CMA or RN???

Published

I am currently a CNA. I am enrolled in the ADN program at the local community college and am in my first semester. But I'm already having doubts... I've always had my heart set out on a clinical setting because I like the hours or working Mon-Fri, no weekends/holidays. However, I still have my heart towards nursing. Lately I have been seriously considering the Medical Assistant program instead. Again, I like the hours and schooling isn't very long. BUT, my other concern is salary. I know there is a fairly big difference in salary. Truthfully that's not my main concern right now though. I guess I'm just looking for someones input! As a new college student I have all these questions and concerns. I would really like someone to help push me in the right direction! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not just the salary but the jobs are different too. A nurse is licensed and holds a much larger scope and responsibility then a CMA. With more education comes more accountability and salary usually.

Even though it's tough to not choose a job based on salary in the current US economy, you really shouldn't get into nursing because you've heard it pays well. I've known people who have done this and they burn out much faster and or have made poor nurses due to their lack of interest in the profession.

I know some people see nursing as "just a job", but I believe to do and see the things in our line of work you need to see nursing as so much more then a pay check.

And both CMAs and nurses work very hard for every cent they earn (search this forum using keywords such as "typical shift in LTC" or "new grad in medsurg, HELP!")

I suggest shadowing a CMA or nurse at a local LTC or hospital to get a feel of which (if either) job you much want to pursue.

Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Primary Care.

What about LPN? (Sorry I know that is not the choices you gave) The pay is more than MA but not as well as RN. I work in an office setting. I have more responsibility than MAs and I have the great schedule you are asking for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are really comparing apples to oranges here. An MA is basically a secretary who does blood draws and a few other easily taught things. In terms of education, salary, responsibility, there is no comparison between the two.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.
You are really comparing apples to oranges here. An MA is basically a secretary who does blood draws and a few other easily taught things. In terms of education salary, responsibility, there is no comparison between the two.[/quote']

This isn't completely true. MA's aren't secretaries by any means. MA has both administrative skills and clinical skills. Administrative ranges from checking in patients at the front desk to handling the day to day front office duties in the doctors office. The clinical aspect ranges from blood draws, injections, taking vital signs to assisting the doctor in a physical exam.

To the OP, I'm both a CMA and a CNA. I'm starting a PN program in a couple weeks. As an earlier poster suggested shadowing may be your best option. Also, do your research. MA's have a range of skills but your not always guaranteed a typical '9-5' this varies for the office you may work for and how busy the practice is. You can go in really early and leave pretty late. As an RN it's more responsibility, more pay, and more than likely no where close to the schedule you want unless you work in an corporate office setting like an insurance company or even a pharmacy. The point is, do what suits you best. Nursing is hard work and if that is what you truly want, go for it. Being an MA isn't easy either but it isn't as rigorous as nursing school. I loved the skills I learned as an MA and I'm glad it gave me the push to become a nurse. Best wishes for whatever you choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What about LPN? (Sorry I know that is not the choices you gave) The pay is more than MA but not as well as RN. I work in an office setting. I have more responsibility than MAs and I have the great schedule you are asking for.

I agree. As an LPN you can make quite a bit more than a MA and still work in a clinic but, you wouldn't be confined to an office either. There are many places an LPN can work vs a MA. Plus you can transition from an LPN to RN if you still want to go down that road in the future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

If nursing is what you always had in mind then I would do that program. I'm a CMA and have been working in a clinic setting for 3 years. I love it, love the people, love the work, but what I've come to realize is that I still want to do nursing. Not just because of the money(doesn't hurt though!) , but because of the work, helping others, blah blah... Even if you get your CMA and your heart is still in nursing, the CMA will only 'distract' you for so long.

That being said I'm now applying to get my BSN. If I could redo it I would've done my BSN first instead of CMA because its what I truly wanted. I feel like CMA was settling in my dream as a nurse. (note: CMA is a perfectly good career choice! like I said earlier I DO love it!) ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for your RN!!!!! bypass CMA, bypass LVN, you will not regret it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion