LPN, RN, MA, Working in a Doctors office&getting degree.

Dreamerlove
Dreamerlove Posts: 441 Member
edited September 24 in Chit-Chat
Hey y'all! I have a question for ya. I am looking into going to ECPI college for Medical Assisting. I will Graduate in 15 months with my Associates Degree, will doctors office hire a medical assistant with just an associates degree? It says online you need your credentials or associates? Which is better to have? Any Advice?

Replies

  • Dreamerlove
    Dreamerlove Posts: 441 Member
    Or is it better to go for Practical Nursing? or Something else...I'm new at this and want to make the right choice. Thanks!
  • joepye2
    joepye2 Posts: 2
    hey there go for practical nursing. You will always find a job, especially if you want to stay in dr. office. been doing it for 21 years/
    good luck!
  • Dreamerlove
    Dreamerlove Posts: 441 Member
    Thanks! I do want to be in a doctors office, I want to work in a OBGYN/Womens office. ECPI offers a Practical nursing program to receive my AA or BA...I know BA will be better but does it make a difference?
  • manderson01
    manderson01 Posts: 2 Member
    Check out job opportunities that are available. In some states LPN's are limited in what they can do and where they can work. But def a step up from Medical Assistant. It's easier to get accepted into a RN program if you are a LPN vs a Medical Assistant so it's something to consider if that is where you may want to be in the future. But degrees are def better than a certification. Good luck!
  • TiniTurtle
    TiniTurtle Posts: 595 Member
    RN is ideal... they are essential employees, make great $, and will be even more in demand with the new health care system.
    LPN (what i'm graduating from in a week) are a step below RN & there are bridge programs to go from lpn to rn in the future.
    :o) good luck with your decision.
  • apetty21
    apetty21 Posts: 137
    I guess it depends on what role you want to have in the health care setting and how much time you are willing to put into having the degree. You can be a RN with your associate's degree. The length of time for the program varies by college. The program I'm in is a 2 yr 4 semester program. I can later get my bacholer's degree in nursing. Also, research your desired school's prerequisites. If you already have those classes, I say go for the RN. That's just me, though.
  • Dreamerlove
    Dreamerlove Posts: 441 Member
    Jlynch Where did you go to get your LPN in 12 months?
  • TiniTurtle
    TiniTurtle Posts: 595 Member
    i deff agree, RN is ideal. there are 12 month accelerated RN programs out there too. try googling & use the term accelerated if you're looking for something full time & to be finished quickly.i go to Lincoln Technical Institute. i'm not sure if they're national or just in my area.
  • apetty21
    apetty21 Posts: 137
    ALSO, make sure your school is accredited! There is one school in Mississippi that is being sued by students because they completed the nursing program but can NOT take state boards. The school was not accredited, the students claim the school didn't inform them of that and now they can't be nurses. They'll have to start over at a new school. It's Virginia Tech and they have schools in other states as well.
  • apetty21
    apetty21 Posts: 137
    Another thing: http://www.wapt.com/health/26894795/detail.html

    "What Type Of Nursing Degree Works For You?
    Content Provided By ARA Email Print
    For folks who love to help and care for people, nursing can be a gratifying career option. If you are considering starting your training to become a nurse, now is a great time to do so. Nursing careers are expected to expand at a faster-than-average rate, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 22 percent increase in job openings for registered nurses by 2018.

    However, not all nursing degrees are created equal. Before you begin researching nursing schools, take a minute to get acquainted with the different types of training options available. Here is an overview of some of the most popular nursing degree programs.

    Practical nursing program

    Most nurses studying to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) enroll in a practical nursing program. An LPN program is a certificate program, as opposed to a degree program. LPNs are trained for basic patient care, but are not qualified for more advanced duties like creating patient care plans, which often falls under the duties of registered nurses (RNs).

    Community colleges offer the most common type of LPN program, which takes two years to complete. Some colleges also offer bridge programs for LPNs looking to become RNs.

    Registered nursing programs

    Those interested in become an RN have a few degree options, two of the most common being an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor's of science in nursing. An associate degree can often be completed in two years and is offered both at community colleges and four-year universities.

    A bachelor's of science in nursing is usually a four-year program. In addition to preparing students for a career as an RN, a bachelor's of science in nursing is a great path for students who are interested in pursuing advanced nursing degrees.

    Graduate or master's programs in nursing offer a wide variety of types of training. Most degrees focus on specialization in a certain area of nursing that requires intensive training, such as programs to become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife or nurse practitioner. Other programs focus on the business side of nursing or more general public health concerns.

    If you're looking at pursuing a nursing degree, it may be helpful to visit nursingschool.org, where you can find information on different types of nursing programs, as well as practical tips for navigating school and advancing your career. "

    I hope this helps! :smile:
  • Dreamerlove
    Dreamerlove Posts: 441 Member
    Thanks jlynch! I can always count on you! I bet you are soo excited to almost be done!!

    Apetty21 That was so nice. You are truly awesome!! I have to be your MFP friend.

    Thanks ALL!!
  • apetty21
    apetty21 Posts: 137
    You're very welcome! I've been in your shoes and it is hard deciding which path/school/program is the best for you. Good luck!
  • TiniTurtle
    TiniTurtle Posts: 595 Member
    i am sooooo excited to be almost done :o) can't wait! good luck finding a program!
  • apetty21
    apetty21 Posts: 137
    Um, I said earlier Virginia Tech was being sued by nursing students because they were not accredited. My bad. That was wrong. It's virginia College. I always do that. I always mixed them up. :ohwell:
  • hanna541
    hanna541 Posts: 32
    GEEZZZ I BEARLY START MY PRE REGS THIS SPRING IAM A BE GOING FOR RN YAYYAYY WANT TO GET THESE PRE REGS DONE ASAP GANNA BE GOING FULL TIME
  • hanna541
    hanna541 Posts: 32
    IF U LIVE AN OREGON AN LPN MAKES 20$ AND AN RN MAKES 28 TO 30 AN HOUR IAM GOING FOR RN WHEN I FINISH MY PRE REGS ITS GANNA BE A WHILE BUT WELL WORTH IT AT THE END, GO FOR SOMETHING U WANT TO DO BUT THAT ALSO U WILL BE HAPPY WITH THE PAY, A NURSE ASSISTANT DONT MAKE MUCH
  • hanna541
    hanna541 Posts: 32
    A RN IS 2 YEARS ON TOP THE PRE REGS, THE SCHOOL I PLAN ON GETING IN IS ONE PROGRAM LPN IS AN OPPTION BUT U THER TO GET THE RN AND THEY R VERRY HARD TO GET IN TO FROM WHAT I HEARD MAKE SHURE U GET IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE A 3.0 OR HIGHER
  • hanna541
    hanna541 Posts: 32
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    hanna541 Posts: 32
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