CNA or MA?

[jessicastrawberry]

Hi! I am basically starting from scratch (I was a journalism major who's had a change of heart after graduating) and am willing to pursue any certifications, etc necessary to get the right health care experience to get into PA school. I've been mainly considering a CNA program or a medical assistant program at my local community college. I know that every PA program wants something slightly different, but I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions on which of these routes would give me the best chance when applying to PA school? Having not majored in anything remotely scientific or medical, I feel that I really have to put my best foot forward. Furthermore, I'm wondering if anyone knows what the job outlook is for each of these positions. I.e. Will I actually be able to find a job as a CNA or a medical assistant when I'm done with the classes? I had heard that CNAs might not be so in demand right now, but it definitely seems like the quickest route to get in there and start working with patients. In terms of medical assistants, I've done some research, but most medical assistant jobs seems to require certification plus at least one year of experience in the position. How to get that experience in the first place? Basically, I'm a bit lost. I'm willing to put in as much hard work and time as it takes to get the experience, but I feel at a great disadvantage to those who've known they want to be in medicine their entire lives or who have worked in a medical position in the past. Any and all advice would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[MissK]

I'm in the very same boat as JessicaStrawberry. I have my BA in Art and am going back to community college to fulfill biology and chemistry requirements for PA school.
I am also wondering which would be the best for me, CNA or MA program? I'm also looking at Phlebotomy certification. I am in California; does anyone have advice as to which certification would be more desirable for PA school admission and also which has more job opportunity?

[phil]

In my experience with working with all of the above, I would definitely with out a doubt say become an MA. Many of the medical assistants I have worked with have done the jobs of both CNA's and Phlebotomy tech's. becoming a MA will give you the chance to have more of an in-depth role in Pt care.

[watch86]

In my experience with working with all of the above, I would definitely with out a doubt say become an MA. Many of the medical assistants I have worked with have done the jobs of both CNA's and Phlebotomy tech's. becoming a MA will give you the chance to have more of an in-depth role in Pt care.

I agree. After reading about your experiences, I'd say MA would be good for you.

[Jamescraig]

Before making a choice for your career. You should care for these factors.
1. Area of living
2. Time to complete certification.
3. Job ratio
4. Schools near to your house
General i have seen that people think that if they are having good career in the field then others also while in my opinion things are different. Like for a medical assistant the average annual salary in Alabama is $24,340 while in comparison the CNA getting $32,000 if we compare these slaries then it shows that for every career trends and possibilities of earning varies state to state.

[MaulikShah]

Before deciding whether to make your carrier in CNA or MA, you need to understand the difference between the two. There is quite difference between both of them. In MA, the main focus is on the medical care of any patient and do administrative work. In CNA, there are specific duties such as bathing or feeding a patient. You should select the one that you feel you will comfortable in working.