medical assistant is a stupid career

What is this fixation you have with MA's? Do you listen to the news or read the paper? Every facet of every profession has difficulty finding employment, even whatever kind of assistant it is you claim to be. No one is exempt from it. You could lose your job tomorrow, there is no way to know. One thing that is universal though, you should get your nasty attitude under control because it will come back to bite you in the ass!

I agree. I think she should read "The 5 dysfunctions of a team". Very insightful to say the least.

Do you know every nurse in the country? Granted doctors are in a completely different category, especially if they have gone into a specialty, they will have jobs lined up before they are done with their residency. My sister in law is a nurse. She has 15 years of experience but she just moved to a city in Northern California where guess what, all of the LPN positions are being given to medical assistants and certain CNAs with the proper experience. I took phlebotomy and can do blood draws but I don't have experience so my knowledge is doing me alot of good right now, but when I find the place that understands the value in new grads, my knowledge will be very appreciated and people who can do blood draws in addition to being an MA can make pretty good money in Calif. When she got her nurse's training they did not even have to be IV certified, now it is a requirement. Things have just changed in the world. It is not cut and dry like you think. A nurse can have trouble finding a job if there are not alot of jobs to be had and you are in a small town. She will probably have to go with an agency and take less money. My main point is quit thinking you know so much because just like most people, you DON'T.

Your sister in law is a severely isolated incident. I'm completely positive that I know more people than you do. From California to New York City (my two homes). NEVER, have I met ANY type of Nurse (LPN,etc) that has had a hard time finding a job. NEVER.However, I have met SO many medical assistants that couldn't find a job that I have lost count. Also, the ones who DID find a job were getting paid $8-12/hr. Which is NOT acceptable.
I'm not saying it's right. I think with the demand out there that EVERY person in the medical field should be hired (there is a need for them) and also paid decently. From MAs to Doctors. It just doesn't work that way right now unfortunately.

I agree, everyone that spends good money to get specific medical training should get paid for their skill set. However, I wouldn't say that she's an isolated incident. I have been researching this career field and have spoken with many girls that are MA's - particularly in offices that i go to, and they get paid in the same salary range $14-$17 per hour. They either hold a certificate of completion or an associates degree. I'm quite sure that wages fluctuate dependent on demographics, however they are starting out decently here in Colorado (at least in the Denver area). Please keep in mind that these figures i'm receiving are from girls that i have directly spoken to (I have not done a study). I cannot attest for what others are making. I'm sure it also makes a difference on where the person begins their career (hospital, doctor office, emergency). I also agree with you that $8/12 per hour is not at all acceptable. That is what workers are making in fast food in our area now. If doctors feel the need to pay in that low range for medical staff, god help them with the quality of work and production that they are going to receive in return.

I am willing to take an 8 dollar an hour job for the paid experience if I can't find another job making more an hour. You can only go up from there. A girl I was going to school with had a job as an MA while in school and she was making 14 and hour she got a pay raise as soon as she got out...This was just a few months ago.

Even though I do agree with you about the wages it is still a double edged sword because if a person wants a position with a hospital or medical practice and they are just starting out, getting their foot in the door, there isn't a whole lot of room to be picky about the pay other than to pass on the job altogether. I know from plenty of other people with experience and time you can really increase what you make. I does take patience. We all have to pay our dues.

I have seen the same situations. Obviously, some employers can see the great need for medical assistants and are willing to pay fairly for them while others just want to take advantage of the fact that they may be new grads with no experience and if they want a job bad enough they will take it to get the experience and unfortunately they are right because experience is everything in this field.

Here is some food for thought.

When I was in high school, I did about 3 years of medical stuff. Sports medicine, medical term, health science tech classes, nursing classes, and a internship with the school nurse and at a pediatric clinic..along with all that behind me, Im still not sure if I would like to be a nurse, while I enjoyed what I learned, what is wrong with being a medical assistant? I know for a fact that RN would make CRAZY more money, and it would take longer in school, but i hated school (i cant think of one person who actually enjoyed it).

