[NicInNC]

Originally Posted by Strandysmommy

Oh no, see I know what they do. I've asked around and such, and I hear that in a clinical setting they'll take CMA's or LPN's. I was just wondering if I wanted to work in a clinic, if I were up against a CMA, as an LPN I wonder if I'd get the job?

I am not going for my CMA though, mind you. I am starting the LPN program at St. Paul Tech in the fall. I don't, however, have any desire to work in a nursing home or LTC. I know it seems that it's a touchy subject when it comes to that, but I know I work better with kids. I really would like to work in a clinc, and I figure that since I have a degree in phlebotomy that would help me a little. I could also take a continuing ed. class in x-ray, if I had the money! No, I was just wanting to get an opinion from the LPN side of things. (Since I have already heard about CMA's up the wazoo. And, as a matter of fact, I had this woman who was recruting tell me that CMA's can write prescriptions.) I'll give her the benifit of the doubt and assume she was talking about Physicians Assistants.

BTW, how long was your phlebotomy class? My school doesn't offer it and I don't know of one around here that does. I guess I need to ask my advisor. I'd like to take a phlebotomy course though.

[2bRn-STAT]

Hey, Im in NC too. Where are you getting your LPN at? Im getting mine at ECPI and then Im going to bridge over to Rn at Durham Technical Comm College. The waiting lists are so long, I had to go this route just to avoid the wait.

[NicInNC]

Originally Posted by Rn-STAT

Hey, Im in NC too. Where are you getting your LPN at? Im getting mine at ECPI and then Im going to bridge over to Rn at Durham Technical Comm College. The waiting lists are so long, I had to go this route just to avoid the wait.

I go to Forsyth Tech. There are RUMORS that there is a waiting list at Forsyth Tech, but that's all it is...rumors. They go by a point system. The more points you have, the sooner you get in. I've heard people say "I've been waiting for 3 years". Well, they also haven't been taking other related courses that they COULD be taking, or they made C's in their classes, therefore only getting one point for that class.

I'm going into the LPN program mainly because I want to hurry up and get out of my house at least a few hours a week. After being home for 7 years, I need a break and work would be a welcome break! I love that I CAN stay home, but now that my kids are in school all day, I'm bored stiff. I'm not the type that can just sit around and do nothing. Plus, the extra money will be nice after living paycheck to paycheck.

Also, if I change to the LPN (my current major is listed as RN), I only need A&P. I've already taken all my other pre-reqs!

[2bRn-STAT]

ok, Im in the same situation you are. Ive got all classes except Micro. But my school actually has a waiting list, no point system. Which I guess makes a fair chance for everyone wanting to enter. It is literally first come first serve. Just no advantage for me which sucks since I have almost all my classes-and good grades.

[NicInNC]

Originally Posted by Rn-STAT

ok, Im in the same situation you are. Ive got all classes except Micro. But my school actually has a waiting list, no point system. Which I guess makes a fair chance for everyone wanting to enter. It is literally first come first serve. Just no advantage for me which sucks since I have almost all my classes-and good grades.

I've also heard that they're doing away with the LPN program at Forsyth Tech. How true that is, I have no idea. I decided to change to LPN a couple months ago, so I haven't had chance to talk to my advisor. I just hope I can get in by next Fall. If they had a Spring class, then I would be able to get in it (assuming I pass A&P and get a good grade), but they only have Fall admission for the LPN program. I wish advising day would hurry up so I can get some answers.

I didn't know that ECPI had an LPN program.

[2bRn-STAT]

Yeah, the one in Raleigh started an Lpn program last year. Durham Tech has one too -with a waiting list of 2 +years. Their Rn program is right at about a 2 year wait. Well-hope you find out soon-Good luck

[kelkel]

Originally Posted by Strandysmommy

I was thinking at first of going for my Medical Assistant degree, since I want to work in a clinic so badly. I heard so much about how LPN's are getting phased out and only CMA's are getting jobs at clinics, and CMA's are higher up than LPN's. This of course coming from recruters from CMA programs. It would seem that the only difference between CMA's and LPN's are the fact that Med Asst's. get training in lab and x-ray. Well, I already am a certified Phlebotomist, and so I have that going. Any of you guys and gals work alongside Med Assts? Anyone work in clinics?

In no way shape or form is a CMA higher than an LPN. LPN's receive much more intensive education. We are to practically know just as much as an RN in a shorter period of educational time. LPN's ARE nurses, sometimes, especially recruiters tend to forget that.

[NicInNC]

Originally Posted by Rn-STAT

Yeah, the one in Raleigh started an Lpn program last year. Durham Tech has one too -with a waiting list of 2 +years. Their Rn program is right at about a 2 year wait. Well-hope you find out soon-Good luck

Hey again! I had an appointment today with my advisor to pre-register for my classes and she said that they are NOT going to do away with the LPN class. There are so many demands for LPN's in LTC and Private doctor offices that it would be stupid for them to. She said there are so many rumors that have been going around for years and are in no way true.

So, I think I'll be switching to the LPN program. I want to hurry up and become a nurse and get out working!

[pixie-dust37]

I totally regret going to MA school. I spent a year in the CMA program (same length as most LPN programs), and I can only work in clinics and dr. offices. It was a total waste of my time. Hospitals, LTC, or anything else for that matter do not hire CMA's. And none of my credits transfer to any LPN or RN program, so I am starting out from scratch. Being a CMA really limits where you can work.

[SOUTHERNINAK]

Here in Alaska our hospital is thinking about putting CMA's in the Urgent care center with the LPN'S and half of the LPN's want to quit because the management team want the pay to be equal.They have put us in the same category. I wouldn't mind if the work were equal but it will not be. Most of us are in the LPN to RN programs and the CMA's have an attitude like they are better than the LPN's. I bet it's because of the recruiters here also.

I worked in a clinic setting where I was the only LPN with all CMA's and I was asked for help all the time for things they did not understand or had no idea how to do/or why they were doing them.