Can I work at a clinic?

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hello!

So I've been trying to get a new job for a while now. I was wondering if I can do something at a clinic without any experience/degree? Or does everyone that works at a clinic have to have some sort of degree. I only have my CNA but I really want to try working at a clinic due to bad experiences being an aid. I've been looking for a new job for a loooong time and I can't seem to find anything. Oh and it doesn't have to be direct patient care. Thanks!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Well, whether you CAN work in a clinic and whether you can get HIRED at a clinic are really two different questions. Medical Assistants have largely replaced actual nurses; LPNs are found more frequently than RNs. No degree is required to be an MA, but knowing what to do (experience) is more likely to get you hired than if you were to have no clue and have to be trained to do everything.

As a CNA, you already know how to take VS and simple charting; most clinics this is what you'd be expected to do.....and whatever else they want you to do specifically they could teach you.

The thing is, MAs are a dime a dozen, much like nurses, so whether a clinic would be interested in teaching you what someone else (an MA) already knows how to do is the big question. Maybe....maybe not. Strong work hx, great references, good skill set? Better chance. Been a CNA a short time, short/spotty work hx....not much chance.

[dorkypanda]

What degree is required to work in a clinic?