If I were to become a medical assistant and loved it that much, I would like to one day become a nurse, but I feel as though I need to get my feet wet.
If I didnt get into nursing, I wouldnt mind getting into radiology or ultrasound, wherever the wind would take me (and pay me well).

Thoughts?
Ideas?
Thanks in advance.

My sister-in-law absolutely LOVES medical assisting and she doesn't have to pull overnight shifts. Really depends on your personality and what your goals are. RN's do make more money, but be prepared for ALOT more responsibility. I myself, am going into medical records so i don't have to worry about wiping butts and drawing blood. Go where your heart is. Get your feet wet and see if you like it first by becoming an MA if you wish. You don't need an associate's degree; you can get trained in 8 months.

Well I have good news ladies. Two girls from my school just got jobs the other day. Above 12 also so keep up the hope girls Jobs are out there. Oh and they didn't have any experience going in to it either.

One of my friends just went out on her externship and within two weeks she was offered a job in the same clinic starting at 12/hr

I guess any education is better than nothing at all. But to my surprise, I thought I was the only one going through this. I heard the whole creation of an MA was basically started so the work of an RN could be done in a medical office with 1/2 to 1/3 of the pay.
I can't find a job and graduated at the top of my class. During one interview, the doctor asked me how much I payed for my education, and wanting the job, I answered him. Then, he showed me out of his office and laughed.
Stats say this job is in high demand, but I have yet to have it proved to me.

I've just been reading this forum, and OMG this is getting out of hand. This is about a discussion about MA and its profession and it is getting very personal. Most of you are pathetic losers and not professional, no wonder you cannot get jobs. The tone of your comments are absurd and you sound like third-graders. Grow up, kids! If you respond, which I'm sure you will, I am deleting my address here. Comments here are useless and just a bunch of nonsense whiners, who think they are cut above the rest. Goodluck to all those who are indeed doing the right thing. Keep up the challenge.

HEY KIDS
GROW UP..YOU GUYS ARE LOSERS, I A DELETING MY ADRESS ON THIS FORUM THIS FORUM IS WASTE OF TIME,EDUCATED PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING LIKE 2ND GRADER..I GRADUATED AS AN MA 6 MONTHS AGO AND I GOT MY PHLEBOTOMIST LICENSE..I APPLIED AT LOT OF PLACES AND FINALLY GOT A JOB AFTER 2 MONTHS IT IS JUST YOU HAVE TO SIT ON A COMPUTER FOR LONG TIME ,REMEMBER LOOKING FOR A JOB IS A FULL TIME JOB. I AGREE THAT IT IS REALLY HARD TO FIND A JOB AS A MEDICAL ASSITANT. SO PEOPLE WHO ARE THINKING TO GO IN THIS FIELD..PLS GO STATRIGHT FOR LVN..
GOODLUCK

sounds kind of like our good friend Yankee doesn't it.
lol

Heather in Utica: Keep your head up high. Don't let some doctor with his head stuck up his a-- tear you down. Trust me, you wouldn't want to work for someone like that anyway. Keep the faith, something will turn up for you. Sometimes things can turn up when least expected.

Radiology is an area I was also interested in. They make very decent money in this area. That was a whole different program in itself and I chose the MA program. I know I will enjoy being an MA. I loved everything I learned in school and in my externship. Everything else as far as I'm concerned will be more knowledge and knowledge is power (I don't mean that in a snide way) I mean power as far as what I will be able to do with what I learn. I think you have some great ideas about which areas to get into. They will always be needed. People will always needed xrays and ultra sounds for different conditions.

That is very cool! Congrats to them both. At least there are places out that are giving new MA's a chance.

droptopchevy59 in Summerville, South Carolina said: I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!

