Module 1 of 7
Introduction to QMAP & Prerequisites
What Is a QMAP?
A Qualified Medication Administration Person (QMAP) is an unlicensed person who has been trained and tested to administer medications to clients in Colorado residential and community-based care settings.
QMAP certification through Anchor Care Consulting is a three-step process:
- CO.TRAIN Preparatory Course (Free) — Complete the CDPHE prep course on CO.TRAIN before beginning class. This is a mandatory prerequisite, not the actual QMAP course. Instructions are in your enrollment email.
- This Self-Paced Online Course (6–8 hours) — Work through all 7 modules at your own pace, available 24/7. Your progress saves automatically. This course covers the Day 1 curriculum.
- Virtual Video Testing Class (4-Hour Live Session) — After completing the online course, attend the live virtual video session. This replaces Day 2 of the standard class and includes hands-on practicum demonstration, course review, written electronic testing, and practicum verbalization/demonstration testing. Offered online per CDPHE waiver.
Once all three steps are completed, you will be registered on the State of Colorado QMAP database as a certified QMAP — authorized to legally administer medications to clients under the supervision of a licensed agency.
QMAP Prerequisites
To attend QMAP training and sit for testing, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to understand, follow, and communicate verbal and written instructions in English with competency
- Pass a criminal background check once hired by a care provider as a QMAP
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID on the day of training and testing
- Complete the TRAIN.org QMAP preparatory course before attending class (see below)
Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP) Online Preparatory Training
This free CDPHE course on CO.TRAIN must be completed before attending the Anchor Care Consulting QMAP class. The Prep Course is a prerequisite only — it is not the actual QMAP course.
Step 1 — Create Your CO.TRAIN Account
- Go to www.train.org/colorado
- Click the link to Create an Account
- Enter a login name, password, email address, name, time zone, and zip code
- Agree to the TRAIN Policies and select "Create Account"
- If prompted about a redirect, click GO
Step 2 — Complete Your Profile
⚠ Your account is NOT complete until your profile is filled out. You cannot take any training until it is complete.
- Top-right corner → select your name → Your Profile
- Fill out any field marked with a red exclamation mark
- Manage Groups: Click the blue EDIT button. Select a discipline or "No Discipline." Confirm selections twice.
- Organization: Enter N/A in any field that doesn't apply
- Professional Role / Work Settings: Select what fits best, or choose OTHER
- Click SAVE in the top-right corner
Step 3 — Find & Take the QMAP Course
- Log in at www.train.org
- Click the search box in the upper-right corner (under the state logo)
- Type QMAP and press Enter
- Click the QMAP Preparatory Course name in the results
- Press the green "Launch" button to begin
- Save or print your completion certificate — you will need it
Or go directly to the course:
🔗 Go Directly to QMAP Prep Course →Source: CO.TRAIN Instructions provided by Tonie Miller, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
QMAP Scope of Practice — What CAN a QMAP Do?
QMAPs are the eyes and ears of primary medical providers. You will assist clients with their daily medications and report any concerns to your supervising agency. A QMAP may:
- Monitor – Watch a client self-administer their own medications (does not include opening a container)
- Administer – Open a medication container and provide the medication to the client (begins when a QMAP opens the container)
- Administer medications via all approved routes (oral, topical, eye, ear, nose, sublingual, inhaled, rectal, vaginal, patches)
- Administer an epi-pen in an emergency, only with completion of an anaphylaxis training program as authorized under §25-47-103, C.R.S.
- Observe and report unusual occurrences, side effects, and unsafe conditions
What a QMAP CANNOT Do
- Administer medications through a G-tube, IV port, or injection
- Perform blood glucose/finger stick checks (unless additional specialized training is received per facility waiver)
- Administer psychotropic medications on a PRN (as-needed) basis
- Take telephone orders from a physician (unless taken by an agency RN and signed)
- Cut, crush, split, or open capsules without a written order from an authorized practitioner
Who Do QMAPs Serve?
QMAPs serve clients in Colorado who are considered Special and Vulnerable Populations. 100% of people you assist with medications will have impairments in some or all of the following areas:
- Cognitive — memory, reasoning, decision-making
- Mental — psychiatric or psychological conditions
- Physical — mobility, coordination, strength
These impairments are usually permanent and require long-term, compassionate support. Your role is critical to the health and safety of this population.
Important Terminology
| Acronym / Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QMAP | Qualified Medication Administration Person |
| CDPHE | Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment |
| HCPF | Health Care Policy & Financing |
| HCBS | Home and Community Based Services |
| MAR | Medication Administration Record |
| MANE | Mistreatment, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation |
| ALR | Assisted Living Residence |
| RCF | Residential Care Facility |
| IDD | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities |
| QM | Qualified Manager |
| RN / LPN | Registered / Licensed Practical Nurse |
| GT / JT / NGT | Gastrostomy / Jejunostomy / Nasogastric Tube |
Pre-Class Preparation
Before attending the hands-on class, you should complete approximately 3½ hours of preparatory online study. Anchor Care Consulting recommends reviewing online educational videos covering:
- Infection control and hand washing
- Routes of medication administration (oral, sublingual, transdermal, inhalers, nasal, eye, ear drops)
- Medication pass procedures
Review the online links in your Student Study Guide for specific recommended videos.
📝 Module 1 Quiz
Answer all 6 questions. You need 85% or higher to complete this module.