What are the prerequisites for enrolling in these courses?
To enroll in Medication Administration Certification courses for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Ohio, there are a few important prerequisites to ensure eligibility. These requirements vary slightly depending on the certification category, but generally, they include the following:
General Prerequisites for All Categories (1, 2, and 3)
- Employment Status:
- You must be an independent provider or be employed by a licensed provider or organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Some training providers may require you to be actively working in a direct care role.
- You must be an independent provider or be employed by a licensed provider or organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Some training providers may require you to be actively working in a direct care role.
- Age Requirement:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Background Check:
- A BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) background check is required. This check must be cleared before starting the certification course. If enrolled in the Rapback program, the background check may be ongoing, and no new check may be necessary for renewal. For some courses, a federal background check may also be required.
- A BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) background check is required. This check must be cleared before starting the certification course. If enrolled in the Rapback program, the background check may be ongoing, and no new check may be necessary for renewal. For some courses, a federal background check may also be required.
- Completion of Required Pre-Training (for Category 2 and 3):
- For Category 2 (e.g., G-Tube medication administration) and Category 3 (e.g., insulin administration), you must have completed Category 1 certification first. This is a prerequisite before enrolling in the more advanced training.
- For Category 2 (e.g., G-Tube medication administration) and Category 3 (e.g., insulin administration), you must have completed Category 1 certification first. This is a prerequisite before enrolling in the more advanced training.
- Skills and Competency Demonstration:
- While not a formal prerequisite before enrolling, you will need to demonstrate competency through skills checks. For initial certification courses, skills must be demonstrated before you can begin administering medications.
- While not a formal prerequisite before enrolling, you will need to demonstrate competency through skills checks. For initial certification courses, skills must be demonstrated before you can begin administering medications.
- Completion of Orientation or Agency-Specific Training:
- Some employers may require that you complete an agency-specific orientation or training program that includes basic medication administration principles before enrolling in formal courses.
- Some employers may require that you complete an agency-specific orientation or training program that includes basic medication administration principles before enrolling in formal courses.
Category-Specific Prerequisites
Category 1 (Basic Medication Administration):
- Prerequisite: None for enrollment, but must be employed by an organization providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Category 2 (G-Tube Administration):
- Prerequisite: Must have completed Category 1 certification before enrolling in Category 2.
Category 3 (Insulin and Injectable Treatments):
- Prerequisite: Must have completed Category 1 and Category 2 certifications before enrolling in Category 3.
Additional Considerations
- Language and Literacy Requirements:
- While most courses do not have formal literacy requirements, the material will be provided in English, and a basic understanding of written English is required for reading course materials and demonstrating competency.
- While most courses do not have formal literacy requirements, the material will be provided in English, and a basic understanding of written English is required for reading course materials and demonstrating competency.
- Technical Requirements (for Online Training):
- If taking online courses, ensure you have access to a computer or device with internet connectivity and can navigate online learning platforms.
- If taking online courses, ensure you have access to a computer or device with internet connectivity and can navigate online learning platforms.
These prerequisites ensure that DSPs are properly prepared to provide safe and effective medication administration. If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is always best to check with the training provider or your employer for guidance.