MA or LPN?

[ga_peach_babi]

I've been waiting to get into the medical field for a while now. I was a CNA back in Tx, but moved back to GA a few weeks ago.

I've been wondering if it would be more worth while to go to school to be a MA or a LPN. I'm not worried about how much one makes over the other.

I know that most MA work in Dr.'s offices and LPN can work there too, but LPN's have more options (i.e. LTC, Nursing Facilities, etc.)

Where I want to go to school, the programs are the same length.

I was just looking for some outside advice before I make a final decision.

Thanks in advance,

Laura

[Nursinginmyfuture]

Well, I was asking myself the same question I have an application for Atlanta Technical College for MA even though I really wanted to do the LPN Program but the LPN Program at ATC was on a one year Wait List and I figured since I've been out of work for about a year I could not wait for 1 year to go to nursing school. So I went for the MA program I start on September 30th. But I want to transfer into the LPN Program next year I'll talk to the admissions office about that.

[ga_peach_babi]

That's my whole problem. The wait where I want to go is like a year, and I don't want to wait 2 1/2 years (or more depending on when i can get in) to become an LPN.

But I don't want to go to school for a MA if I can't find a job.

[npoprn]

If you want a J-O-B quick (within a year) and plan on staying an MA then go for the MA.

If you want career mobility, better pay and more opportunities, take your core towards the LPN and RN classes while you are on the waiting list. Do the LPN then the RN bridge.

MA's cannot become nurses without going through a nursing program but LPN's can get jobs in doc's offices and they can do a year bridge program to finish an RN to pretty much work anywhere RN's work.

I went from tech to LPN to RN and I am glad I did it that way.

[ga_peach_babi]

Thank you for the input. I was eventually wanting to go that route (LPN RN bridge program.)

And I don't really want to go to school to become a MA and then want to go back to school for another year and a half to become a LPN.

[Strivin2BgreatNurse, BSN]

I'm currently at MGTC and those schools dont do waiting list, because the LPN program starts every quarter. So if you're interested you should get some information on the school closest to you. They have great funding and I know the school I attend is highly favored amongst employers for the new grads (a lady in my H.R. told me they usually hire LPN students from there while they're in their last quarter of the program ). So I'm kind of glad I picked that school. Good luck in your journey.