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Discussion

Need direction in getting started

Hi, right now where I live there is a 2yr minimum wait to get into a RN program. I've been working in retail management for 10yrs and want to get my foot in the door in the medical field while I'm waiting to be excepted into the RN program. What is the best way to do this? Does anybody know of some certificate programs that I can get done within 6 months (ex. medical bill or coding) so I can leave retail and start working within the medical field? Any advice would be helpful. :confused:

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If you aren't concerned with your wage scale so much, it would be to your advantage to get a CNA certificate and begin working in the medical field in this capacity. Medical billing and coding is a good area to go into, however, jobs for beginners are hard to come by, and you are not involved with direct patient care. You should also research the nursing programs that are available to you to find out if any of them require certification as a CNA or even the LPN license. Some schools have these requirements.

If your just looking to get started, I would suggest getting licensed as a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) or a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant).

CNA training takes about 12 weeks, and teaches you the very basics or bedside care.....but it's by no means glamorous. CNAs can work in a variety of settings, but most often in nursing homes and hospitals. Their primary job is direct hands-on patient care related to comfort. They take vitals and assist with baths/showers, toileting, feeding, and other basic needs.

CMA training takes about 9-12 months (sometimes you can get an AAS in Medical Assisting) and cross-trains you to work both clinical and administrative duties in a clinic/outpatient setting. CMAs take vitals and a history in the office before the doctor begins examination. They also give injections, draw blood, perform basic lab tests, and handle administrative duties such as billing, coding, and appointment setting.

I feel either position is a good stepping stone if your ultimate goal is a career in nursing.

CNA certification is a good option as you get to learn the basics of nursing; or you might consider taking a few health science classes that also form part of the RN syallabus. Then you won't hv to take them later when you are doing the RN prog and that might give you opportunity to do part time work or hvg more time to study.

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