Become a Medication Aide in Texas

• Traditional Initial Route Process Map (PDF)
• Complete MA training: Applicant successfully completes a state-approved medication aide training program (140 hours).
  • All applicants must:
    • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and emotional health to safely administer medications.
    • Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have proof of successfully passing a general educational development test.
    • Be employed in a facility as a nurse aide or non-licensed direct care staff on the first official day of an applicant’s medication aide training program.
  • Have been employed:
    • As a nurse aide in a Medicare-skilled nursing facility or a Medicaid nursing facility, or in a facility for 90 days as non-licensed direct care staff during the 12-month period before the first official day of the applicant’s medication aide training program.
  • All applicants must:
    • Not have a criminal history that HHSC determines is a basis for denying the permit.
    • Not be listed as unemployable on the Texas Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR).
    • Not be listed with a revoked or suspended status on the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).
• Submit application through TULIP: Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and complete an initial MA application. This application should be submitted while the applicant is still in the training program.
  • Complete the following tabs:
    • Personal Information: Name and address.
    • General Statement Enrollment: Provides verification that the applicant meets MA rule requirements and is signed and notarized by applicant.
    • Experience Documentation: Complete information regarding 90 days of employment.
    • Academic and Degree: Provide high school diploma information.
    • Acknowledgement: Acknowledge that the applicant has submitted fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check.
    • Attestation for application.
    • Documents tab: Upload a notarized copy of a high school diploma, Form 5523, Medication Aide Experience Documentation and Form 5534, Medication Aide General Statement Enrollment.
  • Pay the $25 application and exam fee and submit the application.
    • Military service members, veterans or military spouses who want to have the application fee and corresponding license fee waived, see the Fee Waiver for Military Service Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouse section of this page to learn more. The TULIP application cannot be submitted until the fee waiver is approved and the fees are marked as waived.
  • HHSC staff will review the application. If they find deficiencies, they will place the application in Response Required status so the applicant can make corrections.
• Complete FBI-based fingerprinting: Fingerprints for an FBI-based background check through the Department of Public Safety are required. Applicants will be provided with a link to complete the process.
• MA school approval: The school where the training was received is required to submit a roster of individuals approved in TULIP. HHSC staff review and approve the roster.
• Schedule and pass the exams:
  • HHSC staff contact the regional exam proctor to schedule an exam date. The proctor then schedules the exam date with the school.
  • The school notifies the applicant of the exam date.
  • If the applicant passes the exam, the process continues.
  • If the applicant fails the exam, HHSC staff notify the applicant of the failing exam score. HHSC may give an applicant one subsequent examination without additional payment of a fee. A retest examination must be completed by the date given in the failure notification. If the applicant cannot make it to the retest exam after the proctor has scheduled then the applicant must test within 45 days of the original retest exam date. The applicant must submit a request to retest via email to the Medication Aide Program.
• Permit issued: Exams are graded, and students with a passing score are added to TULIP and issued a permit within 30 days of the exam date. HHSC will issue the permit and change the application in TULIP to approved. TULIP will email the applicant.
  • The newly permitted medication aide will print their certificate from TULIP.

• Nursing Students and Nursing Graduates Route Process Map (PDF)
• Requirements:
  • An applicant who is attending or has attended an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirement for issuance of a permit, if the applicant:
    • Attended the nursing school no earlier than Jan. 1 of the year immediately preceding the year of application for a permit.
    • Successfully completed courses at the nursing school that cover HHSC curriculum for a medication aide training program.
    • Submits a statement signed by the nursing school’s administrator or other authorized person, certifying that the applicant completed the courses and is responsible for determining that the nursing school courses cover HHSC curriculum.
  • An applicant who is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirement for issuance of a permit, if the applicant:
    • Provided the date of graduation from the nursing school no earlier than Jan. 1 of the year immediately preceding the year of application for a permit.
    • Provides an official transcript documenting graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
  • All applicants must:
    • Not have a criminal history that HHSC determines is a basis for denying the permit.
    • Not be listed as unemployable on the Texas Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR).
    • Not be listed with a revoked or suspended status on the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).
• Submit application through TULIP: Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and complete a Nursing Graduate and Nursing Student MA Application.
  • Complete the following tabs:
    • Personal Information: Name and address.
    • Nursing School Verification: Name of accredited school and address.
    • Acknowledgement: Acknowledge that the applicant has submitted fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check.
    • Attestation for application.
    • Documents tab:
      • For nursing student, upload official transcript of classes taken and verification of curriculum.
      • For nursing graduate, upload official transcript.
  • Pay the $25 application and exam fee and submit the application.
    • Military service members, veterans or military spouses who want to have the application fee and corresponding license fee waived, see the Fee Waiver for Military Service Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouse section of this page to learn more. The TULIP application cannot be submitted until the fee waiver is approved and the fees are marked as waived.
  • HHSC staff review the application. If they find deficiencies, they will place the application in Response Required status so the applicant can make corrections.
• Complete FBI-based fingerprinting: Fingerprints for an FBI-based background check through the Department of Public Safety are required. Applicants will be provided with a link to complete the process.
• Open book exam: If the applicant is eligible for a permit, HHSC staff will send the applicant a copy of MA rules and an HHSC open book examination via email. The applicant must complete the examination and return it to HHSC by the date given in the Medication Aide Program email notice. TULIP and HHSC staff notify the applicant via email of the examination results. An open-book examination may not be retaken if the applicant fails.
• Schedule and pass the exam: Staff notify the applicant that they are approved to test and notify the proctor to schedule the student for the exam. The proctor notifies the applicant of the scheduled exam date.
• Permit issued: Exams are graded, and applicants with a passing score are added to TULIP and issued a permit within 30 days of the exam date. HHSC staff issue the permit and change the application in TULIP to approved. TULIP will email the applicant.
  • The newly permitted medication aide will print their certificate from TULIP.

