Functions of a Medication Technician - Essay Example

Medication technicians are also referred to as medication aides, medication assistants, certified residential care medication aides, medication assistive person, registered medication aide, medication aide credentialed, qualified medication aide, etc. The duties of medication aides are determined according to the medical practice act of every state. It is not required for medical assistants working under the direct supervision of a physician to become medication technicians in order to be able to administer medication.

Functions of a Medication Technician

A medication technician is involved in distributing and administering medications to patients. They usually work under doctoral supervision. They assist patients in consuming medications topically, orally, or intravenously. They are required to follow strict medical protocol and administer correct dosages in the right manner. They are also required to supervise patients to make sure that no adverse reactions are occurring. The complete medication history and medication records of patients have to be maintained by medication technicians for each medication that has been administered (Durgin and Hanan, 2004). A medication technician is required to know the proper methodology of administering all kinds of medications, whether they are administered topically, orally, intravenously, vaginally, rectally, or transdermally. They should also possess knowledge of medication administration through nebulizers, inhalers, and tubes. 

Basic Requirements

Medication technicians administering medications to patients should be free of communicable infections such as sore throat, cold or open lesions (Durgin and Hanan, 2004). This requirement is of importance, both for the drug administrator and the patient. Patients are often susceptible to acquiring nosocomial infections as they are weak and because their immune system could be compromised because of radiation therapy, surgery, and other such procedures in addition to other reasons such as disease, malnutrition, or aging.