I was 7 months away from graduating from RN program and became pregnant after giving up trying to have a baby. I had to withdraw from the program. After my son was born I tried to get back in the next Fall semester. Classes were full next available class was 2 years away. So I applies to the MA program I got a job before I even finished school started out at $9.00, 7 yrs later the same job I was only making $13.00 and doing the exact same thing work in the office as the LPN($18.00 hr.)and the RN($22.00)to graduate LPN needed less credits than a MA both go to school for 1 year they do not teach LPN any thing about labs or how to draw blood,filing insurance claims ,medical transcription.I agree becoming a MA it is pretty much a waste of time.I seen companies hire a CNA before CMA. I couldn't believe it. You can become a CNA in most places in 3 months The reason why RN, LPN, CNA get jobs before a CMA it the "N" word "NURSE" because of that they are thought to be more knowledgeable. I'm not putting the profession down someone needs to educate the medical community that we can and we do.THE SAME DUTIES THAT RN and LPN so we want the same money If you were having an MI would you want someone who could recite word for word on how to use the defibrillator or someone who could just do it

I disagree plus hospitals are starting to get rid of LPN's because CMA's know how to do paperwork and do blood work. It is true that CMA's can not pass out meds so they are now hiring more Pharmacy Techs for that issue.

I am experiencing the same thing and I'm in California so that is a concern that it is widespread. I have a feeling that you are young and that is on your side. I am older and my age does concern me in this area of my life. I feel the clock ticking while I am looking for and applying to every job I come across that I am qualified for. I am hoping that sooner or later, one will hit. I have to have faith. I know your turn will come soon.

I was thinking the very same thing.

Sybil in Detroit, Michigan said: Wow...you people have been misinformed.

Medical Assistants CANNOT do more CLINICAL work than an LPN. No way, no how.

Your school shouldn't offer you a "certification test". If they do, it's completely bogus as would your "credentials" be.

That's what the American Association of Medical Assistants and the American Medical Technologists associations are for. It costs $95 to register for their certification test, and if you pass, THEN you earn the credentials of being wither a Certified Medical Assistant or a Registered Medical Assistant.

Nursing is nothing like Medical Assisting. Two totally different jobs. The similarity is that we both deal with patients.[/QUO

Actually there are just different Clinical jobs that CMA are certified to do more than LPN like drawing blood. In my area CMA will get hired before LPNs because of the education that we were given to do many different things.

I heard we can't work in a hospital. If we can how do we apply?

Well, a person does not have to be older to be a bitter hag. You are living proof of that. You should just do the entire world a favor and take a long walk off a short pier.

I'm glad I found this thread, I'm thinking of taking a new career change.

Thanks!

oh, you were doing so good. Those last couple of comments were actually kind of nice. But couldn't keep your b*tch side hidden for too long...

oh girl, do what you want to do. You don't intimidate me at all...

I'm having a wonderful day today! I'm not gonna let you ruin it. Sooo, you move along...I'm even turning off my e-mail alerts. I'm not in the mood for your nonsense today.

Has anyone ever thought about looking into Respiratory Therapy? They are licensed, work with nurses, most programs are 2 years long, it's a degree, and they start out at $40k-$50k per year! And you get to help people breath! It is a rewarding career.

Yes, job title is Respiratory Therapist. Definately look into it!! Not as much paperwork or dirty work as nurses either. But the only nasty thing is dealing with sputum, which is no big deal if that doesn't bother you! And there seems to be NO shortage of jobs either!

icesickle in Rockford, Illinois said: Has anyone ever thought about looking into Respiratory Therapy? They are licensed, work with nurses, most programs are 2 years long, it's a degree, and they start out at $40k-$50k per year! And you get to help people breath! It is a rewarding career.

sounds very interesting. I'm gonna look into that...

That is surprising that there aren't a lot of schools by you that teach it. There are many around here. Well one here in Rockford. It really is a good profession. I'm in my first year of it and LOVE it so far. We obviously don't make QUITE as much as RN's, but we aren't too far behind, and there is way less stress involved!

If you are interested in learning more about what Respiratory Therapists do, here is an awesome website to check out, along w/earning potentials:

www.bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm

I think I have decided to add ultra sound and x ray tech to my degree instead of going back for my RN. I looked it up and they make just as much as the RNs do and it is something I think I would love to do. What has anyone heard about those two careers?

They are both great choices. I think that you have to get your certificate in radiography first, then go straight to ultra sound. Good luck!

Annie said: sounds very interesting. I'm gonna look into that...

