Medical Assistant or CNA?

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Specializes in LTAC.

Hello.

I am a recent Medical Assistant graduate and I'm starting to think I wasted time going through that program. I did learn a lot and I believe it will prepare me for the Nursing program but, my logic was to get a job making enough money to afford my bills while I went through my nursing curriculum. Every thing I apply for only starts at $9/hr or you have to have years of experience to even make a $12.

I've been considering going back for the four weeks program and becoming a CNA. Can someone enlighten me on their salary and if its easier to find a job after you've completed the course?

I want to get experience in the health care field for my nursing application because I've worked fast food for almost 5 years and that wont help me on my resume!!

Thanks in advance!

Confused in TX.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

CNA pay is going to be around the same thing. If you're already a medical assistant and you're looking for higher pay, CNA shouldn't be your next thought. However, it's very easy to find a job as a CNA.

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I started out as 10.35 for CNA in LTC. I've made as much as 12.50 working at a Hospital as a CNA. So, it depends where you go. CNA jobs are very easy to find, especially in LTC.

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Specializes in LTAC.
CNA pay is going to be around the same thing. If you're already a medical assistant and you're looking for higher pay, CNA shouldn't be your next thought. However, it's very easy to find a job as a CNA.

I know they pay the same but I can't find a job as an MA. I was asking if it is easier to find a job as a CNA not if it pays more ..

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
I know they pay the same but I can't find a job as an MA. I was asking if it is easier to find a job as a CNA not if it pays more ..

And I also said that it's very easy to find a job as a CNA...

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Specializes in LTAC.
I started out as 10.35 for CNA in LTC. I've made as much as 12.50 working at a Hospital as a CNA. So, it depends where you go. CNA jobs are very easy to find, especially in LTC.
Thank you! I wasn't sure if I would be in the same situation as in now with my MA certification. I think I'll go ahead and take the classes
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Specializes in LTAC.

Thank you

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

CNA jobs are more plentiful in many areas. In addition, CNAs are scheduled to work around the clock: 7 to 3pm, 3 to 11pm, 11 to 7am, 7am to 7pm, or 7pm to 7am.

On the other hand, most MA positions are scheduled for daylight hours only.

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Specializes in LTAC.

That is true. Do you think I could get a patient care tech job with my MA license?

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CNA jobs are very easy to get, especially in the nursing home. The pay wont change. But it will help you going to nursing school because of the different shifts. Hospitals offer tuition reimbursement but you need 6 months experience I think. Not completely sure.

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I'm not sure of the rules in TX but here in Utah I work for a home health company that accepts people with MA certs and send them out to homes as CNA's. Not sure if it's just something my company does or if it's all of Utah but maybe it wouldn't hurt to call some of these home health agencies who are always looking for people to work and just ask if they would take your MA cert. If they do that could give you some experience you can use on your resume. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTAC.

Thank you so much !

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