Education

MAT Program

Medication Administration Training (MAT) Course

MAT is a competency-based course and must be taught by an approved MAT Trainer. A written test of 20 questions, a randomized skills demonstration, an EpiPen® demonstration and a liquid measurement demonstration must be successfully completed before certification can be issued. The MAT class (content and practice) lasts approximately eight hours. However, since participants are given two opportunities to pass each competency, class time may need to be extended in order to accommodate testing and re-testing.

Become a trainer

Providers have three options for completing the MAT course:

  • Classroom-Based: providers may choose to complete the MAT Course entirely in a classroom setting with an approved MAT Trainer. Providers must attend the entire training and successfully pass the written test and skills demonstration competencies. Class size for the classroom-based MAT Course is limited to eight participants.
  • Independent Study: providers may choose to complete the MAT Course by independent study. The MAT Independent Study Course is comprised of two parts. Part 1 is an online, self-paced review of the MAT Course content using handouts, video segments and independent exercises. Part 2 consists of hands-on practice time and testing with an approved MAT Trainer in a classroom setting. Providers must successfully pass the written test and skills demonstration competencies. Class size for Part 2 of the MAT Independent Study Course is limited to eight participants.
  • MAT First Renewal: a streamlined course that enables MAT-certified providers to renew their certification with minimum classroom time. Part 1 is taken online and includes all the MAT videos (for optional review) as well as the required MAT First Renewal online test. Part 2 consists of performing the EpiPen®, liquid measurement and randomized skill demonstration graded activities with an approved MAT Trainer.

Purpose of the MAT Course:

The MAT Course certifies providers or staff in child day programs and accredited private schools to administer medications in a child care setting using six routes: oral, topical, inhaled, eye, ear and emergency injection of epinephrine using an auto-injector device.

Who Must Attend MAT?

The Code of Virginia (§54.1-3408) states that providers or staff members who work in licensed or regulated child day programs and who administer prescription medication must satisfactorily complete the MAT Course. The regulations for licensed child day centers and family day homes contain a standard that goes beyond the requirements of the law and require medication administration training for anyone who administers prescription AND non-prescription medication. During 2013, the Code of Virginia was revised to include individuals who work in private schools accredited by the Virginia Council for Private Education to the list of individuals who must successfully complete the MAT Course prior to administering prescription medication to children. Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3408 provides more information on this requirement.

MAT Course Requirements:

To attend a MAT Course, a child care provider or employee of the program must be:

  • at least 18 years of age
  • able to read, write and comprehend in the English language
  • have current first aid certification that includes a hands-on component
  • have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification that includes a hands-on component

Recertification:

The MAT certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. The child care provider or staff member must be recertified before the expiration date to continue to administer medications to children in a child day program.

Additional Courses:

  • AMAT Course (Allergy and Anaphylaxis Medication Administration Training)
  • MAT EpiPen® Course
  • MAT Diabetes Course
  • MAT Epilepsy Course
  • MAT Rectal Medications Course (online-only)
  • MAT Auvi-Q Course (online-only)

Questions About MAT:

For more information about MAT, please visit the MAT Program website. If you have a question about MAT training, including the MAT Curriculum, MAT procedures/processes, available courses, MAT recertification, training certificates, approved MAT Trainers, etc., please submit your request through the MAT Customer Service system.

If you have a licensing-related question about the MAT Courses, or a question about implementing information learned in a MAT Course in your facility/home, please contact your licensing representative. MAT teaches best practices, which might differ from what is required or expected by your program regulation or guidelines.

MAT Trainers

How to Become a MAT Trainer

Who can become a MAT trainer?

According to the Code of Virginia, trainer applicants must have a current, valid Virginia license as an RN, LPN, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical or osteopathic doctor, or pharmacist. Additionally, applicants must have documented evidence of experience in teaching adult learners, knowledge of the child care population and/or experience in working with adults employed in the child care environment.

What do MAT Trainers do?

Becoming a MAT Trainer requires time, effort and a financial commitment. MAT Trainers must:
• Present the approved MAT Curriculum exactly as it is
written, without additions or omissions
• Stay current with curriculum revisions and revised
materials
• Comply with all standards, policies and procedures set
forth by the MAT Program
• Facilitate MAT Program classes, test participants’
knowledge and assess participants’ competency in skills
demonstration
• Maintain a training kit and distribute all necessary
handouts and related materials to training participants
• Advertise trainings and handle own scheduling
• Respond to requests from child care providers and
programs in a timely, professional manner
• Maintain appropriate communication with the MAT
Program Office
• Submit training data, by data entry, within 2 days for
each training facilitated
• Locate training sites; arrange for appropriate room set
up and equipment
• Meet specific requirements in order to renew MAT
Trainer Certification every 3 years

Who must take the MAT training?

The Code of Virginia (§54.1-3408) states that child care providers who work in licensed and regulated day programs must successfully complete the appropriate Board of Nursing approved MAT course. For complete information about the courses available in the MAT Curriculum and what they cover, please visit the MAT Program website at mat.medhomeplus.org and review the MAT Courses tab.

During 2013, the Code of Virginia was revised to include individuals who work in private schools accredited by the Virginia Council for Private Education to the list of individuals who must successfully complete the MAT course prior to administering prescription medication to children. Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3408 provides more information on this requirement.

How do I become a MAT Trainer?

You must first submit a signed application, three signed letters of reference (professional) and a current resume to the MAT Program Office at Medical Home Plus (MHP). Please submit your application and supporting documents by email to support@mat.freshdesk.com or by fax to 804-330-5032. We will contact you after reviewing your application to let you know if you have been approved. If your application is approved, you must attend and
successfully complete, and pass, a two-day MAT Training of Trainers (TOT) Course.

How much does the MAT TOT cost?

Upon application approval and confirmation of a reserved spot in an upcoming MAT TOT Course, the MAT Program Office will send the approved applicant an electronic, non-refundable invoice for $300.00. This invoice must be paid within 48 hours, or the spot will be offered to the next approved applicant on the waiting list. This cost covers the weekend training and all materials needed, but does not cover travel, lodging or meal expenses. Additionally, new MAT Trainers must assemble a training kit, which can cost between $400-$600.