Need Some Advice

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Hi everyone!

I recently visited a tech school because I was interested in their Surgical Technologist and LPN programs. Both programs are about a year long and the cost is over $20,000. I've taken some pre-reqs at local community colleges in the past and it was a nightmare! The waiting lists just to get into the science classes are insane and the waiting list for the nursing program is over 3 years long at this point. I need to get some training and start work as quickly as possible so that is why the technical school appeals to me even though it is much more expensive than a community college.

Anyways, while I was talking to the counselor he ended up talking me into the Medical Assisting W/Limited X-Ray program. I've worked in healthcare before as a nurse's assistant for developmentally disabled adults, as well as mentally disabled adults. I don't mean any offense at all but for me personally I really do not want to do in home care or nursing home care again. The counselor told me that if I did the LPN program I would be working terrible hours and I would most likely be working in a nursing home setting. I would much rather work in a doctor's office or hospital.

I guess what is bothering me the most is that everything i've read about CMA's seems to be fairly negative. I keep hearing that I wont be able to find a job and that the pay stinks. My husband will be out of town a lot and we have 4 children (ages 11, 9, 3, and 8 months). The younger kids will be in daycare a lot during the day and i'm concerned that I wont be able to afford daycare on a CMA's salary. The counselor told me that most CMA's start out around $12-13 an hour in our area (not even sure if that's true). Even so that would barely cover daycare expenses.

It would be difficult for me to do the LPN program right now because we would have to put the kids in full time daycare since the LPN program classes run from about 8 am to 4 or 5 pm and the MA classes are from 1 to 5 pm. Again though, I will try to figure out a way to pay the extra daycare costs if the LPN program is the better way to go.

I am just really torn right now. My husband and I will be moving to either Hawaii or Southern California in the next 2 years so I need to finish school as soon as possible so I can start work and get some experience before we move. The MA program is 10 months and does include a 4 1/2 week externship. The LPN program would be about 13 months and also includes an externship. My husband thinks the MA program would be the best for our situation since it's a few months shorter, costs less, and I only go to school a few hours a day versus all day. I agree, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about the fact that I wont really be able to advance into anything else like I could as an LPN.

I just keep going back and forth and I can't seem to make up my mind. I like the job duties that would come with being an MA (lab work, limited x-rays, some office work, taking vital signs, etc), but I am very concerned with what I've read online. I have to make a decision quickly because the MA program starts on Aug 11th and they are basically holding a spot for me. I can still swich to the LPN program at this point but if i'm going to do that then I need to do it now. I think the soonest I would be able to get into the LPN program is November so that will delay school a few extra months. I just don't know what to do :(

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

If the delay is only a few months, I would wait until November and begin the LPN program. Most medical assistants have a hard time finding positions anywhere upon graduation from their programs and most (not all) seem to be limited to working at the doctor's office with no medical benefits and crappy pay. As an LPN, you can also work in clinics, have a wider variety of choices. Now, while currently, you may not wish to work in other settings, life may change where it may suit you to work different hours, such as a grave shift for a few months. At least do some investigation to see if they hire MAs out in Hawaii or S. California. I say 'go LPN'.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I was born and raised in Southern California, and completed a CMA program there. I was never able to find a job with that CMA (certified medical assisting) diploma, because the job market is so very flooded with them. I wonder what the school counselor's motives were for talking you into the CMA course. You must consider the source before making a decision based on what this individual says.

In my area, LVNs work in home health agencies, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, long term acute care hospitals, group homes, clinics, doctors offices, jails, prisons, community health centers, and skilled nursing facilities. The typical LVN in my metro area is paid anywhere from $18 to $25 hourly, whereas the typical CMA is paid $8 to $12 per hour.

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Thanks for the advice. I honestly don't know why he pushed the MA program so much, considering the 2 programs I was really interested in cost twice as much. I know that he said that he used to teach the MA program so I suspect that he is just very loyal to the program?

I am starting to lean towards the LPN program, but now i'm just worried about the number of hours i'll be in school during the day and how we're going to pay for that much daycare. I know it's a small price to pay for being able to get a job with good pay after i'm finished, but I can't help but worry. I will have to commute to this school everyday so our gas bill is also going to increase greatly (gas is $4.30 here).

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

This person may have tried to rope you towards the MA program because you were a bit doubtful about enrolling at all, and many figure that it is better to get some sort of admission than none, and maybe he has a quota to meet.

If the LPN program is starting further in the fall, this can give you time to consider childcare and financial options. Best of luck to you!

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Dear momtomany07,

I'm a mother of four and went to LVN school full-time for a year back in 2000-2001. My daughter was 5, while my three older boys were 12,13, and 14. I ended-up quitting my job so I could go to school and in the long-run it was worth it.

Being a single mom it was tough! But I encourage you to go with the LPN program. It's better pay and you will be able to further your career, if you decide to go on for your RN.

Also remember there are different places of employment you can accept. Here where I live (Thousand Oaks, CA) there are dozens of LVN jobs in the doctor's office setting, as well as the school district. If you are looking for work hours that are compatible with your family, check to see if your local school district is hiring LVN's to work in the health office.

I currently work my local school district and it has been a blessing. My hours are 8:30am-3pm. I can take my daughter to school in the morning and have time for my family at night. And the pay is not too bad either. (I'm making $20.00 per hr.)

Don't be discouraged that the only job you can take is in the hospital. There are jobs out there that can fit the needs of a mom. Look on the internet at Yahoo nursing jobs. They provided a great source of information. But don't forget about the school districts.

Good luck and God Bless you!!! April:wink2:

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