Medical assistant to RN or go straight for RN?

Question

Im trying to become an RN but the school that has it has a waiting list 2 years long. I cant get on it until done with pre-reqs. I looked into a Pima Medical Institute for Medical Assistant (only takes 8 months), Just to get my foot in the door. But now im not sure what i should do. Medical Assistant then go to RN or Skip the Medical Assistant?? PLEASE HELP this is my future.... very Confused

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

If you have a family and NEED to make money, then I would say go for the Medical Assistant program and work toward RN. The thing is, many hospitals have programs set up that once you have worked for them for a year, they will pay for some of your college as long as it is in the medical field and can benefit them. That may be something to look into.
As far as being a Medical Assistant, it can be pretty exciting, depending on where you work. It's always good to start there because you will know what it's like to be an MA when you are an RN. Try to learn as much as possible and it can only help you in school.
Keep in mind, that some of the classes you take for MA may help in your RN program as well so it's not like you're wasting time.
I would do the MA to get experience and then work on getting your RN.
Good luck to you!!!!! You're choosing an excellent field.

Answer 2

Do both. Just in case things don't work out with the RN school, then you will have something to fall back on.
Be sure to take you pre-reqs though.