Question about becoming a Medical Assistant - Please HELP!

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Hello everyone!

I could really, really use some insight before I take this step. I want to change my career from working in the retail industry to working in the medical field. My problem is most people say that Medical Assistance is a dead career and that I should go for Nursing, preferably Registered Nursing. The problem is that at this point in my middle aged life I don't feel like the pressure of that career right now. I feel like MA would be a good move for me, both for my lifestyle and finances.

My question is I need to complete a program and get back to work. Is an Associate Degree absolutely necessary or is a program that will provide me with a Diploma and qualify me for National Certification testing to become part of AAMA be sufficient? I am trying to keep the student loans to a minimum, plus most help wanted ads I see for MAs seem to specify that the person be a CMA with no preference for the AAS degree.

Is MA a dead career?

What are some of the advantages of becoming an MA?

Oh don't get me wrong, I eventually want to go into Nursing but my kids need to be older for me to do that....

HELP! I really need some assistance with this..... Thanks!

I live in VA if you know of any school that is better than others, that would help too......

Thank you so much..... Any honest info would help!

Confused Future Student

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I was a CMA for 5yrs before going back to get my BSN. I had received an Associate of Applied Science from a community college in order to get my CMA. The classes were cheap (around 1,500 a semester) and I completed the program in less than 2yrs. Medical Assisting is NOT dead, it's a growing field. I was employed by a large physicians group and while most of the MA's (with no degree) were making $9-10/hr, I was making $14.50/hr. Also, because of my Assoc. degree I worked with a Neurosurgeon (brains and spines-love 'em) while many of the non-degree MA's were stuck in family practice, etc. Also with the degree I was able to help with billing/coding and front office work (because this is covered in school). So being able to work front and back office was a huge positive for me (and my managers).

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An associates degree in medical assisting is not really necessary. Most of the people that are MA's have a diploma or became one from on the job training. Certification is not required but is extremely desired. I am currently a CMA and an active member in the AAMA. I love medical assisting, but I've always wanted to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner so I'm currently enrolled in a nursing program. I never thought I would love medical assisting as much as I did because my passion always lied with nursing and children, but I do. There are jobs out there, you just have to apply yourself. Study hard and go above and beyond on your externship. Even if you don't get hired on at your externship, you want to leave a great enough impression that they will write recommendation letters for you. If you do that, you will be happy with the outcome. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Thank you so much mkell and NeoNurse28e. I really appreciate your input.

Here is my other dilemma. The school I am looking at here in Va charges 4500 per semester or quarter as they call it for the MA Diploma field of study. And from my research that seems to be not only the cheapest in my area but also 1 of 2 that is an accredited school so that I can become part of the AAMA community. Is that too much? Its a technical college. Or should I look elsewhere? I will end up paying about $22k for that Diploma if I pursue the MA with AAS degree it will be 36k, is that about right? From what I see here, alot of people have not paid quite that much. My only problem is I am not sure where to look for a cheaper institution what will teach me the same skills and give me the advantage of sitting for the National Certification Test, and I want to make sure I am making the wise financial decision.

Thanks for all your wealth of insight. It means a lot to someone like me.....

Chow for now.....

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

I completed a medical assisting program in 2000 and was unable to ever find a job with my training.

I completed a 12-month LPN/LVN program at a trade school in 2005. The training is only a few months longer than the MA program, with cheaper tuition, and typically results in higher-paying employment.

I was an LVN from '06 to '10. I started at $18.50 hourly in '06 and, through deliberate job hopping, my final LVN pay rate was $27.04 hourly in 2010. I am no longer working as an LVN because I received my RN license in 2010.

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Wow that is a lot of money. Although I do not have a degree I am a medical assistant who passed my state test. I landed a job before I finished school and I make over $20 an hour. I live in California. My school cost less than $1000. I can't imagine paying more than that. I'm currently in a LVN/LPN program.

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

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Thank you so much mkell and NeoNurse28e. I really appreciate your input.

Here is my other dilemma. The school I am looking at here in Va charges 4500 per semester or quarter as they call it for the MA Diploma field of study. And from my research that seems to be not only the cheapest in my area but also 1 of 2 that is an accredited school so that I can become part of the AAMA community. Is that too much? Its a technical college. Or should I look elsewhere? I will end up paying about $22k for that Diploma if I pursue the MA with AAS degree it will be 36k, is that about right? From what I see here, alot of people have not paid quite that much. My only problem is I am not sure where to look for a cheaper institution what will teach me the same skills and give me the advantage of sitting for the National Certification Test, and I want to make sure I am making the wise financial decision.

Thanks for all your wealth of insight. It means a lot to someone like me.....

Chow for now.....

I actually paid around 15K for my diploma program but in my opinion it was worth it. You want to make sure whatever school you go to will allow you to sit for the CMA exam through the AAMA and not the RMA through AMT. People will say there is no difference, but every time I look at a job board, it says CMA desired not RMA. Also, make sure that all of your materials (stethoscope, bp kit, etc.) and uniforms are included in that price. If so, you may find it worth it. I would search around and compare other schools (that's the type of person I am), and then make a final decision. You can never have too much information. Look at the price, what's included in the price, which certification they will allow you to sit through (CMA or RMA), and what skill set will they be teaching you. Some schools include phlebotomy & x-ray with the MA course which is awesome.

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@JavaSoundsLounge

Just my opinion, but I would go the nursing route. If you start as an LPN/LVN you can bridge to an RN or BSN. As an MA you don't have that option.

I live in VA too and we have an excellent community college system where you will get a great start. I'm also in the middle years group and this is a second career for me.

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