[Imissthefall]

HI!!!
I want to be a nurse, but I also understand there are waits for the schools etc. But what does it take to be a Medical Assistant? I always thought this was just a quick course you could take and I know the pay isn't great but thought around $10-12 /hour. I was thinking about trying that until I got into a nursing school to get some experience etc...but can not seem to find anything about it in Maine, like where to go to school for this this? I am confused? Is a MA just a certificate class or what?? Please help???

Thanks!!!!!

[Imissthefall]

I also meant CNA and found that Maine Medical Center will train you for free. That sounds like a good idea.
Was anyone able to work while in nursing school as a CNA?

[JPine]

CNA training unsually lasts a few months 2 - 4 depending on the program... I think it can even be as short as 6 weeks... You will definitely be able to find work as a CNA. But if you're looking for useful experience for nursing school, I think your best bet is to find work in an acute care setting (hospital).

Medical Assistant programs are usually two year associate degree programs (at SMCC, KVCC and Beal College). I haven't come across any Medical Assistants in a hospital setting. They are usually in Doctor's offices helping with shots, blood draws, vital signs, insurance billing and other stuff.

[JentheRN05]

Lots of people work as a CNA during school, but an MA is a whole different amount of schooling. Including administration/office work which has very little to do with nursing. I would highly suggest doing a CNA if you have to work during school. Gives you a little bit of a feel for nursing and gets you used to working with patients. Just my .02

[Imissthefall]

Thanks you guys! I was getting CNA & MA confused. Thanks for your replies. I think I will try and go for the CNA training and work as a CNA since it make take a long time to get into nursing school, it'll give me an idea of whats to come...

how much to do you think CNA's make per hour? I was guessing arond 10-12$?

[SMK1]

CNA pay depends. In an assistant liveing facility it is usually the lowest, nursing homes you get paid more because you have a harder patient load and more responsibilities. A CNA in the hospital setting is probably the highest paid and out here can make up to 17 dollars/hour after some years of experience.

[whitneyLOL]

Not sure if its of use to you, since you said you meant CNA, but maybe for someone else it will help. I am in school to be an MA, and my school in particular is only 8 months long, and its a diploma program. I thought I'd do it for some basic experience in the medical field before I go into nursing school.

[Imissthefall]

What is the average pay for a CNA in a hospital and are the hours for a CNA similar to nurses? Like 12 hour shifts, do you get paid more for nights/weekends?
TIA!

[JPine]

Originally Posted by Imissthefall

What is the average pay for a CNA in a hospital and are the hours for a CNA similar to nurses? Like 12 hour shifts, do you get paid more for nights/weekends?
TIA!

My friend did per diem CNA work on weekend nights (Fri and Sat) and she made a little over $14.00. She worked at a hospital.

[Imissthefall]

Originally Posted by JPine

My friend did per diem CNA work on weekend nights (Fri and Sat) and she made a little over $14.00. She worked at a hospital.

What does per diem mean?