CNA-certified medication aide, or MA

[Lacieski]

So I am SUPER confused on what I want to do. I don't know much about the MA or what the jobs duties detail. But the CNA is just a certified care giver and I was a care giver for a while so I am 100% positive I can pass the test. While I was a care giver, I was a delegated Medications aide. I am also thinking about getting certified for that after I get the cna. I am in The Woodlands area of TX, and I am not sure what the pay range is out here. I am going to go to a school in Houston, If I can figure out that it is I want to be lol

Any help would be much appreciated

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I am both an MA and CNA. An MA is literally the doctors assistant. Depending where you do your program and or work, you can be Certified Clinical Medical Assistant or a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant. I believe it is called that, I could be a bit off on the wording but the program I trained years ago were combined. I learned both front and back office work. Front office is generally verifying insurance, collecting copays, pulling charts, etc. Back office is prepping patients for exams, taking vitals, weight, height, etc. Hope this gives you enough information. Just make sure if you choose to do get your. CMA that it is from an accrediting body such as the AAMA, NHA, etc.

[Lacieski]

Thank you.

I really think the CNA is more for me. I dont really like the whole pulling charts and insurance deal. lol I am more of a hands on person I like to help and have the same people, get to know people. =)

Do you know, If I get IV certified and as a CNA would I ever be able to put that to use?

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

Well as an MA there is patient care too. Just without the CNA skills such as dressing, bathing, etc. It also depends were you work also. Being MA has a wide range of choices but most positions are doctor's office based although there are hospital jobs available and some retirement homes (depends on area you live and need).

I'm not sure about the IV certified thing for CNA, I think that goes by state. I live in FL and I haven't heard of that for CNA's only for LPN's and RN's.

[yorkieluv]

Pass all that go for RN if you possibly can.

[Lacieski]

That’s too hard for me to do right now. I am also worried I would not be able to do the whole RN classes then that’s so much money wasted. I think I need to do all this in steps, so it will be a confidence builder. I talked to another school last night. Very helpful! I am going to get my CNA if I want to get my Med aide after or my MA They will help me do that too. If I do the MA they will mark down the price.

[Lacieski]

I called around to all the nursing homes and rehabs, Even if I was to get that, they wouldnt let me because only the RNs are allowed to do it. So it would just be a waste of money. =/ altho If I do the MA later on, They will teach me lol

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

I guess that is because with the MA program you learn Pharmacology. So that may have something to do with it.

[mvm2]

yeah I don't know too many CNAs that need and do Med Passes, so I can see the med training as something of a waiste of time and money. Especially if you dont think you are going into any lpn/rn studies. I work for Home Care as a CNA, and I do give my clients their meds, but they have to be in those weekly cases and either a family member or a nurse has to do the filling.

[trew1020]

I am headed to MA school I took a CNA class and for the work the pay is a little low. As for a MA you less work for a higher wage. I think to each is own. Whatever makes that person happy. They both are stepping stones towards a long term goal. Good luck.