starting medical assistant in 4 weeks should i go or not??

i start medical assistant school on sept 4th and i dont know if i should take it or no because of all the comments posted here..im scared and i dont know if i should take it or not. im starting at hesser college...im starting a job also but is delntal receptionist no experience medical but dental, im also going to be making $12/hour...iam bilingual spanish/english but i dont know what you guys think should i go to school or should i just go do something else??and how are the medical assistant job here in nashua,NH

The fact that you are reluctant to go is a bad sign,or good one since you have time to drop out before owing anything. Most MA jobs start out at $9-$10,or even $8 since doctors know that so many are wanting the job that they can pay them cheaply. Look in your local papers to see how often MA jobs are advertised,and if it is a few times a month,that will tell you something-that most are by word of mouth.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm supposed to start Sept. 7 and now i'm backing out of it. My sister is an MA and she flat out said,"Don't do it". The pay she says is not worth it. She makes $18 an hour after 6 years with the company. She had to take tons of extra courses to make this money. She tells me most of the MA don't go past $12-13.00. That's not a very good pay after going to school and having expensive loans. I really wanted to do it but now i'm not. I would do something else. I mean you can make that money in a regular office with no training. I am bilingual too, so I know that they need us out there but I know a lady that was a MA also and she worked for her medical office for like 10 years. She didn't make more then $13 and she switched jobs. I know what your going through, it's my passion too. But I make more now driving a bus $16/ hour, so I asked myself too if it was worth it. Good luck and I think maybe LPN or OCT is worth going to school for.

I am having the same problem with the $$ issue. I just graduated and have only gotten one call back so far from applications. They offered me $10-11/hr. to start and she said it would be a 4% merit increase annually! I was kind of taken aback since I thought I would start at 12.50/hr. or so. I made $14.50/hr. at the job I quit to go back to school. I figure I could make more as a secretary and not as much stress, but I love the MA clinical stuff. Is $13 really as high as it ever goes? Is working for a specialist better? The job is for OB/GYN and I just don't know.

If you get offered that job,TAKE IT. Too many (if not all) MAs are lied to in school about the pay they will be making so when they are offered a low paying position,they turn it down and then wish later they had taken it to get the experience in. Take the job for about 9 months and then try to find a better paying one,which you will have a better chance at getting with that all-important experience.

IM suppose to start for a medical assstan/ phlebotomist in 2 weeks and was told when I graduate I will be higher than a LPN and also that most jobs start
at 12.00 hr, is this true or should I go to a regular college? Also it is going to cost 10,000 for 7 months.

Dorothy, you got lied to...Go to a regular college, sweetie.

Those crappy tech schools are nothing but trash. Used car salesmen trash.

MAs and LPNs are two totally different fields. An LPN is a NURSE. A Medical Assistant is not. Two totally different scopes of practice. LPNs will always make more than a MA.

Here, in Detroit, MAs make about $30,000 a year, while a LPN makes about $40,000 a year.

Well said,Sybil. All these tech schools are using the same line about how MAs will be overtaking LPNs,that LPNs will become obsolete soon and it is a big LIE to snare them in. They have been talking about this for 20 years and LPNs are still around and there are plenty of jobs for them. Any school that is saying anything to get you in there should be avoided-drop out NOW.

Do you think it is just as good to go to a private business school as it would be to go to a 2 year community college or a
vocational school?

I am a mom of two kids, 7 & 4 and have thought about going back to work(Advertising is my previous field) OR going to school to be an MA.

I am supposed to be starting an MA program at a tech college in September. I REALLY want to be in the medical field and medical assisting seemed perfect. But, after reading everyone's comments, I'm not sure. I've also considered training to be a surgical tech. Anyone have any comments about this career?

Also, what is anyone's opinion of technical colleges? There are a couple of local colleges in my area but two don't offer an MA program and the other college has the program but space is limited and it's difficult to get into.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much and sorry this is so long!

I am a single mother of one daughter and I have been a phlebotomist for 2 years now. I am making a salary that I can barely live in on, so I decided to see what other options were out there to supplement my income. I found a resource for phlebotomists as independent contractors. If your in the same boat as me I would check outout...www.mydnatestingbusiness.com.

