MEDICAL ASSISTANT VS LPN

I notice alot of M.A.s putting down LPNs. GET a grip LPN is more indepth with the medical field, you can take a bridge course to get a R.N. associates, you can't do that as a M.A. My doctor said I wasted my time with M.A. Not I'm trying to go back for LPN.

In my personal situation, I felt that I wasted time going for MA. But, it is very individual choice. The only place that you will get a job as MA is drs. office. With LPN, it is more versatile. However, in my area, LPNs do not make much more, if not the same as MA. I never worked as MA, I went immediately on for my LPN. Oh, BTW, I had someone who was a phlebotomist try to talk me into going for LPN instead of MA. I wish that I would have listened to her. I would have saved some time and money.

That's another thing about this subject ,how limited MAs are. An LPN can get a job in areas that a MA can't and probably never will. You don't see MAs working at flu shot clinics,schools,prisons,assisted care facilities,home care,etc. A lot of these "minute clinics" opening up in stores only want nurses. Many hospital's health screenings will only use nurses. For the most part MAs are not given supervisory positions. It IS mostly an office job and many find out they don't want to do the administrative duties and frankly,many can't.

The reason so many go into medical assisting instead of a nursing program is one reason and one reason only-the lack of waiting. There is no waiting list for many MA programs and you can start a class within a few weeks. That is very tempting to many who just want to get into the healthcare field. Longtime loan payments and a lousy paying job or no job at all is a BIG price to pay for just wanting to help people.

You aint never lied. Tyat's exactly what I did, every time I ask about becoming a real nurse; The schools only talk about the waiting list, GPA, and prereqisites, never let me show you how!

I have been asking around for going to school for LPN, Both technical colleges in my city that's on the busline has screwed up Atlanta tech program closed; Dekalb tech has it at the covington site. And Georgia Perimeter has an associate for RN. but is so damn long or your GPA has to be very high. Most nurses I meet can't answer simple terminology. So why is it so difficult, when nursing is suppose to be in demand?

Hi,
I'm in Wisconsin. CMA's here work on clinics and Dr. offices, making $12-14/hr. The technical school course is a year. LPN's have alot more opportunities as they can work in hospitals, nursing homes, offices, assisted livings, home health, as well as clinics and Dr. offices, making $18-30/hr. The technical school course is also a year. If I was making the decision, I'd go be a nurse instead of a MA. Hope this helps!

Looking at this forum, I may be living in the wrong state. I wanted to go to school for nursing day 1. every where pushed me to the quick fix training. Now I'm going backwards trying to get my CNA just so I can get a healthcare job so I can go on to be a NURSE>

MA's do the same thing that LPNs do. The only difference is that they are licensed through the state and can do iv's. Make the same amount money and yes you can work in nursing homes, in pittsburgh,pa they hired MAs everywhere. I went to lpn school and am going to ma school now, did exactly the same thing in both.LPNs are being limited to nursing homes, i have heard of them getting rid of them and just having ma's and rn's

That may be the case where you live. But here LPNs can get into RN programs much faster because they have taking a more indepth courses than MAs. Besides my doctor trust LPN over MA any day. MAs are taking over in doctors office cause they are less expensive to hire than LPN. Don't believe the hype!

I hated working as an MA. Im signed up for an LPN program, not to say I will love that work either, but here in AZ you can make $20-$24 an hour in a facility! I guess for that kind of money, I will do it even if it's not what I love, it will pay the bills, even part time!

I am so confused. I signed up at chubb institute and did not do my homework before hand. I am currently withdrawing my self from the program since I have learned of Caahep.My question is, I am an office manager for a family practice and wanted to become a MA to be able to understand my clinical staff and be a hands on manager.I really took to the clinical side of this work, I really like to make a difference and help people.
I have not begun classes so I can cancel my application. My question is, I have done some homework regarding CNA and CMA.I just don't understand which would benefit me in the long run? Are CMA's over CNA's? what is the difference? What is more recognized in the office.Also all I have in my office are MA's. NOw I also heard LPN's are being faded out. is this true? Now there is a program for CNA.If I attend this course could I still be considered a MA? If I wanted to pursue this career could I find a job as a MA even if I only took CNA courses? any help would be great.
Thank you

Very confused

afnichols30 in Sarepta, Louisiana said: I was employed in an Emergency Room for 3 years as Ward Clerk...I LOVED it! Now I am thinking of Certification as Medical Assistant. Can someone tell me the benefits over LPN?

