CNA? MA? similar?

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Please excuse my ignorance, trying to take in as much info as I can (this forum is a God send!!) and get acclimated to this nursing world. I was a stay at home mom for 18 years and then took a few clerical jobs here and there. I'm ready to look into getting an education for myself and secure a stable career. I find that taking care of others is something that calls me. I have a friend who is a CNA, and he suggested I go that route just to get familiar with being around nurses and the environment.

My brain is not swirling with a bazillion questions:

1. Why is it so dang hard to find any schools/programs for CNA? I live in Va Bch and there are plenty of programs advertised for LPN, RN, MA - but I'm struggling to find anything for CNA.

2. I spoke to a MCI rep last week, and he mentioned a Medical Assistant program - is that at allsimilar? The paperwork mentions "National Certification Exam Prep" - just confused if that is CNA certification or something completely different.:confused:

3. I just noticed that Sentara School of Health Professions has a Nursing Aide Program - sheesh!! is that a CNA??!! :banghead:

can you FEEL my frustration? haha!! :chuckle

TIA to any responses

siouXz

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Hi!

I've been wondering what the difference is too. I think a Medical Assistant has clerical duties and other responsibilites. Not sure though.

A CNA is a Certified Nurse Assistant/Aide. Depends on what you want to call it.

Check your state's forum for topics on CNA training. Click the "Regions" tab up at the top of page, click "United States" and find your state. Surely someone there can get you headed in the right direction.

Dondie

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes, a nursing aide program is to be a CNA and it only lasts like 3 months. Medical assisting programs are longer and more expensive, and you can work in doctor's offices and stuff, I think. Nursing homes and home health are all about CNAs. If you plan on going into nursing I would not recommend a med asst program because there is no opportunity for advancement .

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Medical assistants are under the supervision of doctors, usually in their offices. I have yet to see any jobs listed in hospitals in Tampa. CNAs are under the direction of nurses. CNAs/MA can do different things by state. If you want to become a LPN or RN go with CNA!

This link will show you where to go for classes. It is listed by state. http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/nf/credentialing/nar/form_2_states_lst.pdf

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Plus the pay of a MA and CNA is about equal and OMG the cost of the programs are drastically different. MA programs in Tampa are about 12,000 just to make $10-15 an hour. CNA programs are $250-500 to make $10 @ hospitals, $10-12 home health, & $13-15 agencies!

(Those were the prices offered to me. I chose hospital for the benes & tuition assistance for LPN school!)

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thanx guys... good info! ..wink..

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am sure every place is different, but in my town the nursing home will train you and pay for your CNA exam, but you have to sign that you will work for them for x amount of time

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There are two major hospitals in our area that offer CNA training. Sentara Schoool of health Professions & Bon Secours Depaul Medical. Depaul has a new class every 6 weeks, and Sentara, I believe twice a year. Both run around 700.00 to 800.00 and have payment plans. You are eligible to take a state exam in Va once completed. CNAs are state regulated , while MAs are not. You can take a voluntary exam as a medical assistant for professional purposes. From what I have gathered MA work in doctor offices and are trained in clinical and clerical. Cnas can work in assistant living, nursing homes or home health agencies. I am currently in Depaul s program and plan to graduate in March. Goood Luck !

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I graduated from the MCI MA program in Richmond. MA's are different than CNA's. MA's work in doctors offices and do things like vitals, drawing blood, EKGs, Injections, and some clerical work etc. However, I'd say i wasted my time and money b/c i want to work in the nursing field, so if you want to become a LPN/RN in the future, go the CNA route.

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However, I'd say i wasted my time and money b/c i want to work in the nursing field, so if you want to become a LPN/RN in the future, go the CNA route.

Dang, i hate to hear that, i know that course wasn't cheap. that is exactly what i was afraid of. i have decided to go the CNA route and hope to start a course here soon with TCC.

how have you found the job market for MAs?

good luck to you,

siouXz

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If you are looking to get in the "nursing" field, why waste your time, dive right in. I made the mistake of wasting time and money doing my MA, pay was bad for all I did. Did that for six years and started nursing school. I wasted 6 years working as an MA when I could have went to school as an RN. Then again a great CNA is wonderful. As a MA I did what OP said:Blood, ekg's, f/u on labs and x-rays, vitals, etc. CNA's I don't think can do blood and F/u's. Go where your heart is. Good Luck.

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Dang, i hate to hear that, i know that course wasn't cheap. that is exactly what i was afraid of. i have decided to go the CNA route and hope to start a course here soon with TCC.

how have you found the job market for MAs?

good luck to you,

siouXz

Nope, it wasnt cheap at all. Tuition was believe it or not, $23,000, so i reaaally wish i had went the CNA route lol! As far as the job market, its tough b/c everybody wants experienced MA's and the only experience i've had is clincals in school and my externship which was only 180 hours.

I plan to start my CNA soon also :)

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