skip medical assisting???

oregonrene · Jul 9, 2005

You do not have to become a medical assistant or an LPN to become an RN. There's a section on this website for nursing schools - you can look for schools in your area and find out how to go straight to RN!

GWENLYN18 · Jul 10, 2005

please just skip the medical assistant and go for your lpn. I know a few people who have gone for medical assistant and the program was more money then an LPN program. the LPN program is just as long school wise and you make WAY more money. I am a receptionist and I make way more then my friends who became medical assistants and I didn't even go to school for it. I start my RN program this fall and I can't wait to say I am an RN and not just a receptionist. Well, best wishes in what ever you decide to do. :)

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2005

Skip the medical assistant, I personally feel it is a big waste of time and money. You will learn everything you need to in an LPN or RN program. In my opinion, I would take the RN program because a year into the program if you don't want to become an RN and would rather be an LPN you can still sit for the LPN exam. If you still do decide to become an RN then you will only have one year left. It will also save you $$$.

jennyr · Jul 10, 2005

Skip the medical assistant, I personally feel it is a big waste of time and money. You will learn everything you need to in an LPN or RN program. In my opinion, I would take the RN program because a year into the program if you don't want to become an RN and would rather be an LPN you can still sit for the LPN exam. If you still do decide to become an RN then you will only have one year left. It will also save you $$$.

GOOD ADVICE!!

cursenurse · Jul 10, 2005

i agree with the others, medical assisting is a waste of time and money. my sister took a course over a year ago, has never found a job! according to the want ads, MAs are in great demand, but the problem is that w/out 1-2 years experience, you can't find a job. it seems that no one is willing to take a MA at entry level. i would definitely recommend that you go for nursing, you will have no problem getting a job.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 10, 2005

I have recently enrolled in a medical assisting program at a small private college in Florida, I am disappointed by how disorganized they are am feel like we just breeze through without learning, I dont want to get into the field without the right knowledge right off the bat. My question is if I want to eventually be an RN should I look into a LPN program and skip medical assisting?

Sounds to me that if you are unhappy in MA at this moment and plan to pursue your RN, then definely opt out for LPN. Medical Assisting is nowhere near MA. Good luck :)

Achoo!, LPN · Jul 10, 2005

If you know you eventually want to go for RN, then LPN is the way to go. If your only desire is to work in clinics, then MA be what you want. I have had my MA for 11 years now and if I knew then what I know now, I would have just gone for LPN.

BETSRN · Jul 10, 2005

I have recently enrolled in a medical assisting program at a small private college in Florida, I am disappointed by how disorganized they are am feel like we just breeze through without learning, I dont want to get into the field without the right knowledge right off the bat. My question is if I want to eventually be an RN should I look into a LPN program and skip medical assisting?

I would skip all of that and just get the pre-requisites out of the way for an RN program. Maybe before, you could take the CNA course which then will give you great clinical experience even before you start school. If the non-nursing courses are all done, you can concentrate on just the nursing and you'll do a far better job.

Another good place to get some experience is as a unit secretary.

MIA-RN1, RN · Jul 10, 2005

I have recently enrolled in a medical assisting program at a small private college in Florida, I am disappointed by how disorganized they are am feel like we just breeze through without learning, I dont want to get into the field without the right knowledge right off the bat. My question is if I want to eventually be an RN should I look into a LPN program and skip medical assisting?

I looked into an MA class here and it was around 12K!! way more than it was worth IMHO.

the very next day I went on a job interview and landed a job---as a medical assistant, not certified, trained on the job.

So you might find what you are looking for unexpectedly. I thought I was going to be a secretary lol.

In your shoes, if you have already paid for the whole sheband and can't get the money back, there probably isn't much hope. BUT if you have only paid so far, and have taken some classes, and decide to stop, you might well find a job like mine where you can have minimal experience and learn tons. Sure, I can't really call myself an MA but I can say I work as an MA. Then you can go to school to get your RN which is what it sounds like you really want to do!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2005

I am a medical assistant. I say, if you can afford the time, go for the LPN or straight to the RN.

If you have already invested your money, or can't cancel your loan, etc., finish it out. The background will help a little. (ONLY A LITTLE)

Why waste your time or money?

Good luck!