I just finished school and i loved it! and the lenght was 10 months and we did alot of lab and front office, billing and coding and that fun stuff and it was easy to do. I am now in the field and i actually came to a chiropractic office and working here. the hours are great and all day time shifts that would be the advantage of everything.

g in Sewell, New Jersey said: I am so confused. I signed up at chubb institute and did not do my homework before hand. I am currently withdrawing my self from the program since I have learned of Caahep.My question is, I am an office manager for a family practice and wanted to become a MA to be able to understand my clinical staff and be a hands on manager.I really took to the clinical side of this work, I really like to make a difference and help people.
I have not begun classes so I can cancel my application. My question is, I have done some homework regarding CNA and CMA.I just don't understand which would benefit me in the long run? Are CMA's over CNA's? what is the difference? What is more recognized in the office.Also all I have in my office are MA's. NOw I also heard LPN's are being faded out. is this true? Now there is a program for CNA.If I attend this course could I still be considered a MA? If I wanted to pursue this career could I find a job as a MA even if I only took CNA courses? any help would be great.
Thank you

Very confused

If you are an actual office manager,then you would already know that for the most part,offices use medical assistants over CNAs. There is usually an RN or LPN also in an office. MAs are NOT taking over or "phasing out" LPNs,that program and field will always be around. That is a BIG myth that is used to snare people into MA programs.

CMAs are only "over" CNAs in that they have more training,months and months of it and a lot of it is administrative duties. CNAs learn basic hands-on patient care and the courses usually last only a few weeks. Would you still be considered an MA if you took a CNA course? Hardly.

Thank you so much for all your help. One question.I have been to many career institutes and there is one that help me with all the info i needed. The instructor told me that NHA(national Certification) is very important to take in which they do the testing right there at there site.I would be able to work in any state as a MA in which CAAHEP is not,she said that is just for State? The only objection I have with this school(ASI) is that the course for MA is just 12 weeks, that don't do any externship.The instructor told me it's not a drawn out process with them. They cover the core of a MA verses a 8 month program at Chubb in which they go into the administrative side of it, which I really don't need because I do that already.What does anyone think of this? Thanks again for everyone who has helped me with my questions and my journey in choosing the right school.

I don't know too much about the NHA but I do know that in order to take the certifying exam from either AAMA or AMT,then you had to have gone to an accredited school and have put in so many hours. Once certified you can work in any state as an MA. There is no "state exam" for MAs except in CA and maybe some other states. Some schools will have the test on the site if they can get a proctor.

I have been questioning the length of many MA programs,and have been wondering if they need to be as long as they are. I think in some cases they are stretched out to get more money from students.

I do beleive your right concerning the length of time.I just hope that if I do take up the MA course at Chubb that I will be able to work in another state. I just received this info 2day so I'll make some phone calls 2morrow regarding the NHA.

well i am in school enrolled in the diploma program for medical assisting. i don't understand how a classmate of mine earned her associate's degree in medical assisting and we're making the same amount of money. i got hired at the facility where i was performing my externship hours. i don't graduate until october, but we make the same amount of money. it seems like you should just settle for the diploma program instead of spending more time in school for an associate degree if the pay is going to be the same.....go figure.

Is there anyone out there who has gone to Everest Tech school for Medical Assistant? If so what did you think of it, and what state was it in? I don't have exsperience in the medical field but am very interested. With what I have been reading I'm beginning to feel alittle nervous about what to do.Personally speaking, anytime I have been to a hospital or doctors office I have never had a bad exsperience with a nurse or MA.I would think both fields are important at working together. Thank you,Mickie

You need to look up Everest on www.ripoffreport.com. Doesn't sound good.

LC in Cleveland, Ohio said: You need to look up Everest on www.ripoffreport.com. Doesn't sound good.

Thank You LC in cleveland I'll check it out.Mickie

Man if I only knew what I was getting myself into! Do not become a medical assistant. Challenge yourself to become more than a medical assistant. What we learned in those few months we could have applied in it in becomming a RN or Nurse. These schools don't tell you what the turn over rate is in students getting a job after college. I wised someone would have told me the honest truth about ma's, believe me I would not have continued. I made a vow to tell someone at my school to reconsider what they are doing and unenroll. BECOME a Nurse!

Was it worth it to go to short program like HEALD OR EVEREST for MEDICAL ASSISTANT OR MEDICAL ADMIN? while waiting to get in for Nursing program? I need help...

