Online Medical Assisting Program

[kthudson]

I am very interested and motivated in becoming an MA. I found a program online, which I can take the RMT and HNA certification after graduating. I also found an 8 hour local phlebotomy course that I want to take to get the hands-on experience. The online program also includes a 180 hour externship that is required for graduation.

Has anyone had any experience with online MA or CNA programs? Are you an MA? Do you enjoy it? And suggestions?

Thank you.

[Poochiewoochie]

How much is the online program and who is offering it?

[sueall]

The online MA programs I've seen are either scams or outrageously overpriced. So it would be difficult to comment on your question without knowing the specifics of your intended program. Most of the online programs provide you the general and administrative portions but expect you to learn the clinical aspects during externship.

I had considered the CMA route and found that most CMAs enjoy their work but are on the low end of the pay scale with little chance for advancement. Most of them said they eventually wanted to move on to nursing school for better income and employment opportunities.

[Madras]

High tuition rates, low paying jobs, rewarding! Yes if your a people person and interested in healthcare...... Worth it in the long run? Depends on what your looking for.

Just hired an MA, she's an older woman who doesn't necessarily need the money. shes excellent very motivated great with the pts, volunteers at the local hospital, she's my pick of the litter! Her pay rate is not sufficient for someone to actually live off of, that's just the trend of the MA market unfortunately... But for her it's fine, her hubby retired, pension, carries the benefits, home is paid off, she's just looking for something to do basically and be fulfilled :)

As for me... As much as I loved it, yea I'm young and I'd like to own a home, pay all my bills in the same week, send my kid to karate, take my zumba classes freely etc. lol. Unless my hubby was to make over a 100k/yr there is NO WAY we'd survive. Especially here in NY. So I found an outlet where I could still practice what I loved, patient care, and expand on it and be paid accordingly to my credentials.

Do your research! I cannot stress this enough! Find out what the pay is in your area, employability etc... See if its worth it, and possibly find a brick and mortar school or even see if there's an MA program at your local CC where it would be cheaper. And if course explore other opportunities in healthcare, you ma find something else that interests you.

Good Luck!