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.