RMA (AMT) to CNA...BSN (major)

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

Hi everyone, and thank you ahead of time for any comments, advice, and thoughts.

I am a graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program. Since grad, I have taken the board for RMA through the American Medical Technologists (AMT). (grad: 11/11, passed RMA exam: 3/12) Between graduating in late November and obtaining my certification, I briefly held a MA position for 3 months (had to move because my husband had completed his enlistment and we relocated to his home state of Georgia from Arkansas). I've had difficulty landing a job, partly because I REALLY want to work in a hospital and I'm too picky for my own good with pre MA experience in the ER, ICU, and as a veteran Navy Hospital Corpsman - I have a lot of experience.

I am currently a part time student working on my pre reqs (still several hours away from being able to apply for BSN programs and taking the TEAS). I work part time in retail and I just feel like I need to be in medical but also need it to be school friendly i.e. PT or PRN basis. I am wondering if it would be beneficial for me to obtain a CNA certification on top of my MA?

Thanks :) Happy 4th :)

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I think it might be a good idea, and it wouldn't hurt anything for you to have that because it will help you as a nursing student as well. I have heard that MAs usually work in Office settings and CNAs and Techs are the ones that will work in hospitals. You being a Nursing Student is a plus as well. Good Luck

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

It can be helpful. I'm both an MA and CNA. I never obtained certification for my MA thought because 10 years ago it wasn't a requirement. I only worked as an MA for over a year though. However, my MA experience got me hired at the current job I work at right now. I've been a CNA since 2010 and gotten job offers but didn't have the opportunity to work in a clinical setting. Mainly just private duty home care. However, one job I would of gotten offered years ago when I lived in VA (they required AAMA CMA certification though) was at a Retirement living community. They would of offered more money at the time if I already had my CNA as well. I suggest keep trying, you never know and becoming a CNA can help when you are in nursing school for some experience. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Pulmonary Med, Primary Care.

Thanks so much :-) I appreciate the 411!

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