Melissa- I am glad to see that you are paying attention to some of the posts. Over the past year I have soured on the field of medical assisting, not only because of my own experiences but from what I have read. I try to make it clear what can be expected but many don't want to believe it can be as difficult as it is to find work as a Medical Assistant. I have a few questions for you-how many medical assisting programs are in your area? There may be some that you are unaware of. I had no idea until recently that there are at least 6 in this region. That's not a good thing because obviously they can't all be good programs, plus they are all periodically releasing more and more grads who will all be competing for the same jobs. That
brings me to my second question-how often do you see medical assistant jobs in the papers? I never really paid attention before I started school but if I had, I would have noticed it's maybe a few a month around here, which is a bad sign. It says that when a position becomes available, these work sites will get someone by word of mouth, they prefer not to advertise.
Then there is the matter of pay. When I was in school and my class would start talking of it, I tuned them out because I didn't care about the pay, I thought if I could just get the job in the first place would in itself be enough. Now it infuriates me to know that we get all that training, have all those responsibilities and duties, yet some places will only pay out as low as $8 an hour. You could make more working in a restaurant. What it all boils down to is that some doctors know that there are probably dozens of MA grads all vying for the same position so they can easily pay them cheaply.
As for these "tech" schools, they all seem to act like they are "careers" oriented. If that is the case then you better make sure that they actually do something about getting you IN that career once you have graduated.

Danielle Tyler in Atlanta, Georgia said: I am a single mother of one daughter and I have been a phlebotomist for 2 years now. I am making a salary that I can barely live in on, so I decided to see what other options were out there to supplement my income. I found a resource for phlebotomists as independent contractors. If your in the same boat as me I would check outout...www.mydnatestingbusiness.com.

I checked out that website,where the information was rather vague. Why is it necessary to pay for a "telephone course" if you already have the training? Once that is completed,then how do you find the jobs,and is that guaranteed? Can you elaborate on it more? If it works out for anyone,then thank you for the link.

Since Medical Assisting is getting bad reviews, does anyone have any suggestions as to what health care positions would be beneficial? I mean, one where you can make a decent income and still be doing things like an MA would do.

Thanks for all the advice and replies!!

Hi everyone:
I took a course for medical assistant at a tech. college and I feel they didn't do a very good job in teaching us the right things. One teacher I had was horrible, she would yell and swear at us and told us if we didn't like the class to leave, she made many of the girls there actually cry. They weren't very helpful if we needed help and I sure wished I hadn't gone there, but we don't have colleges here that teach MA courses. When I got a job I felt I wasn't at all prepared to do it as most stuff we did at the clinic was totally different than what we were taught. Now I don't know if all techs are like that, but the one I went to I didn't care for.

I am currently in college for medical assisting and our instuctors tell us that MA's do make more than LPN's. How do find out the truth?

Jessyka in Indianapolis, Indiana said: I am currently in college for medical assisting and our instuctors tell us that MA's do make more than LPN's. How do find out the truth?

Try this web site it may help
www.indeed.com/salary

Jessyka in Indianapolis, Indiana said: I am currently in college for medical assisting and our instuctors tell us that MA's do make more than LPN's. How do find out the truth?

Print out the results of the above very helpful information and show them to your instructors,who are lying. I bet they are also saying that LPNs are being "phased" out my medical assistants and will eventually become obsolete,which isn't true either.

Dorothy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: IM suppose to start for a medical assstan/ phlebotomist in 2 weeks and was told when I graduate I will be higher than a LPN and also that most jobs start
at 12.00 hr, is this true or should I go to a regular college? Also it is going to cost 10,000 for 7 months.

Go to school and get a LPN. You can take
night classes later to become a RN and then require top pay. I so wish I had gone to JR college and taken LPN adn later RN.
Good luck
The internet school are for the birds. They lie and after they get your money, your have to raise cane to get to talk to them ever again. Once you become the
bur in their bonnet, they don't give a
darn about you or your education.
STAY WITH A JUNIOR COLLEGE.

LC in Cleveland, Ohio said: Well said,Sybil. All these tech schools are using the same line about how MAs will be overtaking LPNs,that LPNs will become obsolete soon and it is a big LIE to snare them in. They have been talking about this for 20 years and LPNs are still around and there are plenty of jobs for them. Any school that is saying anything to get you in there should be voided-drop out NOW.

I agree, drop out and get a real school. These internet schools should be reported to the attorney generals office.

