Medical Assistant Degree or go for RN?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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At age 36, I'm considering a full blown career change from graphic design into nursing. I've researched local nursing programs at my community college and a local technical college. They have an Associated Degree in Medical Assisting, or they offer a certificate program for nurse prep then I'd transfer into the technical college to go for my LPN then eventually my RN.

Ideally I'd like to be the person in the doctor's office who calls your name in the waiting room, then takes you back to the doctor's room and takes your vitals (weight/blood pressure, etc.) and then says, "Okay so the doctor will be in to see you shortly."

The question is, should I get my degree in Medical Assisting, or go for the full LPN/RN? Someone I talked to at a local adult career center talked me out of doing the degree in MA because there's not much of a market for it in Vermont. But why do they offer it then?

I also work full time and have a young daughter at home. How will I possibly be able to go for my RN? I'm feeling overwhelmed, but I really, really want this. What would you do in this situation? Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Nursing Faculty, ER Nurse.

If you want to call people back and check vitals in a doctor's office, go for medical assisting. If you want career mobility and advancement opportunities, and at least twice the paycheck, go for RN.

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

I completed a medical assisting program many years ago and was never able to land a job in the field. Most of my former classmates were receiving job offers for less than $10 per hour.

Being an RN has bestowed upon me the career mobility, good pay, and educational advancement opportunities that I felt I deserved.

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Specializes in None at the moment.

TheCommuter is right on. I got a diploma in Medical Assisting and had to get certified after graduation to get more than $10.00 hour. Highest pay was over $11 and change + shift differential when I worked as a monitor tech in the hospital. $9.55 per hour as a RMA. I'm sure my experience and background helped (perviously a Corpsman in the Navy, and ER Tech). But, get your ADN or BSN - better pay, stability, and career mobility. My diploma program was about 21 grand, I used my GI bill. A nursing degree is not too much more (don't quote me) but worth it! I'm just starting my pre reqs for BSN as of this semester. Maybe you could volunteer at a local hospital to see what it's like? If you want to work in the hospital/nursing, get your CNA or PCT to test the waters.

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Specializes in LTC.

Honestly if that's your goal, go for LPN. We fill a similar but expanded role in a physicians office, but can do more, and we make more. Plus, if you don't end up enjoying that role, you have the opportunity to work other nursing fields, not particularly hospital/acute care, but LTC, home health, and the like. If you end up loving nursing you could then return to school for an RN for further mobility and opportunities.

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I say go for your RN. It may be overwhelming now with your young daughter, but just wait till you are trying to accommodate all the things she will need later on just a MA pay. A little sacrifice will prove well worth it in the future. Plus if you do go for you RN start a BSN program. Many facilities are not hiring those with only an associate degree.

I wish you luck.

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The job description you said you wanted is a medical assisting job. They don't make much and most go back to nursing because they want a better job. Medical assistant is a dead end as far as a career goes.

I agree to go ahead and do nursing. The pay is better and you can choose what area you want to work in.

Overall its your choice. Let us know what you decide.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I work in the ER as a tech and I call people back, get their vitals and tell them the doctor will be with them shortly. At the clinics I've been to, it's always an LPN that does that.

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How about LVN then go for LVN to RN?

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When I worked in a large clinic it was staffed with probably 80% LPNs and 20% MAs and just a few RNs thrown in here and there. The LPNs made about $4-$5 more an hour than the MAs and we all did essentially the same job. Most clinic job postings I see are for LPNs and only a few postings are for MAs or LPNs/MAs. If your goal is a to work in a clinic LPN would be your best bet. Plus you can always transition to RN if you want with your LPN, that option isn't available for MAs. Good luck.

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MA is a waste and is a dying field. Awful pay, crappy employment prospects, more places are hiring LPNs.because states are.becoming more strict and want lisenced personal. I worked as an LPN in a doctors office and made more money than MA. Every MA wishes they would have just gone through nursing. If you are making the switch to healthcare, become a nurse or RT or PTA. Dont mother with medical assisting, you'd be better off flipping burgers. Nurse aides make.better money than MA but it is hard work.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
How about LVN then go for LVN to RN?
This is often a longer route to an ultimate goal. If a person wants to be an RN, in many cases it is more efficient and time-saving to skip the LPN/LVN route and pursue the RN license.

However, some of us had to stair-step up the nursing career pathway. I started as an LVN before becoming an RN, but would not recommend it because it added more time to my ultimate goal.

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