While waiting for LPN, do MA or CNA? HELP

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hello. I would like to get some opinions here.... Please help me decide what to do. I will be an LPN, just not sure when. I am hanging onto the article posted regarding NAPNES and RUE Ed. forming an LPN online program that allows nurse assts and other non-licensees to complete therory portions online and do clinicals at the hosptial. Rue had little info to give me on the phone because the program is still being developed. The article states it will be ready summer or fall, but who knows..... So, how the article is stated, it says "for nursing aids, medication tech and other unlicensed assistive personal who wish to become LPN's"....... so it looks like they want you to have a medical assisting background of some sort. I am a dental assistant and have been for 14 years now, but I am thinking of either doing the CNA class in case that it is indeed required to get into this online program...... I am also considering an MA program that will allow me to sit for the cert. exam. I think these MA schools are outrageously priced, so upon deep digging, I was able to find out that Penn Fosters Med office asst program will allow you to sit for the RMA. All in all, it will be a little over 700.00. Not bad. and if it is a while until the LPN comes through for me, I can do MA work as I have done DA. Basically, in the meantime, I am trying to see what makes more sence; MA or CNA. Please help. I hope I did not lose anyone in my long posting:redpinkhe Here is the artile I was refering to:

http://www.nursinglink.com/education/3040-rue-napnes-collaborate-on-distance-learning-nurse-aides-to-lpns

Thanks a million for your input!:clown:

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Specializes in Onco, palliative care, PCU, HH, hospice.

Either path is good in the sense that it will provide you with hands on experience which is invaluable. However, as a CMA you'll be working in clinics or private offices and scheduling may be an issue as you continue your education whereas a CNA you can work in LTC or a hospital where schedules tend to be more flexible as you go back to school.

CMA programs also tend to be lengthier as opposed to CNA programs so you're wanting to go with the path that will get you in a clinical setting faster you may be better off doing a CNA program.

Best of luck with your decision!

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To be eligible to sit for the RMA thru the AMT(go to AMT website) you have to have worked as an MA for a min. of time and have medical references. CNA is the route you need to go. Best experience you can get for becoming an LPN!

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To be eligible to sit for the RMA thru the AMT(go to AMT website) you have to have worked as an MA for a min. of time and have medical references. CNA is the route you need to go. Best experience you can get for becoming an LPN!

Hi there! Actually, Penn Foster is approved with AMT that after a clinical work extern of 200 hours (through the training program), you can sit for it. It is in their literature and on their (penns) website. I also called AMT to verify. But yes, I was thinking CNA would be better experience.... Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I think that the CNA experience is the better route, because many MAs graduate, even get certified, but have a hard, hard time getting a job. CNAs fare a bit better from what I have seen. Plus, you can take additional classes in EKG and phlebotomy for cheaper. Best of luck to you!

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I think that the CNA experience is the better route, because many MAs graduate, even get certified, but have a hard, hard time getting a job. CNAs fare a bit better from what I have seen. Plus, you can take additional classes in EKG and phlebotomy for cheaper. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for your :twocents:!! I am leaning NA for sure... Please keep the opinions coming! Thanks so much for your help!:loveya:

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

I completed an MA program 8 years ago, and was never able to find a job. Doctors in my area seem to value experience over the CMA/RMA certificate, so most will not hire a new MA with no practical experience.

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I was confused..I read your post to mean since you were a DA you could sit for the RMA!

Yes, do the NA for sure!

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I was confused..I read your post to mean since you were a DA you could sit for the RMA!

Yes, do the NA for sure!

well, I have definitly decided on NA, not MA. Thanks for the input. Now, here is another question. I am really wanting to do home health. Do you think it would be out of the question for me to get a home health job as a CNA or do they want only experienced? I am sure it varies but on the whole, what do you think?

Have any of you started the CNA route before going on to LPN/RN?

:redbeathe

Thanks again for the input!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
well, I have definitly decided on NA, not MA. Thanks for the input. Now, here is another question. I am really wanting to do home health. Do you think it would be out of the question for me to get a home health job as a CNA or do they want only experienced? I am sure it varies but on the whole, what do you think?

Have any of you started the CNA route before going on to LPN/RN?

:redbeathe

Thanks again for the input!

I don't see you having a problem obtaining a home health position as a CNA. In my area, they had a one day transitional course, so to speak for CNAs to obtain their certification for home health aide, and we were working very shortly afterwards. I don't know how it is for your area, but these days, patients covered by insurance or Medicaid usually only get an aide for a few hours a day; so, many home health aides have had to work several jobs in order to get a day's pay. They usually get minimal wage. Some agencies do what is called 'clusters', where they attempt to get a home health aide several clients in one area for about 2-4 hours per client in order to cut down on carfare for them, but it doesn't always work out that way. Again, it may be different in your locale. Good luck!

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Hi, I hope you don't mind me butting in. DON'T DO THE MA PROGRAM! I went into this program late of last year, The knowledge of injections, patient confidentiality, and blood draws is invaluble. But this schools is costing me 6,000 for something I know I'm not going to get a job in. So now I think I am going to go for CNA because the pay is decent and they offer flexiblity. Don't get me wrong i'm pretty sure there are MA's out there that love there job, its not for me. The MA program though was a good confidence builder for the future. You see alot of gross pictures, learn about some pretty interesting dieases, and you become confortable with patient interaction. But if I had to do all over again I would never had gone to this school!

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I'm glad you asked this question as I was wondering myself - thanks!!

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