Medical Assisting questions

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2008

I don't know a whole lot about medical assistants, so anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. The schooling is a certificate program, I'm pretty sure a certificate is the same as a diploma; in other words you don't get an associate's degree unless the school specifically states that you do. As far as pay, you can look on salary.com to get the specifics for your area, I know the areas I've lived in they make anywhere from $10-20 an hour, depends on cost of living, etc. One of my friends started out in an urgent care clinic but then ended up getting a job at a very good hospital as a surgery scheduler. The pay and benefits were much better than the clinic; however, the role for an MA is pretty limited in a hospital setting (from what I've seen, I could be wrong).

As far as the schooling: you get what you pay for. Now that's not to say that all expensive schools are excellent, but I think 12,700 is about right for technical school. I don't see how you can do MA school online, unless there are practicums to go to, because you need to learn a variety of skills. You're correct in saying that the skills are not very difficult, but you do need practice. I would not want to poke someone with a needle without practicing in a skills lab first.

Good luck in figuring it all out. I checked out an MA program myself but then realized the job market for MAs in my area was slim to none. That's another thing to consider when picking a career: How far will you be able to take it?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 21, 2008

I would probably take the cheaper course, or investigate something else altogether, really. Many medical assistants say that they are having difficulty finding employment, for one. Also, if the tuition is $12,000, and the average salary is about $10 to $12 per hour, it would be difficult to pay back such a high loan. Especially if it is hard to find employment.

I do think that a good medical assistant is worth their weight in gold; they can be the right hand person of the physician. I was one, years ago, working for a few agencies. But, it is hard to obtain jobs with decent pay and benefits.

Brandi8 · Feb 21, 2008

Yes I was taking pre reqs for nursing but it was hard with a 2 yr old at home. I was having to take a dev algebra class and it was very hard for me. I hate math and couldnt really get it. Algebra isnt require for nursing where I live but I had to take it because I didnt pass the tasp test yrs ago. I wish there was a way out of algebra. Uggghhh They are telling me I will still have to take it for LVN as well if I cant pass that test. Uggghhh So that is why I was thinking about Medical Assistant. The school hrs are in the evening as well.

I have heard that MA's is one of the fastest growing careers but you know they will tell you anything to get you in there.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 22, 2008

What I would do is take a remedial math class, one that includes algebra. Whether you become an LPN, RN, or whatever your career goals are, most colleges and programs demand some sort of entrance exam. If you take these courses before the need is great, you may be more relaxed and can actually enjoy the learning experience. Many of them have decent textbooks with CD ROMS that can be used for practice. That is what I did. Math is my weakest subject as well, but I took the classes and the entrance exam well before it was required and did well. Remembering it now is another story, but I did what I had to do to get into college without taking remedials, which would have held me back a year. Also, consider purchasing a GED book, that includes reading, math and science. Review the examples again and again until you are comfortable.

Again, I am not criticizing anyone taking a medical assisting course. An honest living is an honest living. But, $12,000 can pay for an LPN or RN course, where there are more opportunities and money, or that same $12,000 can be applied to a college degree and decrease the difficulty in repaying an astronomical loan with a minimal salary. If you do decide to go for the medical assisting, see if a community college can offer the course for cheaper. Good luck!

Brandi8 · Feb 22, 2008

I was taking a remedial algebra class in college. I guess that is the same as your talking about. It was very difficult for me. Are you suggesting I find some type of math class outside of college? I didnt really understand your email. LOL I am not aware of any type of math classes except for the college ones. You said you avoided taking remedial classes in college so I am assuming you took some sort of class for math before college. Where did you take them at and how would I go about finding them? I have passed all parts of the college entrance exam except the math part. Nursing will require another type of entrance exam though.

nasaodds · Feb 22, 2008

The course you were looking at online was it maybe a CNA class? The 8 weeks and price go more along with nurse asst. CNA in my state is required for a lot of lpn and rn. Also, I think it is a great first step into the nursing field. Erin. Ky

prowlingMA · Feb 22, 2008

As the token CMA here: The average MA pay is from $12-$16 per hour depending on where you live.

