lisa_1031

Hello, I am interested in becoming an LPN and taking the entrance exam in Feb 2010. If accepted, classes don't start until Aug 2010. If that doesn't pan out, my second choice is Medical Assistant. So in reading and researching I'm thinking in the meantime I'd like to take a CNA course but I don't know where to go. Am I going in the right direction? I live in Northern NJ, (lake hopatcong) close to Dover, Newton etc. Can anyone tell me where I could find classes, their time frame of completion and costs? I don't know where to start, I'm new to ALL of this. Any advice and guidance on LPN/MA/CNA and the best/better courses that will help me get in the doors and experience of geriatrics/hospice/elderly care input is greatly appreciated. GREATLY Thank you Lisa

Thank you Kat!

Everyone has been so very helpful, thank you. Shall I again ask? I would like to gear my goal to working in geriatrics and hospice, I have a soft spot for the "forgotten" and "left behind". I know everyone has such different opinions, outlooks, experience and advice, so in a nutshell, I'm at a crossroad between LPN and Patient Care Tech. I just want to help, to comfort, to be there, for patient and family, (should they decide to be around). Thank you all again, I just love this site! Lisa

Thank you so much for your input and timely response!

Good morning everyone. I have spent the last couple of days, literally, on this site reading and reading and just when I thought I got an answer, someone says different. I was looking into going for LPN. When I found no night classes I had to rethink my choices and it came down to CMA and PCT. A friend told me to do PCT, she is a nurse in an ER and says mostly techs work around her and they draw blood, do ekgs, basic pt info and vitals etc. Someone else told me that Pct is the orifice wipers of the hospital and the lowest on the "ladder" of nursing. School synopsis of course tell you all the other things you do. I have an appt today at a school, in talking with the guy he told me I should do CMA, that they are up there next to LPN and do all the same things etc. When I explained that I've been researching, he insisted that CMAs DO work in hospitals "taking over" LPN positions because they are more trained? This makes no sense to me. As far as I know, CMA are more geared in dr offices and paperwork, whereas Pct and Lpn are more geared toward actual patient care. But what is the truth on all of these careers and what they entail?. Please someone help me get this all down so I can finally get on the road to school. I appreciate everyone's advice and experiences so much. Thank you!