Might change my major to Medical Assistant?

[giraffe4]

Okay, I've been going to school for almost FOUR years. I have been going to community college. It took me 3 years to finish pre requisites, got accepted into RN school in February, and I also just recently failed my dosage calculation entrance exam. (We had to get 100% and I got 4 wrong out of 10 questions). I am considering leaving nursing school because I am tired of all the stress. I have repeated math courses multiple times to get in, and now finally failing the dosage calculation test is my last straw. I've always told people I just want to be a nurse in the doctor's office nothing fancy. And then the light bulb came to my head, Why not be a medical assistant instead? They just do basic things like vital skills, check weight, poke a needle here and there in a doctor's office. I don't want to make a huge mistake but I am more excited for the MA program than the RN program. I still have 2 years left which in total would have taken me 6 years just to get an Associates degree. And I won't even guarantee that I will finish in 2 years because something could go wrong and I could possibly have to repeat a class. I know I am capable but I am just not feeling it. It would be a huge paycut (Most nurses just getting out make 24.50 an hour). Alot better pay than an MA I admit, but I'm only going for the money and the fact that my dad has been forcing me to be a nurse since I entered college. Even when I got accepted into nursing school, I didn't feel as happy as I should. I feel so lost. I just want to find my calling. I also want to be done school. I don't mind my boyfriend being the breadwinner. Is this a good idea? The program at my community college is 9 1/2 months long to get a certificate. I do have my CNA but never got a job in it. Also, I do start nursing school in the Fall. Thank you and please no harsh comments.

[amoLucia]

I don't think there's a REAL major degree in Medical Assisting; certification, yes. And it is OK not to want to be a nurse. Becoming one just because someone else has expectations for you is NOT a good reason if your heart isn't in it.

Healthcare has its place for medical assistants and you're right that it won't pay as much as nsg. Be aware that the job duties of a MA are usually much, much more than you listed in your post.. Think of performing EKGs, phlebotomy, and other practice assistive hands-on skills. And being a good MA can lead to job security and flexibility, although it would seem to have limited upward mobility possibilities.

There is always the possibility that after some time, you might wish to advance your career by considering nursing again. But that can just be a future option for now.

Just be careful about that expectation you have re your boyfriend. Firstly, you 2 could split, and secondly, he could lose his job. Things like these have happened to many nurses forcing them to be sole provider for themselves and dependents. Nursing might provide more stable opportunities. Consider keeping your CNA certification active, esp with any education and experience requirements - just to try and keep your options open.

Good luck.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I don't think there's a REAL major degree in Medical Assisting; certification, yes. And it is OK not to want to be a nurse. Becoming one just because someone else has expectations for you is NOT a good reason if your heart isn't in it.

Healthcare has its place for medical assistants and you're right that it won't pay as much as nsg. Be aware that the job duties of a MA are usually much, much more than you listed in your post.. Think of performing EKGs, phlebotomy, and other practice assistive hands-on skills. And being a good MA can lead to job security and flexibility, although it would seem to have limited upward mobility possibilities.

There is always the possibility that after some time, you might wish to advance your career by considering nursing again. But that can just be a future option for now.

Just be careful about that expectation you have re your boyfriend. Firstly, you 2 could split, and secondly, he could lose his job. Things like these have happened to many nurses forcing them to be sole provider for themselves and dependents. Nursing might provide more stable opportunities. Consider keeping your CNA certification active, esp with any education and experience requirements - just to try and keep your options open.

Good luck.

Actually a MA is a two year degree. You get an Associate's for it. There's nothing wrong with being an MA. Good luck!!!

[amoLucia]

To Heather - Thank you for the info. I figured there would some type of AAS or AS degree but I didn't realize they offer some CC programs for it. I have seen certificate programs.

[Purple_roses]

There are several issues with your line of thinking.

1) Don't do nursing just because your dad is making you do it. You're an adult. And you will be a miserable adult if you end up hating nursing.

2) If you're doing nursing and think you'll get a job in a Dr.'s office right away, you're probably wrong. Most new grads have to serve their time on a Med/Surg floor. Cushy jobs *usually* come later on down the road.

3) If you feel like you can't handle the responsibility that comes with nursing school and eventually being an RN, don't become an RN. Because it is quite a bit of responsibility.

5) Don't be a poor planner by assuming your boyfriend will be the breadwinner. Build yourself into a strong, independent individual because men come and go. Things happen. He might not be there in a few years. Or he may end up losing his job. NEVER EVER EVER NEVER NEVER EVER rely on someone else for security (never!). Work hard to be secure all on your own so that you don't *need* other people (and so you don't end up staying in less than stellar relationships because you're financially dependent on your person). Become independent; whether that means becoming an MA or whatever, find a way to take care of yourself.