MA to Nursing?

robynv · Feb 5, 2006

As an MA student, I'd like to think so. For the future. For me I think I'll like being an MA. As much as I want to be an RN, I managed to graduate high school without algebra. So I just don't have the math background I'd need.

But what I'm learning I like so much and I don't really think that I want to work in an LTC or hospital. I like the idea of for now just doing the Dr. office stuff. But I like the idea of it could help get a foot in the door later. I hope that it's possible.

MIA-RN1, RN · Feb 5, 2006

I've been working as an MA but I did not go to school for it; I was trained on the job, took a phlebotomy training course, and had prior nursing school experience way back when. My school didn't look at it at all; they just looked at how many of the required pre-req's I had done.

poetryeclipse · Feb 6, 2006

Im just starting college to become an MA but I may be taking a few courses at the local community college to become certified in Phlebotomy. I just found out today that even though I would like to continue my education and become an RN I may have to wait a little while until I can afford to go. the college Im going to is actually getting me a job working as a medical secretary at the local hospital and I'll be volunteering there as well on the weekends. I've also decided to get my certification for CPR which classes are offered at the hospital as well as a class in first aid. I havent decided if I'm going to just go to the community college here to get an associates degree as an Rn and see if where ever I end up will help with tuition or if I'll just go to a 4 year college and get my Bachelors of science in nursing degree. I have a few options to think about while I wait for my boyfriend soon to be husband in June 2007 to finish college which will take 3 years, so I graduate in 2007 from Ecpi and then i'll work, volunteer and get a few certifications. I hope that I'm choosing the right path. Good luck to all of you whether you are nurse's or MA's.

~Amber~

SSValentine · Feb 6, 2006

I met a Medical Assistant at the doctor's office the other day. I asked her if she liked her job and she said she did, and had been doing it for four years. I wanted to ask her what her salary was, and if it had ever increased. For those of you working as a MA, would you care to volunteer how much you make/made right out of school? And/or are you happy with the pay? Overall, how happy are you in your job? Thanks to all of you who have already volunteered loads of useful and inspiring information. It means a lot to me. Sorry to sound cheesy. . . I already owe $17K in student loans, and if I do decide to make another investment, I want to make sure i'm making the right decision this time around. *anxious whimper* So, thanks again.

robynv · Feb 6, 2006

I'm still in school but one of my friends that was a few mods ahead of me just got hired at $14.40 to start. That seems pretty good to me!

MIA-RN1, RN · Feb 6, 2006

didn't go to school for it--started 6 years ago @ 9.75; currently making 10.72.

Eeek.

hzrizen · Feb 6, 2006

I worked as a certified medical assistant for 5 yrs in a drs office for a big hospitalcorp. my school didnt acknowledge the ma classes but once i did finish nursing school the corp i worked for scooped me up with no problem due to my medical background. I would say that given the chance to go to ma school or get my adn, I would get the adn but You have to start somewhere so make the best choice for your situation.

PM me if you have any other questions

Donna

hlfpnt, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2006

I guess you could say I'm a vet...I've been a Registered Medical Assistant for 8 years. When I decided to go back to school for RN I found it didn't help credit wise. MA is a technical certificate, it doesn't transfer to the college level. So you will have to take all the pre-reqs. When you find out what all you need, you'll feel like it's a mountian. But it does go by very quickly, I have one semester left. I loved my job as a MA, but found I wanted more. RN training isn't easy by any means...You just have to keep your goal in mind and go for it! I am thankful for the type of medical experience I have, but if I had known then what I know now I would have gone straight for RN.

D.W.

SSValentine · Feb 8, 2006

Thank you all so much for the recommendations. I am going to visit a school today that offers both programs (certificate in MA and AS in nurse education), but since I've been advised by some of you to bypass medical assisting (if I'm sure I want to get into nursing), I think I'll consider simply taking prerequisites now. I used to want to figure things out for myself, but now, I'm thinking it's wiser to take advice from those more experienced!