• Correctional MA Route Process Map (PDF)
• Requirements:
  • All applicants must:
    • Be employed in a correctional facility or employed by a medical services contractor for a correctional facility on the first day of an applicant’s medication aide training program.
    • Be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and emotional health to safely administer medications.
    • Be a high school graduate or have successfully passed a general educational development test.
    • Complete a TDCJ training and testing program.
  • All applicants must:
    • Not have a criminal history that HHSC determines is a basis for denying the permit.
    • Not be listed as unemployable on the Texas Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR).
    • Not be listed with a revoked or suspended status on the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).
• Submit application through TULIP: Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and complete a Correctional MA application.
  • Complete the following tabs:
    • Personal Information: Name and address.
    • Training School Verification: Name of accredited school and address.
    • Acknowledgement: Acknowledge that the applicant has submitted fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check.
    • Attestation for application.
    • Documents tab: Upload a notarized copy of high school diploma and a Correctional General Enrollment Statement Form (Form 5541), provided by the training program, to verify completion of training.
  • Pay the $15 application fee and submit the application.
    • Military service members, veterans or military spouses who want to have the application fee and corresponding license fee waived, see the Fee Waiver for Military Service Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouse section of this page to learn more. The TULIP application cannot be submitted until the fee waiver is approved and the fees are marked as waived.
  • HHSC staff will review the application. If they find deficiencies, they will place the application in Response Required status so the applicant can make corrections.
• Complete FBI-based fingerprinting: Fingerprints for an FBI-based background check through the Department of Public Safety are required. Applicants will be provided with a link to complete the process.
• Take exam: TDCJ gives a written examination to each applicant at a site determined by them. TDCJ determines grade on training and exam, and notifies HHSC of the applicant’s results. If the applicant fails the exam, HHSC denies the application in TULIP.
• Permit issued: HHSC issues permits to passing applicants within 30 days of the exam date and change the application in TULIP to approved. TULIP will email the applicant.
  • The newly permitted medication aide will print their certificate from TULIP.

