Medical Assistant or LPN?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello!

Sorry in advance if this is in the wrong spot.

I've been struggling with making a decision regarding upcoming classes. Currently I am signed up for Medical Assistant classes, however I am interested in going into LPN, and then eventually LPN-BSN bridge program. My ultimate goal is either Forensics RN, or Radiology RN. At the moment, I do not unfortunately have the qualifications for a 4 year BSN program.

I am enrolled at Saint Louis Health College, if I take Medical Assistant, and if it goes well, such as maintaining 75% attendance, and something of a 3.29 GPA or higher, you will be granted a 5k scholarship for the upcoming LPN program in May 2017.

My problem is deciding if I want to go straight into LPN, or go the Medical Assistant route, part of me is not sure if I will like LPN, or if I may or may not be able to handle it, etc. Also the fact it would be extra $$. Especially if I end up not finding work as MA, before LPN program.

Work load is not a bother to me, I like school, and reading, and everything. It's just deciding on making the right decision.. either MA, or LPN.

Just seeing if anyone has any advice or suggestions...greatly appreciate it!

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A lot of MA's end up going back to school due to lack of pay, inability to find work etc. Keep in mind too that your classes from an MA program will not transfer into a nursing program but, an LPN can transition to become an RN. A MA usually can only work in clinics but, an LPN can work in all areas of healthcare. An LPN also makes much more $$ as well. For the same job posting for a clinic advertised as MA or LPN the nurse could make like $5 more an hour. Also, many MA programs are run by for profit schools whereas most LPN programs are run by state run tech schools or community colleges. Someone I know right now is attending an MA program at a for profit school and it'll cost $12k, the LPN program at my local tech school costs around half that. Some may disagree but, most nurses I know wouldn't recommend a MA program. If you are worried you won't like nursing you could take a quick and cheap CNA course to test the waters. Good luck.

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Also with the search function type in MA vs LPN there are a lot of more postings you can look at.

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Oh and also check job postings to see what is utilized more in your area. I just did a quick search on indeed.com to see and in my town there were 68 job postings for an LPN and only 5 job postings for a Medical Assistant.

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Thank You for all the information! it turned out that the LPN program was full at the school I am suppose to be attending, so I ended up signing up for the MA program. My only worry is finding a job after I graduate, after doing a bunch of research lately I notice allot of people tend to have issues finding jobs (as you mentioned) I also was looking up MA jobs on indeed.com and noticed allot of the job's in my area wanted 2-3 years of experience. I guess this is what I get for being so indecisive, and being quick on signing papers/financial aid this week. So I guess I can suck it up, and see what happens..or maybe hope they can transfer me for the LPN may classes. When I was there, they did make it seem that it would be 'easy' to find MA jobs, but all places say that is my bet. Now I have a knot in my stomach, hopefully this will not back fire on me. Unlike LPN, it's not like i can step down and find CNA, or Med Tech work. I'm pretty sure I would need the certification's for both (CNA, and Med Tech) where as LPN, you can pretty much (if needed) work at jobs below LPN (CNA, Med Tech) from my understanding. Thanks again for advice.

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Thank You for all the information! it turned out that the LPN program was full at the school I am suppose to be attending, so I ended up signing up for the MA program. My only worry is finding a job after I graduate, after doing a bunch of research lately I notice allot of people tend to have issues finding jobs (as you mentioned) I also was looking up MA jobs on indeed.com and noticed allot of the job's in my area wanted 2-3 years of experience. I guess this is what I get for being so indecisive, and being quick on signing papers/financial aid this week. So I guess I can suck it up, and see what happens..or maybe hope they can transfer me for the LPN may classes. When I was there, they did make it seem that it would be 'easy' to find MA jobs, but all places say that is my bet. Now I have a knot in my stomach, hopefully this will not back fire on me. Unlike LPN, it's not like i can step down and find CNA, or Med Tech work. I'm pretty sure I would need the certification's for both (CNA, and Med Tech) where as LPN, you can pretty much (if needed) work at jobs below LPN (CNA, Med Tech) from my understanding. Thanks again for advice.

Did you start classes yet? I still think you can back out if you feel you made a bad choice.

I'd call financial aid directly and have them stop all funds from going to your school.

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I start classes on the 11th. Been doing more research on MA and it doesn't sound too bad, if it turns out I can't get MA' jobs there are other options too. My school will certify me for EKG, Phlebotomist, CPR, etc. I see the EKG market is pretty decent in my area.

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I have heard the job prospects for new MA grads are slim pickings. My cousin-in-law has or had her CMA but could never find employment as a MA. She had her X ray certification with it. She wants to go back for nursing now as a result. If I were you, I'd back out and find a CNA program instead till there is a spot open in the LPN program.

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