Ivy Tech Community College offers certifications aimed at building skills in healthcare roles like Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs), and insulin administrators. These programs are structured to meet the growing demands of the healthcare workforce, particularly in long-term care settings. Below is a detailed look at these programs, with each section answering key questions.

1. What is the primary purpose of the CNA certification at Ivy Tech?

The CNA certification at Ivy Tech equips students with essential skills required to provide basic care to patients in healthcare environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. CNAs help patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including grooming, feeding, and mobility assistance, working under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. This program prepares students to pass the state CNA certification exam and begin entry-level healthcare roles​.

2. What additional responsibilities does a QMA have compared to a CNA?

A QMA, or Qualified Medication Aide, holds a more advanced role than a CNA. In addition to assisting with patient care, QMAs are certified to administer certain medications, such as oral tablets, under strict regulations. QMAs play a crucial role in long-term care facilities where managing medication routines is vital. However, their duties are limited; for example, they cannot handle intravenous (IV) medications or injectables, apart from insulin if they undergo further training​.

3. Is the insulin administration training mandatory for all QMAs?

No, insulin administration training is not mandatory for QMAs. It is an optional certification that offers QMAs the qualification to safely administer insulin to diabetic patients. This specialized training is particularly valuable in long-term care settings where insulin management is a routine part of patient care​.

4. Which online platform does Ivy Tech use to schedule and conduct exams for these certifications?

Ivy Tech uses IvyLearn, the college’s learning management system, for course management and scheduling of certification exams. Additionally, SmarterProctoring is integrated to provide students with virtual proctoring services, ensuring that exams meet testing standards whether taken on-campus or remotely​.

5. What topics are covered in the insulin administration certification training?

The insulin administration course at Ivy Tech focuses on key areas necessary for safe insulin management. It includes training on:

• Understanding diabetes and the endocrine system
• Identifying signs and symptoms of diabetes
• Learning proper insulin injection techniques
• Managing insulin-related complications
  This program ensures QMAs are competent in administering insulin with minimal risk to patients​.

6. How does Ivy Tech ensure the integrity of online and in-person exams?

Ivy Tech ensures exam integrity by leveraging SmarterProctoring for virtual exams. Students are required to verify their identity with official ID documents, and exams are monitored by proctors to prevent cheating. This system ensures that whether students take exams online or in-person, the same level of supervision is maintained​.

7. What are the eligibility requirements for a CNA to become a QMA?

To become a QMA, an individual must first complete CNA certification and gain experience working in healthcare. They must then enroll in a QMA training program, which covers medication administration procedures. Passing the QMA exam is necessary to earn the certification, allowing them to administer medications to patients under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals​.

8. Are there any fees associated with the certification exams, or are they included in tuition?

Most exams are included in the tuition fees for Ivy Tech students. However, some specific certifications or exams involving third-party organizations might require additional payments. Ivy Tech provides information on any extra fees during course registration or orientation​.

9. What type of healthcare facilities benefit from hiring QMA-certified professionals?

Facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers, and long-term care facilities benefit the most from hiring QMAs. In these settings, the ability to safely administer medications is critical to patient care, and QMAs help relieve some workload from nurses by managing routine medication tasks​.

10. Can students take these certification exams virtually if they live outside Indiana?

Yes, Ivy Tech allows students to take certification exams remotely through virtual proctoring services. This flexibility ensures that even students residing outside Indiana can pursue certifications without the need to travel. SmarterProctoring’s online platform helps maintain the same level of exam security as in-person testing​.

Conclusion

Ivy Tech Community College’s CNA, QMA, and insulin administration certifications are designed to prepare healthcare professionals for essential roles in patient care. By offering both in-person and virtual learning and testing options, the college ensures accessibility and flexibility for students. These programs provide critical skills that enhance patient outcomes in long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings, helping meet the growing demand for trained professionals in the healthcare industry.