Considering becoming a CMA - questions!

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Ok. I live in Texas in the DFW area. I have been doing a lot of research into the CMA program through the accredited programs. It's supposed to be a field that will expand greatly very soon. I also see a lot of job postings on indeed. But I have been hearing contradictory thoughts on it on forums. I'm looking into getting into the healthcare field. I have a BA degree in counseling that I received back in 2000, but that doesn't get me many options and is why I'm looking for a change.

Thoughts? Is a CMA job really that hard to find in my area?

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There are openings but here are some things for you to look at. Can you see yourself being a CMA and only a CMA? Do you want to further your career? If you want to do more than just a CMA someday then I personally wouldn't do it. CMA hours are usually 9-5. School hours. That's what happened to me. I wasn't a CMA I was just cross trained as a MA. I worked in a pediatric office, the pediatrician loved me and said I know you would make a great nurse. So I thought about it and decided to go back to school, but had to leave the job because nursing school is full time day hours. I have my CNA which works great because hours are nights for me and I can work around school. Where I live not many openings for MAs. Good luck to you :)

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Good point MommaTy. Personally I want to be able to become an RN someday. My husband and I are trying to figure out how to make it happen as he doesn't make too much and would not be able to cover all of the expenses on his salary. He isn't sure that we could make it work with me going back to school full time. I'm nervous about how hard it would be to get into the ADN program also. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome! I also looked into the diagnostic sonography program.

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From experience I can tell you If you have any desire to become an RN and think you might go for that and not the MA. I received my MA in 2010 and the jobs are hard to find in my area (KY) and the pay isn't great. Also when I began classes for the RN program beginning with prereqs nothing transferred because the RN classes are much more in depth than the MA classes. Gook luck with whatever you choose!!

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Specializes in Primary Care, OR.

If you already have a BA you might as well get pre-reqs done for nursing and get into an accelerated BSN program. MA is nice to have (healthcare exposure) but really there is no "growth" going on and if there is its only to fill the MA's leaving the field for higher degrees, and the so called "growth" just means that you will spend 13 grand to make 9$/hourly. Don't let those "get off the couch, join a career in healthcare" commercials fool you. Most MA's come out of "for-profit" schools. Good luck!

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Don't do it!! My biggest regret was getting my MA instead of my LVN. It takes about 3 months more but the pay is better and credits transfer. I became an MA about 9yrs ago and now working towards my BSN. Non of my credits that I did for my MA transferred. Don't get me wrong yes I made a better living then fast food but I could have done it smarter. MA's don't get paid anything and they do a lot. Bill Miller's pays more in my area plus no room to move up because there's just so much you can do with that degree unless you go back to school

If you already have a BA like CecixLi said go for an accelerated program. Look into it where you live I'm sure they have it I know UTHSCSA has it. It cuts your school to 15 or 18 months for your BSN. BSN = $25+ an hour plus room to grow.

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Ok so my question then becomes just how hard is it to get into an LVN program in the DFW area? Part of the reason for going into the MA field is because I can go ahead and get going with the program and wouldn't need to take pre-reqs and then worry about getting in after all of that.

I fully understand everyone's thoughts. I've had them myself! I'm really debating between the ma and the lvn. Anymore suggestions or thoughts? I appreciate them all!

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I'm a CMA and I'm currently in school for vocational nurse (almost done with 1st term!). I work in corrections and my job pays really well and I work weekends. I was hired before I finished my program. I enjoy the fact that I work extremely close with nurses and get to see how they do their job. Plus as soon as I graduate and pass neclex I'm already offered a job! Only you can decide what is right for you. My MA program was less than $1,000 at a ROP.

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

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Specializes in ICU.

Seriously, just go for an accelerated BSN if you think you want to be a nurse. You'll be able to get that degree faster than an ADN and maybe even faster than a LVN (not sure how long those programs are). The accelerated BSNs around here for people with previous bachelor's degrees are between 12-18 months, and with your BSN you will be a little more competitive than an ADN or LVN in today's awful job market.

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Specializes in Primary Care, OR.
Don't do it!! My biggest regret was getting my MA instead of my LVN. It takes about 3 months more but the pay is better and credits transfer. I became an MA about 9yrs ago and now working towards my BSN. Non of my credits that I did for my MA transferred. Don't get me wrong yes I made a better living then fast food but I could have done it smarter. MA's don't get paid anything and they do a lot. Bill Miller's pays more in my area plus no room to move up because there's just so much you can do with that degree unless you go back to school

If you already have a BA like CecixLi said go for an accelerated program. Look into it where you live I'm sure they have it I know UTHSCSA has it. It cuts your school to 15 or 18 months for your BSN. BSN = $25+ an hour plus room to grow.

I'm with you 100%, one of my biggest regrets yet biggest asset for nursing. If I could do it all again I would've done it differently. My MA students think I'm crazy when I push them to go into higher fields, because they think "I'll be fine and make money and live well as an MA". I break those rose colored glasses quick! Nowadays it is only a stepping stone until you can climb higher. I only wish I had someone like me around years ago to mentor and guide me instead of me having to walk the line and figure out the big picture myself. Go for BSN OP!! You have most of the credits already (maybe short a few bio classes) don't waste your time doing MA or LVN, it will just be longer and more expensive for you in the end. Almost any program you apply into for nursing will be COMPETITIVE!! LVN or ADN or BSN. Make sure grades are on point and essay is great. MA schools are NOT competitive, there are no pre reqs and they admit anyone with a GED or high school diploma. Sounds easy right?! ...... Take the challenge.

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Specializes in OB.

Like many have said already, if you have a BA already, just go for your BSN. I would not do CMA at all. In my case I got my CNA, worked Mother/Baby while going to school for surgical technology, now working L&D and starting the nursing program in the fall. Also, know that CMA's mostly work in Dr's offices. Not sure if this is what you want or if you are interested in a hospital setting. Good luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am in the DFW area. I completed a medical assisting program back in 2000 and was unable to ever find a job with my training.

I completed an LVN program in 2005, worked as one for a few years, them completed an RN bridge program three years ago.

The MA/CMA is part of the medical model. The LVN and RN licenses are part of the nursing model. If you want to be a nurse, cut to the chase and pursue the nursing model. Good luck to you.

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