I am a recent Medical Assistant graduate and I'm starting to think I wasted time going through that program. I did learn a lot and I believe it will prepare me for the Nursing program but, my logic was to get a job making enough money to afford my bills while I went through my nursing curriculum. Every thing I apply for only starts at $9/hr or you have to have years of experience to even make a $12.
I've been considering going back for the four weeks program and becoming a CNA. Can someone enlighten me on their salary and if its easier to find a job after you've completed the course?
I want to get experience in the health care field for my nursing application because I've worked fast food for almost 5 years and that wont help me on my resume!!
I am a home care CNA, and for clients that have insurance, I only make $8.50/hr. For the private pay clients (not very many), it is $10/hr. It was very easy for me to find a job, because it seems like home care companies are always looking for CNAs.
I think it really depends on what area you work in. I know CNAs in my area (Mass) that make pretty good money. As a medical assistant with virtually no experience, I am making $17/hour for a daytime job. Not too bad if you ask me.
I would stick with the Medical Assistant rather than the CNA. I am certified as a Patient care tech and I love it better than a CNA. I did make around $11 an hour working PRN as a CNA. Now that I am a pre nursing study I should have went and got my certification in Medical Assistant because it will help with when I do become a nurse. Being a CNA wouldn't give me much experience depending on what I would be doing as a CNA. I like that medical assistants here is able to do most things as a nurse. Prescribe RX, and give shots. Hope you find out what works best for you
Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.
I would stick with the Medical Assistant rather than the CNA. I am certified as a Patient care tech and I love it better than a CNA. I did make around $11 an hour working PRN as a CNA. Now that I am a pre nursing study I should have went and got my certification in Medical Assistant because it will help with when I do become a nurse. Being a CNA wouldn't give me much experience depending on what I would be doing as a CNA. I like that medical assistants here is able to do most things as a nurse. Prescribe RX, and give shots. Hope you find out what works best for you
I'm glad that you enjoy your job, but just for clarification, a medical assistant definitely CANNOT prescribe. That is only within the scope of a licensed independent provider. Typically that includes MD, DO, NP, PA, DDS, DMD, DPM, DVM (animals). Non pharmaceuticals prescriptions for things like therapy may also be provided occasionally but DPT, DC, and the like.
If you're place of employment or educational institution say you can prescribe, run, Forrest, run!
I'm glad that you enjoy your job, but just for clarification, a medical assistant definitely CANNOT prescribe. That is only within the scope of a licensed independent provider. Typically that includes MD, DO, NP, PA, DDS, DMD, DPM, DVM (animals). Non pharmaceuticals prescriptions for things like therapy may also be provided occasionally but DPT, DC, and the like.
If you're place of employment or educational institution say you can prescribe, run, Forrest, run!
Yes you are correct. Let me correct myself. The can call in RX under a Dr and admister medication under direction of a Dr. Where I live
I live in central Iowa and make $12/hr as a brand new CNA. CNA jobs are a dime a dozen in my area. If you want to be a nurse, being a CNA will benefit you a lot more than MA. MAs follow the medical model instead of the nursing model of care.
Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.
I'm glad that you enjoy your job, but just for clarification, a medical assistant definitely CANNOT prescribe. That is only within the scope of a licensed independent provider. Typically that includes MD, DO, NP, PA, DDS, DMD, DPM, DVM (animals). Non pharmaceuticals prescriptions for things like therapy may also be provided occasionally but DPT, DC, and the like.
If you're place of employment or educational institution say you can prescribe, run, Forrest, run!
I just want to add that I forgot to include CNM, CRNA and CNS (in some states)
Sundance327
14 Posts
I am a home care CNA, and for clients that have insurance, I only make $8.50/hr. For the private pay clients (not very many), it is $10/hr. It was very easy for me to find a job, because it seems like home care companies are always looking for CNAs.