Julie in Kaukauna, Wisconsin said: Hi everyone:
I took a course for medical assistant at a tech. college and I feel they didn't do a very good job in teaching us the right things. One teacher I had was horrible, she would yell and swear at us and told us if we didn't like the class to leave, she made many of the girls there actually cry. They weren't very helpful if we needed help and I sure wished I hadn't one there, but we don't have colleges here that teach MA courses. When I got a job I felt I wasn't at all prepared to do it as most stuff we did at the clinic was totally different than what we were taught. Now I don't know if all techs are like that, but the one I went to I didn't care for.

Report them to the attorney generals office and they will investigate.

Report these schools to your attorney generals office and they will investigate.

We should help one another. Girlfriends
take note and take the time to look up the attorney generals office online. Send them
a type written letter of your experience. Also post it on my space. Help others to
avoid spending their hard earned money on a school that is not practicing what they preach.
Thanks & good luck.
RD

Good advice. Also,go to www.ripoffreport.com and report an experience/school,or,look up one if you are considering what is becoming more and more a scam-medical assisting programs.

YES! ripoff reports .com is a great place to let the public know how we feel about the scamers.
RD

Mabi in Nashua, New Hampshire said: i start medical assistant school on sept 4th and i dont know if i should take it or no because of all the comments posted here..im scared and i dont know if i should take it or not. im starting at hesser college...im starting a job also but is delntal receptionist no experience medical but dental, im also going to be making $12/hour...iam bilingual spanish/english but i dont know what you guys think should i go to school or should i just go do something else??and how are the medical assistant job here in nashua,NH

If you started on Sept 4,2007, it is not to late to get your money back, keep your sanity and go for a different trade or
train in a junior colllege.
RD

Jessyka in Indianapolis, Indiana said: I am currently in college for medical assisting and our instuctors tell us that MA's do make more than LPN's. How do find out the truth?

One way to find out is to call around and
pretend you are looking for a job in that field. This is called research. (no punds
intended) Take you research back to the instructor and show this to the school.
Write down every place you called the phone address and person you talked to.
If you don't do your research, you could
wake up to a BIG disappointment.
Don't be afraid to assert yourself. Tell them you have the degree and ask for any openings and what the salary level is for a beginner and with 1 to 2 years experience.
I spent years getting degrees. I moved to Montana to find the state requirement
to work as a social worker is a BS in social work. I have a masters in Psy.,
masters in counseling,two AA's and
MCSE in computers and can't find a job.
Darn does this hurt? You bet it does.
Do your research not girlfriends because once you get in a school it is to late.
NURSES are hot on the market. Good pay and you can travel. If I had to do my education over I would be a Nurse.
or go to school for radiology. The people can go anywhere and get a job.
It is worth the time and money not to invest in your future for later.
Also nurses can go into the miiitary and
come out with excellent training and an
education grant. WOW I wish someone would have told me that when I was at Berkeley.:)
Good luck
RD.

My mom (55) needs a career after becoming widowed. We had thought becoming a MA would be a great choice, but now I wonder if she'll make enough $$. You all seem to be educated on this topic; do any of you have suggestions for a 55 year old beginning a career? Just curious. Thanks.

Dorothy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: IM suppose to start for a medical assstan/ phlebotomist in 2 weeks and was told when I graduate I will be higher than a LPN and also that most jobs start
at 12.00 hr, is this true or should I go to a regular college? Also it is going to cost 10,000 for 7 months.

Most MA jobs offer very competitive rates. The salary can range from $10-$20 per hour. I know people who have made $18 fresh out of school with no prior medical experience. It all depends on you, who you know and your work/educational background. Lots of times an employer may try to pay you less because you do not have any medical background, but if you have customer service background, this will help you. Sell yourself! I have worked with many different health professionals. A few of my friends/colleagues are LPNs-and they told me that they teach the MA program, or work per diem giving injections because they do not want to work bedside anymore or in nursing homes. MAs can also move on to become office managers because of the administrative and billing aspects in the program. Nothing is a waste of time unless you make it a waste. Positive thinking and assertiveness go a long way. There is room for everyone, and I believe we should all respect each other's career choices. We all play an important role in healthcare. If you are not in this to help people, if you are not compassionate and patient, then maybe this is not the field for you.