• Reciprocity Route Process Map (PDF)
• Requirements:
  • An applicant who holds a valid license, registration, certificate or permit as a medication aide issued by another state whose minimum standards or requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements of a Texas MA, may request a waiver of the training program requirements. Applicant must:
    • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Be free of communicable diseases and in suitable physical and emotional health to safely administer medications.
    • Be a graduate of an accredited high school or have proof of successfully passing a general educational development test.
    • Provide a current copy of the rules of the other state governing its licensing and regulation of medication aides, a copy of the legal authority (law, act, code or other) for the state’s licensing program.
    • Provide a certified copy of the license or certificate for which the reciprocal permit is requested.
  • All applicants must:
    • Not have a criminal history that HHSC determines is a basis for denying the permit.
    • Not be listed as unemployable on the Texas Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR).
    • Not be listed with a revoked or suspended status on the Nurse Aide Registry(NAR).
• Submit application through TULIP: Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and complete a Reciprocity MA application.
  • Complete the following tabs:
    • Personal Information: Name and address.
    • Acknowledgement: Acknowledge that the applicant has submitted fingerprints for an FBI criminal history check, has read the rules, must provide application documentation, must take the exam, and is bound by Texas MA rules.
    • Out-of-state verification: Name of state where permit was issued, permit number, date issued, expiration date.
    • Attestation for application.
    • Documents tab: Upload a certified copy of the license or certificate of the reciprocal permit, a current copy of the state governing licensing rules and a copy of the legal authority for the state’s licensing program.
  • Pay the $25 application and exam fee and submit the application.
    • Military service members, veterans or military spouses who want to have the application fee and corresponding license fee waived, see the Fee Waiver for Military Service Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouse section on this page to learn more. The TULIP application cannot be submitted until the fee waiver is approved and the fees are marked as waived.
  • HHSC staff review the application. If they find deficiencies, they will place the application in Response Required status so the applicant can make corrections.
• Complete FBI-based fingerprinting: Fingerprints for an FBI-based background check through the Department of Public Safety are required. Applicants will be provided with a link to complete the process.
• Open book exam: If the applicant is eligible for a permit, HHSC staff send the applicant a copy of MA rules and an HHSC open book examination via email. The applicant must complete the open book examination and return it to HHSC by the date given in the Medication Aide Program email notice. TULIP and staff notify the applicant via email of the examination results. An open-book examination may not be retaken if the applicant fails.
• Schedule and pass the exam: HHSC staff will notify the applicant via email that they are approved to test and notify the proctor to schedule the student for the exam. Proctor notifies applicant of the scheduled exam date.
• Permit issued: HHSC staff issue the permit and change the application in TULIP to approved. TULIP will email the applicant.
  • The newly permitted medication aide will print their certificate from TULIP.

• Military Service Member or Spouse Route Process Map (PDF)
• Requirements:
  • Applicant must be a military service member stationed in Texas or married to a military service member stationed in Texas. If so, they may work as a medication aide in Texas without obtaining a permit, if the service member or spouse is currently licensed, permitted or registered in good standing by another state and the permitting requirements are substantially equivalent to Texas. Substantially equivalent includes the same education requirements.
• Submit application through TULIP: Log in to TULIP to create an applicant registration and complete a MA Permit for Military Spouse stationed in Texas application, under the Other State Certification Verification tab. Note: TULIP has not been updated to note a military service member. Use this same application for both.
  • Documents tab: Upload permit from other state, proof of the military service member’s or spouse’s residence in Texas, and a copy of applicant’s military identification.
  • Complete FBI-based fingerprinting: Fingerprints for an FBI-based background check through the Department of Public Safety are required. Applicants will be provided with a link to complete the process once the application is submitted and paid in TULIP.
  • HHSC Staff review the application and evaluate the criteria when determining whether another state’s permitting requirements are substantially equivalent to the requirements for a permit in Texas. If they find deficiencies, they will place the application in Response Required status so the applicant can make corrections.
• Permit issued: HHSC staff issue a MA permit. The permit will expire three years from date of issuance or when the military service member is no longer stationed at a military installation in Texas or if the applicant does not maintain active status in the state they are permitted in, whichever comes first. This permit may not be renewed. The applicant will receive an auto reply from TULIP.
  • The newly permitted MA will print their permit from TULIP.
• It is the applicant’s choice whether the applicant pursues a permit through this process or through reciprocity.

Home health MAs are required to have a medication aide permit and must follow one of the identified routes to become permitted.

• Requirements: HHSC waives application fees if applicant submits the following to the Medication Aide Program email:
  • A written request for a waiver.
  • Documentation of military status of service member:
    • A copy of a current military service order issued to the applicant by the armed forces of the U.S., Texas or another state.
    • Documentation of the type and dates of the service, training and education the applicant received, and an explanation as to why the applicant’s military service, training or education substantially meets all of the requirements for licensure under this chapter.
  • Documentation of status as a military veteran:
    • A copy of a military service discharge order issued to the applicant by the armed forces of the U.S., Texas or another state.
  • Documentation of status as a military spouse:
    • A copy of a marriage certificate issued to the applicant by a U.S. state or foreign government.
    • A copy of a current military service order issued to the applicant’s spouse by the armed forces of the U.S., Texas or another state.
  • If HHSC requests additional documentation, the applicant must submit the requested documentation.
  • HHSC approves a request for a waiver of fees submitted in accordance with this subsection if HHSC determines that the applicant is a military service member, military veteran or a military spouse, and that the applicant’s military service, training or education substantially meets all the requirements for licensure for a military service member. Staff will mark application fees waived in TULIP. The TULIP application cannot be submitted until the fee waiver is approved, and the fees are marked as waived.