Medical Assistant looking to become LPN

[boompsie]

Greetings everyone! I'm new to this forum and am hoping to get some help/advice. I live in Cleveland and was thinking of trying to get back into school to become an LPN.

I've been a Medical Assistant for 10 years. I took a break from it for almost 2 years and became a Leasing Consultant for the building I live in, but that didn't work out because I can't sell to save my life I don't want to go back to being an MA because it is too difficult to find a job and I can no longer be in the 9 - 11 dollar an hour wage bracket. Besides that, I've learned that there is no pride in being an MA - it's pretty much embarrassing to me anymore. I'm 32 and need a good job that'll help support my family and a title that I can be proud of. If I knew what I know now, I would've never wasted the time with MA school in the first place - such a joke and I could kick myself for it. I tried to go back to school in '99 for RN at Akron U, but could only get one full year in there because I was having probs at home and had to quit. So what I was hoping to do now is go for LPN. I'm on a big time limit thing as my husband is the only one working right now, so this is my window of opportunity. I have a mentally disabled child and hope to keep my employment to part-time status. I also really can't afford to be out of work for too long. Sounds like a mess doesn't it?

I need to make a decision based mostly on what will benefit my family financially and what will get me back on the payroll the quickest. That sounds pretty abrupt I know, but I'm just getting too old to be worrying about paying the rent, plus with my current situation, I don't have the luxury of being able to go to school for some years at a time. I've been in the medical field for so long now, that I honestly cannot think of another field that would be the most practical and stable. I enjoy helping people and like giving people the feeling that there are still healthcare workers out there that genuinely care about their treatment. Is becoming an LPN worth the time now? I've heard that there are LPN schools here that you can get in and out in a year or less - is this true? Are they good schools? One school I was looking at was the Central School of Practical Nursing here on Carnegie. I was also hoping to stay in a clinic/office type setting - not shifts work in the hospitals/nursing homes - is this possible? I was really good at what I did as an MA and am hoping that will really help me through that - I've heard of advanced placement in LPN schools as well - would this apply to an MA like me who's got years of experience under their belt and some extra college courses?

I spent alot of time reading through the posts on here and found somewhat similiar posts, but they didn't quite answer all the questions I had. Please no flaming, I really could use the advice from Nurses on here about all of this. I need to make a decision very soon. I need to get back into the job market, but be able to get a job that will support my family alot better - I'm getting tired of being so broke that I can barely afford my daughter's medication, can't even afford a stupid haircut, can't even go to the dentist, can't buy her any new clothes, etc., etc.,,,,,Thanks to all who would read this and comment.

[SSMA]

Hello MA/LPN,

Currently, just like you I too work in the capacity of MA and I feel

great humiliation. Several years ago, I attended school for Nursing and

dropped out because of a bad marriage. There is just 1 1/2 years left

left before obtaining my BSN. I don't want to work as a MA any longer

and I am wondering is LPN a demotion or a promotion? I live here in Maryland and I don't know of to many LPN schools. My frustration is

felt greatly everyday and I carry a heavy burden everyday. Please if

someone can suggest something or know of something that can help

it would be a great burden lifted. Thank you for your time.

SSMA

[CRNA2BKY]

I think it's great that you are thinking about your future. My personal recommendation is that you shoot for your RN, not an LPN. There are many, many, many more jobs out there for RN's than LPN's. You will have many more choices, and in the long run, get paid more too. You can work on the side as a nurses aid, or pretty much do anything for that matter, and go to school to get your RN. Anyway, good luck with everything you do. With proper planning and effort, I'm certain you will reach your goals

[VinoLover2030]

I say just go for you RN, but some people do not have that kind of time. If time is an issue then go for your LPN first then you can bridge to your RN. If time is not an issue and you can take the time to go through an RN program then by all means just work as an MA to put yourself through school . The reward at the end will be well worth it

[HollyDollyMA]

If your going to do somthing do it right go be a RN. and 9-11 dollars an hour?! I work in same city as you and I make 14 and I just started this is my first year as a MA. and yes already I am mad at myself for being a Ma-same as you. do your self a favor be a RN, so much more out there if your a RN,you can do it!! :)

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Frankly you are going to be short changing yourself if you try and go the quick route, and it will cost a hell of a lot more. It may take you 3 or more years to finish the program but Tri-C is the place to go. Most of the prereq classes are offered in the morning, the evening, and online so there is a class that will fit your schedule so you can continue to work provided you aren't taking a ton of classes at once. It also doesn't cost a whole heck of a lot if you live in Cuyahoga County. It's a little under $6,000 for the RN program. LPN might be half of that.

Welcome to Tri-C

[feisty_lpn, LPN]

Don't bother with your LPN. Ohio is so saturated with them that there is not a shortage. Go straight for your RN. You'll have better job prospects.