I am contemplating going to school to become a Medical Assistant. I was just wondering if they make decent money (not to get too personal) but is it enough to raise two children and own a house on your own. Were you squeamish about doing blood draws and running IV's? How did you get past it? Is it fulfilling/rewarding for you? I don't want to go back into the area that I was in before I stayed at home (which was insurance)because I hate it and it's a thankless job. What kind of personality traits do you think you have to have to be a medical assistant? Is it a dead end job? Do you like what you do? What kind of hours do you work?
Wow that was a great question!!
After reading the responses, I just wanted to let you know that I work for a medical office in NEPA and make more than that doing front desk, and billing, processing auth's and such!! And that's only w/over 10 yrs experience, and no college, I am just in awe!!
I have never worked as a medical assistant, so I can't speak to that, but I wanted to suggest that you maybe consider nursing as a career option. I am an RN and now working as a nurse educator. It is a wonderful profession that will offer you a lot more options than MA. If you already have a batchelor's degree, there are lots of "express" programs opening up that allow you to get your BSN in just over a year (though it is an intense program!) Another option is to get an associate's degree which usually takes about 2 years. After getting your ASN, you can work and go back to school PT for your BSN. I would definitely recommend becoming an RN not an LPN. LPN's are more limited in their scope of practice and many institutions do not even hire LPN's anymore. (Plus, the pay is definitely better for RN's). RN's are professionals that can work in all different types of settings (hospital, doctor's office, school, nursing home, etc.) and work different shifts/hours which can be helpful when you have little ones at home. For example, you could work nights or weekends so you are working when hubby is home. Some places offer increased compensation for your degree (so you would make more as a BSN than an ASN). As far as personality traits, I think if you are considering any profession in healthcare you probably have the right personality traits for nursing. Nurses are generally caring individuals who like working with people. Patience is definitely a virtue when working as a nurse.
Good luck in whatever you decide!
Honestly I dont think it pays enough. You pay 22,000 for schooling and the job only pays like 10 to 11 an hour to start if you are lucky. Can I ask what school you are thinking about going to? I did start at Sanford Brown in the medical assistant program, but didnt finish.
I am not a MA but I would highly recommend looking into something else, like nursing. I always wanted to be a doctor as a little girl. Unfortunately my life took a different path. When my kids are a bit older I plan on going to nursing school.
From what I know medical assistants don't get paid much at all. Doesn't seem even worth going to school for if you ask me. Another plus with nursing is you can even start out at the bottom by becoming a CNA and work your way up. Most companies will help pay for college if you are advancing your degree. So you can become and LPN or RN. Or just start as an LPN. There are many different programs out there anymore too.
Good Luck!
i am answering on behalf of my best friend since she is a MA. she only makes $32,000 a year and this is after being in the field for 5 years and several raises. She has worked at an ENT, a family practice, and now at an OB/GYN. her hours are the office hours of the doctor. she is assigned a doctor to work with so if that doc is running late, then she is too. she loves what she does but is always tired, overworked and underpaid. she regrets dropping out of nursing school for the "easy"option. she wants to go back to school.
oh she walks the patients back to the room, asks them what they are there for, takes blood pressure, etc. also a LOT of paper work for the doctors. she is also certified in phlebotomy (blood drawing) but rarely does that.
I would suggest to you to go to LPN school instead of Medical Assistant school. I did that and when finished it depends on the area you live how much you will make. I personally only made 8.00 an hour. With 2 kids and a home it isn't worth it. My daughter went to LPN school and is now working full time per diem making 20.00 which may not seem like much but is better than 8.00 she is managing with a little help. You can then go on from there to get your RN license since most places you work will help pay for you to go back to school. Also with a Medical Assistant if you want to go back to school it is like starting all over. Not a bit of problem for me with drawing blood. Most hours you work as a MA are 8-5 because mostly you work in a Dr office.
Hi J.,
You can get past the fear one day at a time.
I couldn't stand the sight of blood and hated to see people in pain. I got through it and ended up as an office manager in a Doctor's office.
Another option is a LPN. It takes about one year to complete, I believe.
Learning to code and work in a Doctor's office is another option. You can work from home with that job.
Just wanted you to know. D.
I am pretty sure that medical assistants only make about 13 dollars an hour. I don't think that is enough to support two kids...i could be wrong though. I agree with the other ladies in going to nursing school instead. It is not much more school with way better pay and options. I wish you luck.
Hi J..
I went to MA school right out of high school, and 2 years later went to nursing school. I wish I had gone straight to nursing school. As a MA, you are limited in what you can do and at that time the pay was not that great. As far as the time involved, you can get an associate's in nursing in as little as 18 months at most community colleges. Good Luck!