I know of many success stories. The Medical Assistant field is growing. It has been cited in many publications, magazines, etc. I am from New York, but I also know Medical Assistants who are doing well in other states, like Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Massachusetts. DO not give up. Apply yourself, and get out there and make it happen. Also, always look for the next job while you already have one. It gets easier once you get your foot in the door, network, and hone your skills.

LOC in Brooklyn, New York said: Most MA jobs offer are LPNs-and they told me that they teach the MA program, or work we should all respect each other's career choices. We all play an important role in healthcare. If you are not in this to help people, if you are not compassionate and patient, then maybe this is not the field for you.

I know of many success stories. The Medical Assistant field is growing. It has been cited in many publications, magazines, etc. I am from New York, but I also know Medical Assistants who are doing well in other states, like Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Massachusetts. DO not give up. Apply yourself, and get out there and make it happen. Also, always look for the next job while you already have one. It gets easier once you get your foot in the door, network, and hone your skills.

I think the animosity may come from this "phasing out" stuff...it is said that Physician Assistants are used to replace doctors (true) -it is more cost efficient to use let's say-five PAs and one doctor in a practice, rather than four doctors and one PA...it is more cost efficient to have one RN and four MAs-or to pay one MA to be a supervisor and have other MAs under that one in a group practice. The RN in that case, in my experience was used for documentation purposes, chart reviews, etc...but, a medical assistant can also assist with these duties. Sure, they will not make what a registered nurse would, but they gain the experience, and they WILL be paid more for the additional duties. As for the LPN, I have seen some ads where they can be asked to supervise or be a manager, but more commonly a medical assistant would become a supervisor or manager, due to the education of a medical assistant. Before you let anyone sell you short, or push a pin in your balloon, research, research, research and find out all the details for yourself. Never take anyone's word (unless you know and trust them). There are ups and downs in all.

Melissa in Oviedo, Florida said: Since Medical Assisting is getting bad reviews, does anyone have any suggestions as to what health care positions would be beneficial? I mean, one where you can make a decent income and still be doing things like an MA would do.

Thanks for all the advice and replies!!

Sonogram Technician, Physician Assistant, X-Ray Technician

LOC in Brooklyn, New York said: Sonogram Technician, Physician Assistant, X-Ray Technician

an LPN also makes decent money, and can teach the Medical Assistant Program also. You can work in a nursing home, a doctor's office, etc...or even do temp work. And if you wanted to continue your education, nothing you do in the medical field will be a waste. It will make your schooling easier. I can understand not wanting to go to college, but it is always a good idea to continue your education if you can, even if it is over a time-span. I have worked with people who have college degrees, and people who don't , and they both do the same job lots of times, and get paid the same. There are many ways to look at it, and there is really no one correct answer. It is good to be open-minded, positive, and persevere. You can make it if you think you can. You get back what you put out. Good luck.

LOC in Brooklyn, New York said: I think the animosity may come from this "phasing out" stuff...it is said that Physician Assistants are used to replace doctors (true) -it is more cost efficient to use let's say-five PAs and one doctor in a practice, rather than four doctors and one PA...it is more cost efficient to have one RN and four MAs-or to pay one MA to be a supervisor and have other MAs under that one in a group practice. The RN in that case, in my experience was used for documentation purposes, chart reviews, etc...but, a medical assistant can also assist with these duties. Sure, they will not make what a registered nurse would, but they gain the experience, and they WILL be paid more for the additional duties. As for the LPN, I have seen some ads where they can be asked to supervise or be a manager, but more commonly a medical assistant would become a supervisor or manager, due to the education of a medical assistant. Before you let anyone sell you short, or push a pin in your balloon, research, research, research and find out all the details for yourself. Never take anyone's word (unless you know and trust them). There are ups and downs in all.

