Medical Assistant student

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2006

That is not true here in Florida, but might be true where you are. I'll move your post to the general forum where you might get more responses.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2006

They do not have any medical assistants working in the hospitals where I live. I do know that if you do an internet search on jobs for medical assistants some hospitals do hire them, but in what capacity I am not sure.

truern · Sep 16, 2006

I'm not familiar with any MAs in any of my local hospitals.....doctor offices, yeah, but not hospitals.

firstaiddave907 · Sep 16, 2006

Hey im a medical assistant student too amberleigh32 pm anytime or e mail me ill give you my e mail when you pm me.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 16, 2006

From what I've gathered on this site, the only people who are telling MA students (or prospective students) that LPNs are being phased out in favor of MAs are administration for MA programs. It simply isn't so.

As it is, many spots that once went to LPNs are now going to RNs; although our hospital does employ and hire LPNs, it's not nearly what it once was. Shame, actually. But MAs? None in any hospital I'm familiar with here. Patient Care Techs (whether or not they are CNAs--certified) probably are the closest match.

TazziRN, RN · Sep 16, 2006

We have a couple of MAs at our place but they function as CNAs.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2006

Hello and welcome to all nurses. I have worked in many hospitals and can tell you that the only MA's that I have worked with function as techs (and I think they must have a CNA cert as well). There is a great difference in the education between a LVN and MA and I know this because I have been both. In order to work in a hospital as a nurse you must have a license. Now most hospitals only employee RN's in their L&D , some do have LVN's working as surgical techs (or this has been my experience). Im not trying to discourage you ,just giving the facts. However, there are plenty of opportunities in a OB/GYN office area. Thats where I worked as a MA and gained alot of experience that helped me in nursing school. It might be worth it to re-evaluate your current education situation if your ending goal is to work in L&D or ER.

Hello! I have a question, I hope someone can help. I have had many different responses. I want to be able to work as a nurse in both the ER and Labor and Delivery. I am currently taking a 1 year Medical Assistant program, and I have been told that MA's are taking the place of LPN'S in hospitals and if I sighn a 2 year contract with a hospital they will allow me to be employed as a MA while they pay for me to get my RN is this true?

s8ntollie · Sep 16, 2006

Good luck to you in your studies. I graduated from a 1 year MA program and am now a certified medical assistant. I started my clinicals this year for my ADN. I work part-time as a medical assistant for a local clinic while attending school. I have not heard of any MA's working in hospitals as MA's - only patient care technicians or CNA's. You wouldn't be able to perform all the procedures you've actually been trained to do if you worked in one of those positions. You may find it different in your state though. Hope this will help some.

PANurseRN1 · Sep 16, 2006

Hello! I have a question, I hope someone can help. I have had many different responses. I want to be able to work as a nurse in both the ER and Labor and Delivery. I am currently taking a 1 year Medical Assistant program, and I have been told that MA's are taking the place of LPN'S in hospitals and if I sighn a 2 year contract with a hospital they will allow me to be employed as a MA while they pay for me to get my RN is this true?

Not true in my area. If LPNs are replaced by anyone, it's by an RN. It would be unworkable to have MAs in the hospital setting; there really wouldn't be much they could do, and I can't imagine any nurse wanting to have to be responsible for an MA's actions since MAs are unlicensed.

I'm sorry someone gave you false information.

Jenny67 · Sep 17, 2006

Hi AmberLeigh, I am a Certified Medical Assistant ( I have my ADN and passed the AAMA exam to become Certified) and work currently in a Family Practice office with 1 DO, 2 MD's and 1 FNP. I have never heard that MA's or CMA's are taking the place of LPN's. Our office consists of 1 RN, 1 LPN, 2 CMA's and 1 CNA.

The 2 year program I graduated from was geared to a Doctors office setting, so I don't believe I would be qualified to work in a hospital setting. I don't believe LPN's could ever be phased out, nor would I ever want to see that happen!