CNA to Medical Assistant?

[BSW2BSN]

Hello,

I am planning to start CNA classes this Fall which will lead to me being a CNA/GNA by December. Would it be possible for me to take additional classes/training to become a Medical assistant? Or are these two totally different career paths?

I have zero experience working in the medical field and would like to "get my toes wet" to determine if this is something I want to peruse further. Thanks.

[mvm2]

If you want to become a CNA take CNA classes. If you want to become a MA then i'd forget the CNA classes and go for the classes you need to become an MA. There are probably some things such as vitals that both CNAs and MAs will need to learn. But i don't think that taking the CNA classes will help you with credits or anything that you need to be an MA. CNAs and MAs work in different parts of health Care, and their jobs are different. Learning how to make a bed in CNA class will not help you as an MA. I hope I am making sence here.

Now if you want to work as a CNA and see if you want to be a MA later by all means take both classes. But you will have to start all over for your schooling for a MA. You will be ahead in some of the skills such as vitals and such when you do take your MA classes, but being a CNA will not help you get your MA any faster

[pippinbm]

CNA training is nothing compared to MA training. I was in a 4 week class for CNA and have been certified for 13 years. I am now a RMA student. It is an 18 month program in pursuit of an associate's degree. Being a CNA, you will definitely benefit from what you may learn in the facilty you work in...from the nurses and personal experience which will help (it has helped me) but there is nothing formal to carry over such as credits. I chose MA because I know I want to be in the health care field but not 100% sure I want to be a "nurse". Best of luck!