Medication Administration

Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Are the dates offered in the training flyer and on the web site the only dates that would be available for training?

A:  Why, No.  You can schedule a training date with our consultant as long as she is available on the date requested and there are at least four people signed up to take the class.  If an on-site location does not meet the qualifications for training space, the class can be scheduled at Child Care Solutions if a training room is available.

Q:  Do I have to have CPR and First Aid before I can take the MAT?

A:  No.  To give medication in child care settings starting on April 1st you will have to have all three, but you can take them in any order.

Q:  Do I have to have a specific CPR course?

A:  You must show that you have CPR certification for the ages of children you actually care for.  If you only care for children below age 8 you can use Infant/Child CPR.  If some of the children you care for are 9 and older, you need Community CPR.  This covers CPR for all ages.

Q:  I heard there are tests in the MAT.  Is this true?

A:  Yes.  There is a test at the end of the training on material just covered.  You must also do a demonstration that shows you know what to do.  You must pass these.  You can use your booklet, any handouts and trainer assistance to get through the testing process.

Q:  What happens if I fail them?

A:  If you fail one of those tests, you can take another version of it.  The classes are very small so instructors will be able to work with you.  If you are not able to pass the tests, you will not receive certification to give medications.  However, you will still receive training credit for the time you attended the course.  You can use these training hours toward your next renewal.

Q:  Could I lose my license or registration if I don't pass the tests?

A:  No. The MAT certification is not required for your license or registration.  The instructors are private nurses who are contracting with us to provide the training.  They are required to send the names of people who have earned certification to the state, but they don't send in names of people who took the course but did not earn certification.

Q:  We have a nurse we know who is willing to do the Medications Administration Training for our staff.  How can she become a MAT trainer?

A:  Nurses who would like to become MAT trainers must call SUNY Training Strategies Group at (518) 443-5940 and ask to enroll in the "Training of Trainers" class.  The next one in Syracuse is scheduled for mid March.  You should know that these classes have very limited enrollment, and that enrollment is not on a first come, first served basis; there is a system to prioritize enrollment.  It is possible that your nurse may not be able to get into the class or, if she does get in, she may be bumped from the class before it actually takes place.  The best source of information on this is SUNY.

Q:  If I can't get everything done by the deadline will there ever be any other training?

A:  Yes.  MAT sessions will continue on a regular basis because new people are always coming into the child care field.  Also some programs and providers who thought at first that they didn't want to give medications may change their minds and decide to take the MAT training.  We will be keeping track of the number of people who tell us they want or need this training and will arrange to offer courses so they can get what they need.