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Discussion

Inquiry

Hello. I graduated from a Tech school last June (2013) for Medical Assisting. I was certified by the AAMA as a MA, I was also certified as a Phlebotomy Tech and an EKG Tech. I relocated to Indiana and am discovering that MA jobs around here are very few. I am almost 9 months out of school and STILL cannot find a job! I kick myself because the school informed me that my TABE scores were so high I tested right into the LPN program....but fool that I was, I stuck with MA. After my clinicals were completed for school, I realized I actually hated the administrative side of MA work. After reading many, many posts on this site about the difference between LPN and MA....I deeply regret not taking the LPN. I will be 40 this fall, have an 8 year old child and NEED a well paying, regular "office hours" kind of job. There are a LOT of RN and LPN job openings in my area.

Here is my question(s)..... What is the difference in length of education between RN and LPN? Is the difference in wages worth the extra time in school to become a RN? And what are your opinions about what the most "practical" move for me would be at this point? Am I too old to start over?

In a nutshell, I started school in 2009 for Paralegal. Due to unforeseen events, that ended. In Spring 2010 I started school for Massage Therapy. Graduated a year later and was Licensed. Developed Osteoarthritis in my hands and could never do massage. Went back to school in the fall of 2012 for Medical Assisting.....9 months after graduating cannot find a job, but am finding LOTS of openings for LPN and RN.

A little guidance PLEASE!

Thanks everyone.

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    • Featured Replies

    I would strongly suggest reading the Student Forums, both for LPN and RN. In a quick nutshell, one can graduate an LPN program in 10-12 months; it is not a college degree. RN programs are diploma-based (not college) but are rare to find and are 3 years, Associate Degrees in Nursing typically take a year or more of pre-requisite courses prior to the 2-year degree (typically 3 years total); you can also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that is a 4-year college degree (pre-requs rolled into the total 4 years).

    As you can see, there are many options, and there are scope of practices for each license (LPN and RN). You will have to do some research throughout this website before anyone can be of much further help....you will have to narrow it down a bit.

    MAs can find office jobs faster than LPNs or RNs, usually, as they are lower paid and easy to train (no certification is needed, frankly). LPNs most frequently are found in long-term care settings, RN in acute settings, but there is a WIDE range of variables within those statements.

    Goodluck!

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    • Author

    Thank you for your response. I will have to do some homework it seems :)

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    I do have suggestion to you while seeking which avenue you want to take between LPN and Rn. Broaden your horizons a bit: there are labs (independent, doctor's offices and in hospitals), pharmacies, medical insurance companies and schools even willing to hire MA's. Don't just look at the typical doctor's offices. I am sure there is something out there. Temp agencies can be a good start as we'll. as far as an LPN program to an RN program depends on you. Do you want a shorter time or go straight to RN. You can compare the scope of practice to your nurse state board and look up programs to help base your decision to make the best decision that fits you. Also look for full time vs part time. If you need a full time job, like I needed to, look for something part time evenings to support your child. That helped me make a decision to choose my LPN program. It is part time evening and weekends for clinical. It is intense but fits my schedule. Best of luck to you.

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