CHeck the classified ads. You will see ads that ask for an MA or LPN for the same job. Sometimes, the LPN will get paid more, but not always, and that is a fact that I know to be true. It depends on time, place, experience. MAs can make more if they work for a specialist or for a group practice. You can also move up if you want it badly enough.
Check out the schools before you attend, check out jobs before you go to interview there, utilize your school's placement department. If it is a good school, they will help you whenever you need it and at least send you to three or four places to interview. It is not hopeless. Also, if you graduated from a school, go back and do clinical practice if they allow it. Check out any continuing education courses you can take,or certifications, voluntee

Hello;
We who have lived in the 50ies and 60ies have learned the value of supporting women. We have come a long way. Don't let anyone justify your career. If you want to have a profession, now is the time. It is becomming increasing difficult to obtain a job without education, ie. a trade under your best. With the many foreigners comming to the USA to seek a different life, and this brings competision. Think positive and enroll and give it your best.
Stay focused, endure now will enhance your future.
Roz

LOC in Brooklyn, New York said: Most MA jobs offer very competitive rates. The salary can range from $10-$20 per hour. I know people who have made $18 fresh out of school with no prior medical experience.........If you are not in this to help people, if you are not compassionate and patient, then maybe this is not the field for you.

I know of many success stories. The Medical Assistant field is growing. It has been cited in many publications, magazines, etc. I am from New York, but I also know Medical Assistants who are doing well in other states, like Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Massachusetts. DO not give up. Apply yourself, and get out there and make it happen. Also, always look for the next job while you already have one. It gets easier once you get your foot in the door, network, and hone your skills.

I might add that if one has any shyness in them,then maybe trying for a medical assistant job isn't going to go well since in many cases you have to have aggressive job seeking skills-or you are not going to get anywhere. These skills aren't something usually taught in the over abundance (at least around here) of medical assistant programs. Instead the students hear more about how to act on an interview rather than all the ways to try and GET an interview in the first place-and convince the hiring person to take a chance on them. Many program's "career coodinator" do nothing more than what the student was taught to do,fax out resumes,or to rely on the Internet. Sometimes,that is no where near enough.

In this economically depressed region of Ohio,a lot of MAs are having trouble getting a job. There is so much competition. I saw two MA help wanted ads in the paper yesterday which is a rarity,normally it's one every few weeks. That doesn't mean the jobs aren't out there; they are just kept a secret when they become available.

LOC in Brooklyn, New York said: Most MA jobs offer very competitive rates. The salary can range from $10-$20 per hour. I know people who have made $18 fresh out of school with no prior medical experience.

Many looking at this forum will be wondering who did you know that would make that much,because that is extremely rare.

I went to medical assisting school and graduated in 2002. I thought I would be making good money, but I was wrong. I had a hard time finding a job because no one would hire me. They all said I didn't have enough experience. Well how am I suppose to get any experience if no one will hire me? I made a crappy $10.00 an hour. Talk about disapointment. There was no way I was going to make ends meet on my own making this kind of money. I tried it for six months. It was just my daughter and I and it was rough. I finally went to live with my grandma and am now in school pursuing a career in nursing. I sent resume out after resume when I was trying to get a medical assisting job and I hardly got any calls back. And when someone would call me I would go for an interview only to be turned down when they ask me about my experience. If you're thinking about becoming a medical assistant I wouldn't do it. Go get your RN or LPN. You'll make more money and more people will hire you with hardly any experience.

Keep up the good job on nurning. It is a hot field. You will get hired as a nurse. go to the ends of the earth to get your degree it will never let you down.
Good luck,
Roz

I go to MCI and they fed me a bunch of crap about how good of a career medical assisting is. I am in school right now to become a CMA, I've been taking classes for 6 months. Now I'm worried because this is not what I want. My plan was to become an RN or LPN. They told me I'd be better off in the MA program since I don't have medical experience. If I drop out of this program now I'll owe tons of money. I wish I'd never signed up for it.
I just want to drop out of this school and go to a better school for something I really want to do. Does anybody know if there is a way I could do that and still not have to pay back my tuition until after I graduate? I'm so upset I don't know what to do.

Jess in Jamestown, Virginia said: I go to MCI and they fed me a bunch of crap about how good of a career medical assisting is . I am in school right now to become a CMA, I've been taking classes for 6 months. Now I'm worried because this is not what I want. My plan was to become an RN or LPN. They told me I'd be better off in the MA program since I don't have medical experience. If I drop out of this program now I'll owe tons of money. I wish I'd never signed up for it .
I just want to drop out of this school and go to a better school for something I really want to do. Does anybody know if there is a way I could do that and still not have to pay back my tuition until after I graduate? I'm so upset I don't know what to do.

