medical assistant?nursing assistant?

PBAJS · Feb 18, 2005

hi! i'm a new grad, just took the nclex. i applied for ca bon and wish to endorse to ma. meanwhile, i wish to find a job while my license is pending. since i can't become a rn yet without a license, i started looking for jobs such as medical assistant...there are some questions that i would like to ask.
1.what is the difference between medical assistant and nursing assistant?
2.what is a medical secretary?
3.what job would prepare me the most in becoming a rn?
i'm totally clueless...it would be great if someone could give me a hand.
thanks!!

i'm surprised that no one has responded. (btw, thank you for spelling out medical assistant and nursing assistant. :yelclap: i cannot seem to do a 'search' with three letters or less. :banghead: )

here are several several links for you.

>>> medical assistant -

iseek - minnesota internet system

http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100125

u.s. department of labor, occupational outlook handbook -

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm

>>> nursing assistant -

iseek - minnesota internet system

http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100140

u.s. department of labor, occupational outlook handbook -

--- nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos165.htm

u.s. department of labor, occupational outlook handbook -

--- personal and home care aides

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos173.htm

>>> medical secretary -

iseek - minnesota internet system

http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100128

u.s. department of labor, occupational outlook handbook -

secretaries and administrative assistants

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos151.htm

"3.what job would prepare me the most in becoming a rn?"

my turn to be clueless. :confused: :chuckle

pbajs, cna

[color=white].

Fraggle · Feb 20, 2005

Why don't you get a job as a graduate nurse until your license comes through?

A medical assistant gives meds and takes vitals. A nursing assistant (CNA, PC tech, GNA) has to do bed baths, finger sticks, vitals, but no meds.

You've never come across either in your clinicals??

Hi! I'm a new grad, just took the NCLEX. I applied for CA BON and wish to endorse to MA. Meanwhile, I wish to find a job while my license is pending. Since I can't become a RN yet without a license, I started looking for jobs such as medical assistant...There are some questions that I would like to ask.
1.what is the difference between medical assistant and nursing assistant?
2.What is a medical secretary?
3.What job would prepare me the most in becoming a RN?
I'm totally clueless...it would be great if someone could give me a hand.
Thanks!!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2005

I am a medical assistant, now going back to school to become an RN.

From what I have seen, very few hospitals hire medical assistants. (Although it may differ in different areas of the country, or different hospitals.) Most MA's work in Dr's offices.

CNA's work in mostly hospitals, and LTC facilities.

As the above poster said, I'd try to get a job as a GN until you pass the NCLEX. I'm not sure about your state's rules on that.

I would think, for more hospital experience, a CNA position would give you better experience. (Unless you can find a position in a hospital for a MA) That is, if you are wanting hospital work, and not a Dr.'s office.

Good luck to you.

share · Feb 21, 2005

I am a medical assistant, now going back to school to become an RN.
From what I have seen, very few hospitals hire medical assistants. (Although it may differ in different areas of the country, or different hospitals.) Most MA's work in Dr's offices.
CNA's work in mostly hospitals, and LTC facilities.
As the above poster said, I'd try to get a job as a GN until you pass the NCLEX. I'm not sure about your state's rules on that.
I would think, for more hospital experience, a CNA position would give you better experience. (Unless you can find a position in a hospital for a MA) That is, if you are wanting hospital work, and not a Dr.'s office.
Good luck to you.

Thanks guys!! You're advices means a lot!

Well, the thing is that, I can't be a GN for two reasons.

1. I'm already in MA but the license I applied for is CA.

2. I'm a foreign grad, so I heard that it'll takes longer for endorsing licensure paper works to process.

So if I decide to stay in MA first, I'm sort of stuck now.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2005

Thanks guys!! You're advices means a lot!
Well, the thing is that, I can't be a GN for two reasons.
1. I'm already in MA but the license I applied for is CA.
2. I'm a foreign grad, so I heard that it'll takes longer for endorsing licensure paper works to process.
So if I decide to stay in MA first, I'm sort of stuck now.

I'm sure there is a test you can take to become licensed in Maryland as well.

Did you graduate from a USA college? If you graduated, aren't you a Graduated Nurse (GN) no matter what?

Good luck

PBAJS · Feb 21, 2005

originally posted by share

1. i'm already in ma ...

originally posted by fun2care

i'm sure there is a test you can take to become licensed in maryland as well.

??? massachusetts or maryland ???

[color=white].

share · Feb 22, 2005

originally posted by share
1. i'm already in ma ...
originally posted by fun2care
i'm sure there is a test you can take to become licensed in maryland as well.
??? massachusetts or maryland ???
[color=white].

it's massachusetts,and to fun2care, i graduated from a college in taiwan.

i'm a u.s citizen though. thanks:)

chip193 · Feb 22, 2005

Call Professional Credentialing Service in TN. They are the MA Board of Nursing reps for verification of license. They may be able to help you get you MA license before CA finishes their thing.

They were very helpful when I moved my license and are helpful now that my wife is doing the same.

The phone number is 877-U-TRY-PCS.

Good luck!

Chip