Providers have three options for completing the MAT course:
- Classroom-based – providers may choose to complete the MAT course in a classroom setting with an approved MAT Trainer. Providers must attend the entire training and successfully pass the written and skills 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 is comprised of two parts. Part 1 is a self-paced, online review of the MAT course content using MAT course handouts, video segments and independent exercises. Part 2 consists of hands-on practice time and testing with an approved MAT Trainer. Providers must successfully pass the written and skills competencies. Class size for Part 2 of the MAT Independent Study course is limited to eight participants.
- MAT 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 Renewal Quiz. 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 prescription medication 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 the MAT course or to participate in the MAT Independent Study, 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 medication to children in a child day program.
Additional Courses
- EpiPen® Training (EPEN)
- Emergency Medication Administration Training (EMAT)
- MAT Administration of Emergency Rectal Medications in Child Care Programs
- Epilepsy Course
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 content, MAT procedures/processes, courses available, MAT recertification, MAT/EMAT training certificates, approved MAT trainers, etc., please submit a question through the MAT Customer Service system.
If you have a licensing-related question about MAT, MAT IS, EMAT or any other topic, or a question about implementing information learned in the MAT, MAT IS or EMAT class 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, guidelines, and/or policies and procedures.