I am in the same boat as you, I have been going to Sanford Brown Institute since July 07'. I am having major doubts now about this field. I was told that the pay is good and it should not be that hard to get hired, since everyone is looking for a MA to work for them. I don't like the school, I wish I wouldv'e have done more research on it before I signed that dotted line. I basicially went on he said she said from a friend that attended there. She loved the school so much, but now I'm thinking she loves it because the classes are short 5 wks everything is cramed in your head. It is really stressing me out, I've become more moody then ever since attending this school. The students there are very immature, most of the teachers don't care about the students, and the good teachers are all leaving. I though MA was for me but I guess I was wrong. I don't want to be stuck in a retail job. I'm a single mother and I was doing this for me and my daughter so I can take care of her financially. But reading all these post, I'm thinking more and more I made the wrong decision. The school is $13,000 and that is money I will have to pay back. I'm thinking of maybe switching to a medical biller. All I can say is follow your heart and mind!

Melissa in Oviedo, Florida said: I am a mom of two kids, 7 & 4 and have thought about going back to work(Advertising is my previous field) OR going to school to be an MA.

I am supposed to be starting an MA program at a tech college in September. I REALLY want to be in the medical field and medical assisting seemed perfect. But, after reading everyone's comments, I'm not sure. I've also considered training to be a surgical tech. Anyone have any comments about this career?

Also, what is anyone's opinion of technical colleges? There are a couple of local colleges in my area but two don't offer an MA program and the other college has the program but space is limited and it's difficult to get into.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much and sorry this is so long!

Surg Techs stand on their feet for the duration of the operation, which can sometimes be 10hrs. or more. You cannot take a break. If you think you will have good feet and legs in the years to come, go for it.

HI I WAS A MEDICAL ASSISTANT FOR AWHILE. I WENT TO SHCOOL FOR 2 YEARS TO GET AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN APPLIED SCIENCE/MEDICAL ASSISTING. I GRADUATED IN JUNE 2002.I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET OUT OF SCHOOL WITH A HIGH PAYING CAREER. I WAS WRONG. I HAD A HARD TIME FINDING A JOB BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD HIRE ME WITHOUT 1 YEAR OF EXPERIENCE. I FINALLY GOT A JOB AND MADE A WHOLE $10 AN HOUR. THAT WAS NO MONEY. I FELT HORRIBLE BECUASE I SPENT ALL THIS TIME IN SCHOOL TO MAKE $10 AN HOUR. I FINALLY DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND WILL GRADUATE IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR WITH MY LPN'S LICENSE. AT LEAST I KNOW I'LL MAKE A DECENT CHECK.

Mabi in Nashua, New Hampshire said: i start medical assistant school on sept 4th and i dont know if i should take it or no because of all the comments posted here..im scared and i dont know if i should take it or not. im starting at hesser college...im starting a job also but is delntal receptionist no experience medical but dental, im also going to be making $12/hour...iam bilingual spanish/english but i dont know what you guys think should i go to school or should i just go do something else??and how are the medical assistant job here in nashua,NH

I just read your forum and hope really hope you did start your program MEdical Assisting is a great career. Does your school offer a good Basic Medical Terminolgy course. C& E Learning Systems also offers a Intermediate Medical Terminology course that caters to all the difficult Terminology that is presented in the AAMA exam

Please feel free to visit our website and share the information with your school. It will be a great help to you and your fellow students. www.candelearning.com

Good Luck

Christina Nichols. CMA

Mabi in Nashua, New Hampshire said: i start medical assistant school on sept 4th and i dont know if i should take it or no because of all the comments posted here..im scared and i dont know if i should take it or not. im starting at hesser college...im starting a job also but is delntal receptionist no experience medical but dental, im also going to be making $12/hour...iam bilingual spanish/english but i dont know what you guys think should i go to school or should i just go do something else??and how are the medical assistant job here in nashua,NH

What I see is that people are commenting about is about the pay. If the MA's are complaining about the $$$, why not go all the way and go to Nursing school. You know it's so easy to talk about how much you start off making, but what I don't hear is people doing the MA job because they love it. No matter what job you do or how much you make can you truly say you love your job. I love being an MA. That's the reason I became one.

Hi Mel in NY:

I was thinking about going to Sandford Brown school (white plains) to do an ultra sound tech. When I did my research it was not good - & speaking with someone at the school she said I could not follow my dream as ultra sound tech & tried to discouranged me & started to offer me another program that I had not interest in.

