Should I start off as CNA or Medical Assitant.. need advice!

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I really need to get myself into the healthcare field. One of my long term goals is to become a Registered Nurse, but I can't go through school without having a job. Since I don't really want to work a retail or fast food job while going through nursing school I figured that I'll work a healthcare job.

I initially wanted to start off as an LVN, but fulfilling the pre-reqs at a Community College were too much of a wait. And basically every private school with a one year LVN program charges 30K (Kaplan and Concord)

So now I'm considering a CNA program which lasts 4 months and costs about $450.00 at an adult school, or a medical assistant program that costs just about $3,000 and lasts 27 weeks.

Which one would be best for me, considereing that I want to eventually become an RN?

Advice is much appreciated on my part:)

I'm a CNA and sometimes wish I would of taken the Medical Assistant route. Better shift, better pay, less physically demanding and emotinally demanding work, and more respect. I'd say go with Medical Assisting.

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I just finished my CNA course and am now working in LTC. I have already learned so much that will help with my nursing school. I decided to pursue this route instead of Medical Assisting because of the hours available for work. MA are usually at doctors office during the day and this will interfere with my nursing school. I can work a rotating shift and schedule around my nursing classes for my CNA. In my area there are also more job opportunities for CNA. I took my course through a LTC facility. It was 6 wks long and didn't cost me anything. You should call around to the nursing homes/long term care facilities in your area and see if they provide any CNA courses. I also know that Red Cross sometimes offers CNA courses depending on the area you live.

I have to agree; LTC facilities and even some hospitals tend to have flexible schedules which makes it easier to work and go to school, especially since nursing classes can be so time-demanding. As an MA you're pretty much limited to working a 9-5 weekday shift.

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Definitely CNA. You'll get certified and learn basics of patient care so you'll be able to get some experience before starting your nursing program. I'm currently taking a CNA course (runs about 2 months, 12 hrs. per week) through the workforce development at my community college, almost done! Becoming a medical assistant would surely be beneficial, no doubt about it. However, if you do want to go on to become a RN it would make the most sense to spend a shorter amount of time and less amount of money to become a CNA.. get some clinical experience.. then start getting ready to start the nursing program. Depending on where you work as a CNA, PCA or PCT they will train you on some invasive procedures like starting IV's.

Best of luck:D

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Thanks a million for the feedback, I took every response into concideration in making a decision as to how I should start off in healthcare.

I enrolled in a CNA program 2 months ago, and I found out today that I start next month. I'm pretty excited about this, because it going to be a stepping stone into healthcare. This will also clear one of the pre-requisites for the LVN program at the community college where I'm taking gerenal education classe, so completing this CNA course opens up new career paths.

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice.:)

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I am doing exactly the same and was told by my advisor at school to go for CNA. You will learn so much from the nurses you work for and from the patients you take care of and by the time you do go to school for you RN you will be very prepared for clinicals.

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Just to quickly reply, I recall you saying that your CNA course takes like 2 months. I am actually taking my CNA course right now, and I am on my 3rd week and I am going part time. It will take me 4 weeks to complete part time. M-TH 5:30pm-9:30pm. After completing the course I get the Certificate, and then apply to take the state exam, and after passing this then I will get my State Certification. Total Cost for this course $550. Last night was also my first time in Clinical as well. :wink2:

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I would say a CNA. MA takes months and it is just training basically. With CNA, course can be 2 weeks and then you sit for boards and get an actual paper license! From there it would be easier to transition to LPN and then RN. I started LPN school back in February and am trying to find a CNA/PCT job so I can get in the field. CNA is a HARD job and you get paid zilch for it, but if you are going into nursing for the right reasons...you will love it!

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A CNA, also, I did a 4-day prep course, 300.00, I was skeptical, but it was all I needed (I'm a nursing student, but had no prior clinical experience other than patient-sitting) I passed my test and feel we were even "over-taught" in our 4-days...so if that saves you time or money, consider it.

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Awesome, my CNA program will last 5 months, and will cost me just about $500 (books, supplies, and lab equiptment.) I'm very confident that this will be a good course because it will emphasize course work geared towards successfully passing the T.E.A.S. test (test of essential academic skills.) In the State of California, this test is mandatory, and is required to be passes in order to enter a state LVN program.

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