LPN to Medical Assisting

Medical Assistant's typically work in a physician's office, not usually in an acute care facility (such as nursing homes, hospitals, etc.). A CMA is a Certified Medical Assistant (they take a test to obtain national certification) whereas a RMA is a Registered Medical Assistant (to the best of my knowledge, they are trained and registered but not "tested" or certified).

A CMA holds no actual licensure whereas an LPN or RN does. Just FYI: I am an LPN and started out as a CMA. IMHO your best bet is to go directly for your RN. (You can get your ADN in 2 years. After completeing the 1st year of your RN program, most states will allow you to take the LPN test. That means that while you finish your RN you would be able to practice as an LPN and gain extra experience. The best of both worlds, right?)

I have NEVER seen an MA employed at any nursing home.

If at all possible, please skip the MA/CMA route. It sounds like you want to work in long term care and that is not a realm where CMA's are typically found because they are not trained to assist in these settings. Unless you are going to get your MA training for free, it is not a good idea, because you will have paid money and time for something that isn't going to help much toward your future goal. You will also most likely be starting from scratch when you return to school for a nursing degree. MA credits almost never transfer. Do a lot of research.

Are there any other LPN schools in the area?

There are MAs working in nursing homes in KY. I would suggest going for the RN. You should get way more financial aid that way.

http://kbn.ky.gov/education/nisf/default.htm
The KY BON offers a yearly scholarship for nursing students that you should be eligible for. It's $3000/yr to spend on anything you want.

Also, go to http://www.kheaa.com/ to see if you are eligible for any of the nursing grants or higher ed grants available in KY. There are several, and if you go to a community college, you should not have to take out any private loans.

Is this current school a title IV school? Have you filled out a FAFSA?

Oh- that's the problem, then. If it's not a title IV school, then you aren't eligible for federal financial aid.