Medical Assistant, Medical Biller, CNA, which one do I choose?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am interested in the nursing field but don't know which one to decide. Should I take the classes for medical asst, biller, or cna? Which is more rewarding, makes the most, easier to find a job for?

If anyone also know of a place where they might offer free training in one these.

Thanks!

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Specializes in LTC.

It really depends on what you want to do with your life.

If you want to go further and pursue nursing CNA is your best option. It gives you more experience working in a nursing team doing basic nursing duties.

If you don't want to go on and pursue a nursing degree it depends on what you think you would enjoy. I really don't know much about Medical Assisting or Medical Coding, but I'm assuming job availability and pay varies from state to state.

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If you eventually want to be a nurse CNA is the best but is very hard work and pay is usually not great. CMA and biller are both in demand bt you have to decide if you want hands on clinical work ( CMA) or desk, computer work ( biller). Both pay ok in most states, but there is little room to advance.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical Unit.
i am interested in the nursing field but don't know which one to decide. should i take the classes for medical asst, biller, or cna? which is more rewarding, makes the most, easier to find a job for?

if anyone also know of a place where they might offer free training in one these.

thanks!

as mentioned above, it depends on what you are looking for in a career and which setting. as a cna you will gain a ton of expaierence if you plan on going into nursing, and will have many different work settings to chose from. medical assisting would be great and is usually found in doctors offices and other medical office settings, as well as medical coding. medical coding would be more desk work, medical assisting varying from desk to foot work, and cna work is on your feet ; slow to fast paced. good luck with your choice

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I would do the CNA and medical coding. That is basically what the MA does, anyhow and you'd probably get more opportunities as a CNA working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, maybe home care. Most times, the MAs are limited to the doctor's offices and depending on where you live, those positions are harder to find because they usually want someone with experience. Also, most MA programs are horribly expensive, not always regulated, either; I'd hate to kick out that sort of tuition and still not be able to find a position. Good luck!

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

In my opinion you shouldn't pursue medical assisting or medical biller/coder if you are looking to become a nurse in the future. The for-profit "colleges" that advertise on television make a big deal about the "growing demand for jobs in the medical field" but don't point out how much it costs to get their degree and how little you will be paid afterwards. I have seen outrageous costs for MA programs and MAs get paid quite poorly. Most CNA programs are relatively short and inexpensive. It is a good way for you to get a feel for the nursing profession.

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Specializes in Medical Assistant, LPN.

Well I can tell you that I have been a Certified medical assistant for 4 years now and I love it. But this is what I have found:

Though you may think working as an MA is almost like nursing you are far, far off! Nursing requires much more profenciency than an MA. as an MA working in a clinical setting you can find that you have to be able to do the following:

Vitals, Blood work, Triage, assist the physician, collect samples in some companies for drug and alcohol testing, run a few simple in office quick test like (pregnancy, strep, Mono or flu...etc..) not only that, you are expected to be there to fulfill any wish the Dr. might have as far as patient care goes.

As if this was not enough as an MA you also need office skills, though they have programs for billing and coding, these are already integrated in your MA course, because you also need to run the office, Phone, check in- and out, faxing, filing patient records and charts...etc. It is very fast paced and demanding.

Now as for finding a job...HUMMM I doubt that though they advertise the big demand, that there are really any positions to be filled. CNA is definately the right path to go into nursing in the future, because of the hands on. Don't get me wrong you will get some hands on as an MA, but limited. However you will gain alot of knowledge as far as medication, conditions and deseases also in the treatments given. You can learn alot as an MA, but that is something you will have to choose.

I work in Northern NJ and I have been lucky to work for a very good company in my area. Pay rates go as follows in my area if you are lucky:

MA- $16 to $18 with experience and must be certified

MA $10 to $12 non experienced no certification $12 if you have experience and are lucky.

CNA $7.50 to $9.00 with or without experience

Biller and coder $10 to $11 depending if you have experience

The MA course out here runs you $4,000.00 for 6-8 months

CNA runs about $2,000.00 for 3-6 months

If you want to be a nurse just go right into it, you will not regret it! if you are looking for a quick way out of the same old random retail store then consider the MA/ CNA/ Coder.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. If you do decide to be an MA remember it is important to get CERTIFIED!!! that is where you money is along with your experience.. Good luck in whatever you choose to do..

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

$2000 to become a CNA?? Wow, that is expensive. I am hearing $800 and this is including the phlebotomy and EKG in my area.

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I am interested in the nursing field but don't know which one to decide. Should I take the classes for medical asst, biller, or cna? Which is more rewarding, makes the most, easier to find a job for?

If anyone also know of a place where they might offer free training in one these.

Thanks!

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What state do you live in ? I live in South Florida (Fort lauderdale Metro)

I am a Medical assistant. Alot of my friends have gone on to become reg nurse Practioners. They make mega bucks. Go for the CNA , LPN, Nurse Practioner registered.... then enjoy life.

I live in South Florida and if you dont know a second language you are skewd. The majority of people who make the most money, have the best opportunities over anyone else, can get finanical assistance , and call their own shots...are persons considered a minority who speak a 2 nd language. if you are not considered a minority ..learn a second language anyways...

this will give you better shot at life in general... Hope this helps

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

If you want to go on to be a nurse, go the CNA route. I paid $500 for about a 4-5 week part time course to become a CNA a few years ago. The same school I attended was charging about $10,000 for a year long Medical Assisting program. I started out at $8.50/hr which was actually a couple dollars more than what I was paid working in retail. This was 5 years ago so the pay is better now, I would estimate about at least $9-12 to start for CNAs. MAs have told me that their pay is not much higher, around $11-13/hr. I really don't have a clue about the medical biller job which I think is in a totally different category. CNA is the fastest cheapest way to get into the field and if you want to pursue a nursing degree it is a great experience to have.

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listen to what kat7ap from texas says about pursuing cna if you want to become a nurse...its a better choice of options.

i went on to become a medical assistant and it cux big time, i am stuck in doctor offices and they are not willing to pay you squiggly, and you are stuck there... the md's i have met belittle you and put you down so they can manipulate you into believing you can not do better... and since you are stuck in a doctors office how would you know, whats better ? mc fatter -davie florida offered the course. the school is very proud of this course ( they also have other medical courses)...during ma course they provide you with externship to a clinic.. my advice if you do this arrange for a reputable place to train on your own...otherwise you are stuck with choices the school gives you and they tell you its too bad..if you dont like the choices... when the course is over they are dont with you.. and you still have to pass the certification in order for anyone to consider you employable.... no one hires non-certified medical assisitants... if you choose ma or know anyone tell them to check out ati in fort lauderdale off 62 nd street, their course offers you to pass the rma as part of their program... so you are a registered medical assistant before you leave the course and that makes you much much more employable...than mcfatters course.... ati shows they care more for student...well fare by including this option. after all students do not care whether the teacher or school get credit foer every passing student. students

want to get a job.. something you have to look for.. and you should be looking out for yourself.. hope this helps

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If you want to go into nursing, I would suggest a CNA. MA's work in Dr's offices. Opportunity for going back to school may prove difficult. The jobs are usually less flexable. (difficult to change hours around for classes), also, most nursing schools now require obtaining a CNA anyway. (not sure why , but they do), MA and coaders school cost are rediclous. The price of school is not compairable to what they make.

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