The school called me about 2 weeks ago and I just brushed them off - she was saying because of my age and I did not have any patient care experience that it will not be possible to follow my dream. What I want to say to you - follow your dream - don't let anyone discourage you - people don't like to see other people get by.

Mel in New York, New York said: I am in the same boat as you, I have been going to Sanford Brown Institute since July 07'. I am having major doubts now about this field. I was told that the pay is good and it should not be that hard to get hired, since everyone is looking for a MA to work for them. I don't like the school, I wish I wouldv'e have done more research on it before I signed that dotted line. I basicially went on he said she said from a friend that attended there. She loved the school so much, but now I'm thinking she loves it because the classes are short 5 wks everything is cramed in your head. It is really stressing me out, I've become more moody then ever since attending this school. The students there are very immature, most of the teachers don't care about the students, and the good teachers are all leaving. I though MA was for me but I guess I was wrong. I don't want to be stuck in a retail job. I'm a single mother and I was doing this for me and my daughter so I can take care of her financially. But reading all these post, I'm thinking more and more I made the wrong decision. The school is $13,000 and that is money I will have to pay back. I'm thinking of maybe switching to a medical biller. All I can say is follow your heart and mind!

Don't let the comments scare you! Money is not everything...what makes you happy and what you could see yourself doing is key. I am attending Rasmussen College for a medical assistant...true the money is around 12.50/hr to start; however, one you get in the field and get experience a lot of times the employer has tuition reimbursement if you want to move up. Medical assistant is a great stepping stone into the medical career. My best advise is do what you feel is right. Only you can make that decision and don't listen to everyone else. If I listened to other people I would not be happy and where I am at today. May god bless you!

Sometimes it is good to try even when scared!
Best to summon the courage from within.

Much regards,
www.selfhelpgrowing.com/tools.htm

Some pretty bad talk about MA'a on here, I've got to say that it is fast work as an MA..I went from working resturants making good tips or factories where the pay is good to working as an MA with only school behind me so far. The pay is entry level. I love it though! I used to feel like I was doing a teenager's job then like I was doing a robot's job-I have a brain and I want to use it! Now,I actually feel excited about going to work. I know the demand here is really high, and the good thing is, you can do many different things. There is so much to learn! You do a mix of clinical and clerical-Clinical:labs like drawing blood, finger sticks, urinalysis, electrocardiograms, throat cultures,& assisting in minor surg procedures-for example-stitches. Clerical: you learn about charting on the computer, you do vitals: blood pressure, pulse, respirations, vision test, ht and wt, temp..plus i think there is more patient interaction than the nurses can provide(being they are very busy)As an MA the pace and setting are different too. You can work in a doc's office from 9-5 vs 12 shift at a hosp. Thats why I chose it over nursing. I want to have a more normal schedule for my family. You can go into diff. occupations, ECG tech, phlebotomist, physician's assistant..I think that Phys therapy assistants and surg techs get paid more but not sure, if its about money know that with no experience, which we all start out, is entry pay. I want you to know that it is very rewarding as is a teacher's job. Not many go into it for the pay, you have to really choose how you want to spend your working hours, stressed, bored, learning, and optimistic..etc and choose for yourself.

also only go to a school that has an internship program. At mine you do your schooling then go to work at a doc's office for about two months. They help you write your resume, practice your interveiw and find your first site (somewhere that is hiring) Another thing; you should have an idea of what you can handle, don't go into it if you fight alot or have a bad attitude, you won't get hired or won't last long. Patients deserve to be taken care of well and that includes really listening and being friendly and upbeat.

hi im in school now for MA and i just started and i see that MA dont get paid much and im thinking of changing my over to health adminstrator because that is the other program they offer its a online college so theres not to many programs they offer for health. but i have three kids so online is best for me. should i change my program to health adminstrator instead of going for MA ???? someone please help im so confused lol

IM ABOUT TO ATTEND SCHOOL AT MCI FOR MY ASSOCIATES, I JUST DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD GO FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT OR MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR, WHAT DO U GUYS THINK? AFTER READING THE POST IM REALLY STUCK,I JUST DONT KNOW IF I SHOULD GET AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE FOR MA, KNOWING THEY DONT MAKE MUCH