So I am being told that the only reason folks go to MA school is because they....
1. They wanted something fast and quick to get into the medical field
2. They were unemployed and lazy
Next, I am told that because of these two reasons, MAs are incompetent and are not trained appropiately to be considered "medical professionals"
I am really just venting.....but I work hard everyday as an MA. I have learned so much about the medical field, and have even taught a lot to my coworkers (RNs, LPNs) too. I just feel like some people have this messed up idea about MAs. From one bad experience they judge the whole lot of us. I am applying to nursing school this year and my time that I have spent working as an MA has help me realize that I am making the best decision for myself. If you have never gone through the MA training and worked as an MA then you cannot speak about it. You cannot tell me what my job entails. You cannot tell me what I learned and what I didn't learned. You don't know the work, don't act you do.
I already explained that I didn't mean it the way you all took it. I am sorry about the confusion. I understand where nurses stand in rank on the medical team.
Sorry
If you're happy being a MA and think you are doing a great job you don't need validation from anyone. The comments that people have made about them obviously don't apply to you. Grow a thicker skin would be my advice.
I am an RN but years ago went to school to become an MA, in California we were required to perform 75 injections in various sites and 120 blood draws to pass the course. In my LPN program in KS students were only required to give 3 total injections. I didnt have to take that class as I had already taken a similar class for my MA but I was shocked at how little injections they actually had to do. I understand that not all MA's are trained this way but those are invasive procedures and where I am now an LPN does not draw blood unless she is IV certified. It really varies on where you obtained your training, I was trained in back and front office and IMO trained well.
If I were to sign my name with all my past titles it would look something like this...MA, CNA, CMA, LPN, RN
California has really dumbed down now you only have to get 10 or 15 draws now and I think I may have done less than 2 dozen injection. It was at a well respected community college. I hear that the for profits don't do even that.
If you're happy being a MA and think you are doing a great job you don't need validation from anyone. The comments that people have made about them obviously don't apply to you. Grow a thicker skin would be my advice.
I am having a similar debate in a post about cna's. It's hard being at entry level in the nursing world or medical world. I am a CNA/TECH at two hospitals and for the most part some nurses do feel ma's cna emts are incompetent. But as long as you know what you do and what you are trained to do keep going!!!!!
I became a MA because I was a full time college student at a major university working three dead end jobs. I was already going to school to become a nurse so I knew the medical world was where I was going to be. I wanted to get my feet wet and gain experience before going into nursing completely blind. Needless to say becoming a MA was one of the best decisions I ever made. As an MA I landed a job at one of the country's top hospitals. My employer now pays my tuition for both pre-requisite and core nursing courses.
All I can say is God is good. I have gotten job offers as a nurse after I graduate and I will not take my first nursing class until next fall.
Know yourself and know your worth. You don't need validation from anyone do you! I know plenty of people who are MA's and Nurses and let's just put it this way their skills are not up to par.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I think they made a section for MAs because they kept coming here, not because MAs are part of the nursing profession. Kind of like when parents give in to their kids nagging them because the kids just wear them down over time.
Why not post as a nursing student if you really are a nursing student?
I LOVE being a Certified Medical Assistant. I've been in the field for 11 years and have worked in all different environments from OBGYN to the latest as a Surgical CMA in Dermatology. I've never worked front offfice, I've never worked in an office where I've only done vitals like so many of my fellow MA's. I became an MA when I got pregnant my first year of college where my major was nursing. I knew I wanted to be in healthcare but would have to take an alternate route thus becoming a Medical Assistant. My scope of practice is different because of where I've worked. Just like different states allow you to do different things. I've been blessed to work with doctors that are great teachers as well. I am currently back in Nursing School and will complete it in the Spring. You have to enjoy what you do and not to much worry about what everyone else thinks because as long as YOU what your scope of practice is you will meet the goals. My last position was amazing I assisted in surgeries in which we removed skin cancers also known as MOHS surgery. Yep assisted in the removal and repair now that was amazing. Our clinic at the hospital was different because our office consisted of 13 of the 15 staff members being Certified MA'S, and we did more than just vitals we did everything. So get some place where you can truly learn. That's what it is all about continuing to learn. IJS
TheGooch
775 Posts
If you're happy being a MA and think you are doing a great job you don't need validation from anyone. The comments that people have made about them obviously don't apply to you. Grow a thicker skin would be my advice.