I GO OUT ON EXTERN IN FOUR WEEKS AND i AM EXCITED! I HOPE TO GET HIRED AT METHODIST. IN THEIR MINOR CARE CLINIC. YOU GET PAID MORE IN THE CLINIC THAN IN THE HOSPITAL PLUS THE HOURS ARE BETTER!

Oh thanks for the advice...The only thing is that I found out about the tuition was too expensive...Goodluck to you...

I'm not sure if it's worth doing the MA for 8 months for 8,000 or the LVN for 15 months for 16,000. Is that pay and job duties that much diff?

YES. LPNs can start out at $15 hourly while MAs,if they are lucky enough to FIND a job,can start at $8. You will hear just the opposite in a MA program,that there are plenty of jobs out there just waiting for you,that the pay is great,and the biggest lie of all,that MAs are "phasing out LPNs" which gives a lot of gullible students the impression that they are going to be similar to being a nurse. ALL nurses have so much more opportunities,so many different avenues to take (school nurse,prison nurse,flu shot clinics,home visiting nurse,etc) and these doors don't want an MA to enter. MAs are very limited in what they can apply for and the hiring of them is very selective,because there are so many graduates looking for a job.

Hi! I recently visited Concorde Career Institute to talk to them about their Surgical Technologist and LPN programs. Instead I was sort of talked into the Medical Assistant with Limited X-Ray program. The MA program is about 10 months, and the LPN is about 13 months. The cost for the LPN program is quite a bit more.

I've worked in home health and nursing homes before as a caregiver (basically I did all the same things a CNA did without having the certification) and I really don't want to go back to that. I would much rather work in a hospital or doctor's office and work a regular 40 hour work week. Now that I went through the application process i'm starting to have second thoughts about the MA program.

As far as I know it's not too late to change my mind and switch over to the LPN program. I do like the fact that the MA program offers 3 months of x-ray training though. Has anyone here gone to Concorde and which program do you recommend?

I thought about those programs couple days ago and I realize that I'd rather wait to be an RN its worth of waiting and for sure there is job security and pays really well. MA's are fine too but some say that it can pay up to 19/hr here in California.

Leeta Tiwarie in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I am a Medical Assistant thru AAMA and phlembotomist working for the school clinic. I do everything the lpn's does but make much less due to the fact that I don't have an LPN licence and the school board is not required to pay any more. This is very fraustrating.
I have been trying to find an online school or maybe study at home and be able to take a test in order to achieve my lpn licence so that I would be able to make at least 3.00 more an hour doing the same job I am doing right now but I have not had any luck doing so.
I was wondering if you can help me in anyway or direct me as to who can help..........Thank You

There are alot of night time courses. I know around here full time at night you can get your LPN in 11 months. 18 months going part time. Check into the colleges around you.

Katie in Seattle, Washington said: I'm not sure if it's worth doing the MA for 8 months for 8,000 or the LVN for 15 months for 16,000. Is that pay and job duties that much diff?

FYI I did attend a MA program at Bryman 3 years ago, I was very lucky because I worked for a local hospital as an executive assistant for 5 VP's for 5 years and I had extensive Administrative Background before I graduated from Bryman. I went to a Cardiology job right out of school which I have been with for 3 years now and love it, I have the opportunity now to be trained as a Nuclear Stress Technican with the same company. I have been lucky and make a good salary that I am happy with. However, if I had to do it again, I would have taken the LPN or LVN program somwhere, because if you want to go towards nursing this is an easier route than transitioning from MA to LPN as you have to redo school, which I am looking for online. I am having trouble finding an online school to get the LPN degree, I really don't want to quit to go to school full time, I was hoping for evening study, but not finding that so far. Personally if you like administrative along with some clinical go for just MA, but you may wish later that you went for the LPN or LVN to go into Nursing later!

I am just finishing up my MA Dip. but I think I should have gone straight into LPN. Is the CMA Exam difficult?
?

In california MA's work almost everywhere Clinics, Private doctor offices, Hospitals the only place I haven't encountered any MA's are in long term care facilities. Any they are trained to do alot of the duties LVN's perform here, that's the same as an LPN. In California The nurse makes more money and would have a schedule that would fluctuate around a seven day week, the MA's usually work Monday thru Friday and are off on weekends unless they work in a hospital like Kaiser where their likely to work on the weekend. I feel the LVN is more lucrative in California, the MA jobs are harder to get here, because they want to much experience compared to the LVN and on top of that, there are so many schools turning out MA's left and right that there are just to many of them. I worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant for over 10 years and due to my injury I'm looking to do something where I don't have lift anyone. The MA would be good for that,but like I said it's tough to get a position even though I"ve been in the medical field. I earned my Dental Assistant certificate in 2004 and have yet to get a job
, schools are training people but your're not promised a job. It's been tough to even land an interview. Good luck all, I hope this information helps someone.

