MA before LVN/LPN?

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I'm new here, not sure how this all works so PLEASE forgive me. I'm going to enroll in one of those vocational schools to become an LVN, then someday become a registered nurse. The school claims that you must know before you start the LVN classes how to draw blood, because they'll start that on the first day. The lady tells me to take the MA course there first, so I'm "not behind".

I'm a massage therapist right now, and almost all of my clients are nurses. I've asked them, and they said it's a lie and the school wants more money. I don't doubt it, but I wanted to see what you guys think. My dream is to be a nurse in a burn unit someday, after having my grandmother pass due to second and third degree burns over 40% of her body. And to have someone try to take advantage of my emotionally driven dream (I told the woman why I wanted to be a nurse) to get more money really ticked me off.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

MA has nothing to do with nursing. I find it weird that they expect you to know how to draw blood before entrance of the nursing program. I don't know any nursing program that requires that. They didn't even teach us how to draw blood in my program. I became IV certified after I graduated.

I would run from that program. They just want your money. Look into community colleges near you. It might also be cheaper.

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As OC says, MA has little to nothing to do with LVN. If you want to prepare for the LVN program, take the CNA course, but look for a CNA program at a community college, vocational ed program, the Red Cross, or at a local LTC facility. Some LTC facilities will offer free CNA training to those who agree to work for them for a certain length of time. Will save you about $1500, give or take.

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Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics..

There are many vocational schools for you to choose from that offer LVN programs. I would stray away from the schools that encourage MA before LVN. If you want to be a licensed nurse, go straight for LVN.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

It is a lie, the school is just trying to generate more money......

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
MA has nothing to do with nursing. I find it weird that they expect you to know how to draw blood before entrance of the nursing program. I don't know any nursing program that requires that. They didn't even teach us how to draw blood in my program. I became IV certified after I graduated.

I would run from that program. They just want your money. Look into community colleges near you. It might also be cheaper.

I could not agree more with organized Chaoas......she hits the nail on the head...

run un from that program������������������������

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

I completed a medical assisting program at a vocational school in 2000, when I was 19 years of age. It was a waste of my time and money.

I never secured employment with my training. My classmates who found work were all offered in the $8 to $12 range hourly, which is not much money to live on.

I concur with other peoples' suggestions to complete a low-cost CNA program. The CNA role is part of the nursing model, while the MA falls squarely into the medical model of care provision. If you want to be a nurse, stick with the nursing model.

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Find your local community college and look at what they have to offer. Even if you have to get on a waiting list, you at least will be learning at a legitimate place for a much more reasonable price.

Listen to your suspicions; they are telling you what you need to know.

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That makes no sense. I have been an LPN since 2008, I learned how to draw blood on the job, there was no mention of it in school. For a school to require a skill other than being an STNA kind of defeats the purpose of going to school in a way. I graduate with my RN in April and we will not go over blood draws in this program either.

It makes zero sense for you to become an MA first. If your concerned about bloods draws, do a phlebotomy workshop, don't waste time and money on an MA cert/degree.

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If your goal is to become a nurse, that is, RN or LPN, apply to a nursing program. Medical assistants are not nurses.

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

Moved to the MA (medical assistant) forum.

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