Theory section remains the same for both clinical sections.
Sullivan County Home 5 Nursing Home Dr. Unity, NH
Clinicals:
This Section is closed
7:00am-3:00pm (Instructor may provide further information on exact times)
Friday Oct 3
Thursday Oct 9
Friday Oct 10
Monday Oct 13
Friday Oct 17
Section 2 Open
Sullivan County Home 5 Nursing Home Dr. Unity, NH
7:00am-3:00pm (Instructor may provide further information on exact times)
Clinicals:
Monday Oct 20
Thursday Oct 23
Friday Oct 24
Monday Oct 27
Tuesday Oct 28
Theory/ Skills
Classes: 4:00pm-9:00pm
Monday-Wednesday Sept 15 – Sept 24
Monday-Tuesday Sept 29-30
Sullivan County Home 5 Nursing Home Dr. Unity, NH
Clinicals:
7:00am-3:00pm (Instructor may provide further information on exact times)
Friday Oct 3
Thursday Oct 9
Friday Oct 10
Monday Oct 13
Friday Oct 17
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 (often held at the Sullivan County Nursing Home).
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.
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.
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.
The Nursing Lab is made possible by generous donations from the
Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and Mascoma Bank Foundation.
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