You need to look into getting your head checked first.

icesickle in Rockford, Illinois said: They are both great choices. I think that you have to get your certificate in radiography first, then go straight to ultra sound. Good luck!

yeah I know of a school here that offers both in the same place. I am going to finish up my degree in Medical Assisting then go back for my degreee in Radiology and the ultra sound degree. I think for me this is a better choice than going back for 4 years at one time.

Judy in Southampton, Pennsylvania said: If you like people and helping it is awesome. I really do love it. You can do like I did. Go for Medical Assisting and see how much you like and enjoy it, then if you do, start taking classes here and there while you earn alittle money or support your self and go for the nursing full force. I needed to see if I could handle school first. Now I keep trying to go back for nursing but it hasn't happened yet. My family is very demanding and not very helpful. I am 41 but I will go to nursing school and be an RN. My kids are getting older & soon I will not let them get in my way. Not in a mean way. (they are 17 & 13) They need to learn to stand on there own two feet. They are not little..... I hope this helped some... Oh, you won't get rich as a medical assistant but you can live on it......

Keep the faith and thankyou for this wonderful post, you will be a RN someday soon & your kids when they are all grown up will respect you for it and be proud of their mom!

I thought LPN's were being replaced by MA's. Btw, people griping about ppl not having jobs, and then they actually get a job, even if it's working at mcdonalds. Guess what? It is still a job. At least those who are MAs are actually doing something other than complaining about it. Let people do what they want to do and move on. As far as finding a job being a full time job, that's with any career. It's called reality. Deal with it. Oh and futile attempts to change my opinion go as far as the toilet.

Chad in Lansing, Illinois said: I thought LPN's were being replaced by MA's. Btw, people griping about ppl not having jobs, and then they actually get a job, even if it's working at mcdonalds. Guess what? It is still a job. At least those who are MAs are actually doing something other than complaining about it. Let people do what they want to do and move on. As far as finding a job being a full time job, that's with any career. It's called reality. Deal with it. Oh and futile attempts to change my opinion go as far as the toilet.

What exactly are you referencing? Although I have made the decision to go into Nursing instead, I can honestly say that Medical Assisting isn't a bad choice, at all, for anyone who is persistent and motivated. If money were not an issue for me, and NYC wasn't so expensive, I would be happy to be a Medical Assistant. I haven't met any medical assistant that didn't like their job.
On the other hand, I have met TONS of Nurses who HATE their job and I do realize what I am getting myself into...but it's not my last stop on the college list. I'm hoping to have a Nursing degree to open more options for me..but I'm probably going to use it as something to fall back onto. Right after I am finished I want to go back to college to get a degree in Accounting (or something along the lines of Finance/Business/Economics etc.)...or Biology.
I would really even love to be a teacher. Doing what you enjoy is important. You are RIGHT about people having a job. Even if it is @ McDonalds. A job is a job and contributes to a good economy. Good for you- for not allowing anyone to sway the career you choose to get into. That's what will make you successful in it.

I agree with you Chad, thanks for your comment.

Is anyone still having trouble finding employment?

yes
My friend is still looking for job. i got the job . i was lokking for 2 months. In this economy it is hard to find any job.

SKFB in Oakland, California said: RN's do not do the same thing as a doctor, give me a break. That is laughable.

Yes, and medical assistants do not do the same thing as a nurse. THAT is laughable.

Medical assistant is a good Range in NY NY make 17 at hour with a certificate and 28 with a associate.

That's still not very much considering the cost of living in NY, NY.

YOU need to check your spelling too!

Dummy

YOU need to check your spelling too!

FIELD not feild

I went to school for medical assistant and after graduation I externed at a doctors office for 2 months. I was hired and worked there for 6 months and gained experience. I then moved on to a clinical practice with a team of doctors and I am doing very well. You just have to put your mind to it. You have to send out 100's of resumes and make sure your resume is an eye catcher. There are thousands of new students looking for the same type of work you are and if you are not persistant you will get pushed to the way side. Spend a little money and invest in a resume writer. Trust me it will be worth it. Also, go outside of your comfort zone. The further you broaden your search the better the market and pay is. The inner city is crazy with applicants. Also, extern a little longer than you need expected. Doctors know other doctors, network. Take a lower salary and consider it paid training. Something will come you way.

Certified MA