You should take an accreditied course, preferably one that offers a lot of phlebotomy training. After graduating you receive a certificate of completion, however you should take the AAMA or RMA certification test. Costs around $200 to test. They will no let you test if you have not gone through an accredited course.

Pay is usually better if you are certified, and you only have to recert. every 6-10 years for AAMA.

Send me a pessage if you need more help.

prowlingMA · Feb 22, 2008

Also - it is generally cheaper to go to a state run , not for profit college or program. Many " online course" are not acredited or are for profit ( cost more). They often use less experienced teachers and do not teach many of the basic skills need in the work force. Many of these colleges will have special payment options and scholarships for M students. Some major health organizations also give scholarships with the option of working for them once you graduate. Here in Oregon I spent about $2,000 per term ( 3 terms) at a community college and AAMA cert test for $150 . This was 3 years ago.

Your externship is usually a great place to get your name out there and search for jobs.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2008

What about LPN school? In the city where I went to college, there was a local adult school that offered a 16 month LPN program. There were some prerequisites of course, but I think that was included in the overall 16 months. If you needed some additional help with a certain subject, they offered remedial courses; since it was an adult school and offered GED courses, they had refreshers as well. Depending on where you live, this could be a much cheaper and just as fast route to starting your career, plus you could probably bridge to your RN in the future if you want to.

I'm not trying to discourage you from being an MA, I just think its a shame they have such a hard time finding a job after paying so much for school (in many cases).

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Feb 22, 2008

I am now thinking about doing medical assisting. Can anyone give me any info about it? What do they make? My sister has a friend that is suppose to be making $25 an hour but I am not so sure about that.
Anyhow the options for schooling would work out much better for me and give me a great in to the medical field. Do you have to take some sort of national or state exam for medical assisting? Is a diploma and certificate in Medical assisting the same thing?
My local school charges $12,700 to go for Medical assisting which I think is crazy. I found a on-line program that only charges $645 and says you can have it in 8 wks. I am just not sure which place to go to. The one online is accredited and my local one is not. I would much rather pay the cheaper price but worry about it all being online. Even the clinicals are online. Not sure how I am suppose to know how to draw blood and give shots from a virtual enviroment. Maybe its not that hard though.
Any info you can give me on pay and where to go to school for this would be great. I prefer online but again worry about the clinicals being online.
Also, can you be trained for this by a Dr's office or must you go to school to be trained?
Thanks,
Brandi

$25/hr?? That sounds like a misunderstanding or a big fat lie. I worked as an CMA for 4 years before I went onto nursing school and I was still only making $9/hr when I left. Yeah, your school is asking wayyyy to much for a job that will take forever for you to pay back a loan...and I would be nervous about any on-line program, make sure that they are accredited; and find out how you will be getting your clinical time...no this can not be done on-line, you will have to do this at a doctors office, if they tell differently run away real fast. Do you have a link to this on-line class? Have you thought of becoming a CNA? Many nursing homes will train their CNAs and where I live they make about $4 to 5 more an hour than CMAs. Call around to the doctors offices in your area and ask them if they do on-site training or not; it never hurts to ask.

purple_rose_3 · Feb 22, 2008

I am now thinking about doing medical assisting. Can anyone give me any info about it? What do they make? My sister has a friend that is suppose to be making $25 an hour but I am not so sure about that.
Anyhow the options for schooling would work out much better for me and give me a great in to the medical field. Do you have to take some sort of national or state exam for medical assisting? Is a diploma and certificate in Medical asssisting the same thing?
My local school charges $12,700 to go for Medical assisting which I think is crazy. I found a online program that only charges $645 and says you can have it in 8 wks. I am just not sure which place to go to. The one online is accredited and my local one is not. I would much rather pay the cheaper price but worry about it all being online. Even the clinicals are online. Not sure how I am suppose to know how to draw blood and give shots from a virtual enviroment. Maybe its not that hard though.
Any info you can give me on pay and where to go to school for this would be great. I prefer online but again worry about the clinicals being online.
Also, can you be trained for this by a Dr's office or must you go to school to be trained?
Thanks,
Brandi

Where I live MA's and CNA's pay is pretty much identical. Online class for only $645/8 weeks and get paid $25? I'm an RN with 4 years of school and don't get paid that, where do I sign up?