Conflicted on what to pursue?

[meagandporter]

I recently relocated back to California and have decided I'd like to start my education in the medical field. I believe my long term goal would be to be an RN or PA. I'm trying to decide if it is better to start as a MA or an LPN? My only downfall is I have some mild anxiety with needles, but I believe it is something I can overcome. Any suggestions ladies on what path to take?

[RunBabyRN]

I think which initial steps to take depends on your ultimate goal. PAs and RNs have very different scopes of practice and approaches to care. If you were to choose to go the RN route, I would start with your CNA to get your feet wet (rather than MA), and then go right for RN. Some schools in CA, especially BSN programs, are requiring CNA certification prior to starting school now, anyway.

With repetition, you'll get past the needle thing, most likely. You can volunteer for an injection clinic or something along those lines to really get immersed (once you have certification or licensure to administer meds).