Terry B. in Alpharetta, Georgia said: Hi I am a medical assistant in Atlanta, Ga. I have been in health care for about 3yrs. I love what i do. I have taken the exam to become a Registered Medical Assistant, and there is no where i can go far as career. I work with LPN and they do make more. And now i am trying to get in to a LPN program for 18 mos.And yes!!!!! I am a man.

GLAD TO HEAR THERE ARE MEN IN THE MA PROGRAM. THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE. AND GOOD FOR YOU. =]

i am a certified MA looking for work either in kissimmee or orland florida
ps. i also have a notary public license in case any one needs one my prices are resonable starting at $3.00

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I am a recent graduate of a MA program. I found it hard at first to find a job. I went on interview after inerview and still was unemployed. I finally got a job and I am making $16. Here in Wisconsin LPNs and MAs make around the same with maybe a couple $$ difference. An LPN is more restricted here. They are usually in Long term care and thats it. There are opportunites for MA in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices. I am very happy with my decision because now I feel that I wont be stuck in a certain type of position, but I will have the chance to have an enjoyable job while Im continuing my nursing degree to become an RN. So I feel that this is a personal decision and it depends on the type of career path u want. Good Luck to you....

I'm the Placement Director for a private career college in Missouri that offers MAA training. If you're looking for a school that offers MAA training, look at who their accrediting body is. Ours is ACICS and I can tell you that it's extensive! Our retention rates are REQUIRED to be no less than 60% and our placement rates are REQUIRED to be no less than 65%. (My placement rate, by the way, is 80%.) Publicly funded istitutions in MO aren't required to publish their placement rates. I have to track my graduates for 2 YEARS after graduation. Therefore, it's in my best interest (to retain my job) to make sure that every graduate willing to work is working.

As far as those of you who are seeking employment but having a hard time finding it, check your resume FIRST. An unprofessional resume or an ugly resume or a resume with typos will find it's way into the trash very fast. Next, make sure you're completing the applications COMPLETELY with 0 errors. This is a HUGE complaint of the employers I work with. Last, are you interviewing well? Find as many interview questions as you can, come up with complete professional (and honest) answers and practice them. You can be an excellent candidate on paper but if you botch the interview, you're toast.

FYI - our campus reuqires every student to go through a Career Management class where we make sure the student has a professional resume with 0 errors, learn how to complete an application correctly, go through interview questions thoroughly AND I require my medical students to sit through 2 mock interviews with real healthcare recruiters.

I've been a medical asst. for approx. a year and half now. I decided to take the limited x-ray of the program, which was a waste of time --- for me. In my area - someone who has their MA and limited X-ray license can start their pay at $18.00 and it goes up from there depending on experience. As of late, I've noticed that i'm becoming bored with this career - i love it at times, but there's definitely a wall as far as how challenging this career will take you. I'm surprised to see that out of state MA's only make minimum wage! That's crazy! My pay is double that and will only increase as I get more experience. I'm glad I took this path since I've always been interested in a medical career = but again, I'm starting to become aware of the burn-out phase and am exploring the path of nursing.

Marie in Vancouver, Washington said: Hi! I recently visited Concorde Career Institute to talk to them about their Surgical Technologist and LPN programs. Instead I was sort of talked into the Medical Assistant with Limited X-Ray program. The MA program is about 10 months, and the LPN is about 13 months. The cost for the LPN program is quite a bit more.

I've worked in home health and nursing homes before as a caregiver (basically I did all the same things a CNA did without having the certification) and I really don't want to go back to that. I would much rather work in a hospital or doctor's office and work a regular 40 hour work week. Now that I went through the application process i'm starting to have second thoughts about the MA program.

As far as I know it's not too late to change my mind and switch over to the LPN program. I do like the fact that the MA program offers 3 months of x-ray training though. Has anyone here gone to Concorde and which program do you recommend?

I graduate from ATI college of health. And its hard to find a job as a MA. and the best thing for you to do become a Nurse or LPN. I wish I have know about the LPN program before the MA. The Pay sucks. You are wasting your time as an MA.