Is this a realistic career plan, should I add anything else and any tips are welcomed.
I'm a Job Corps Medical Admin Assisting student and made this plan.
1. Complete the medical admin assisting trade and get a certificate.
2. Get on the medical assistant waitlist (opens up in June)
3. Complete the medical assistant program and get a certificate.
4. Get a job as a medical assistant.
5. Pay off debt (I owe my previous community college money and credit card)
6. Go to community college.
7. Get an associate degree in nursing
3 answers
Michelle’s Answer
I am happy to see that you have worked out a very doable plan step by step. It all sounds good !
Keep in mind that you will most likely need to be in the Nursing Program full time so if you are employed at the same time you enroll, ask your employer beforehand if you can have a change in hours so it doesn't conflict with your college schedule. Also keep in mind that you can apply for student scholarships and grants for the community college and the Nursing Program. There are also scholarships that you can apply for that are for the purpose of paying off your student loans and I left a link to a list of these below. I have also left a link to a list with information about grants that you can apply for to pay off your student loans.
If/when you are enrolled full time for the Nursing Program, check with the Financial Aid office because it may be that if you are a full time student, you may not have to pay on your previous loans until you graduate. Check everything out with the financial aid office at the college.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Violaine’s Answer
- Gaining work experience while studying to enhance your resume.
- Networking with professionals in the field for potential job opportunities.
- Looking into financial aid or scholarships to support your community college education.
Tips:
- Stay organized with timelines for each step.
- Continuously update your skills and certifications.
- Seek mentorship from experienced medical professionals.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
BELIEF CHANGES OUTCOMES
Is this a realistic career plan?
1. Completing the Medical Admin Assisting Trade and Getting a Certificate Completing your medical administrative assisting program is a solid first step. This field is growing, and obtaining a certificate will provide you with foundational knowledge in healthcare administration, including patient scheduling, medical billing, and coding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical secretaries is projected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which indicates that there are opportunities available in this field.
2. Getting on the Medical Assistant Waitlist Once you complete your current program, getting on the waitlist for the medical assistant program is a logical next step. Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare settings by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. The demand for medical assistants is also strong, with BLS projecting a growth rate of 19% from 2019 to 2029.
3. Completing the Medical Assistant Program and Getting a Certificate Successfully completing this program will enhance your qualifications significantly. It will prepare you for various responsibilities such as taking patient histories, assisting with examinations, and performing basic lab tests. Certification can further improve job prospects; organizations like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offer certification exams that are recognized nationally.
4. Getting a Job as a Medical Assistant After obtaining your certification, seeking employment as a medical assistant is an achievable goal. Networking during your training and utilizing job placement services offered by your school can be beneficial in securing a position quickly after graduation.
5. Paying Off Debt Addressing financial obligations should be prioritized as it can alleviate stress and improve your financial stability. Creating a budget that allows you to allocate funds towards paying off debt while still covering living expenses will be essential.
6. Going to Community College Once you’ve stabilized your finances through employment, attending community college is an excellent way to further your education without incurring significant debt compared to four-year institutions. Community colleges often have transfer agreements with universities that can facilitate further education later on.
7. Obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing Pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) after completing your community college coursework aligns well with your career goals in healthcare. An ADN typically takes two years to complete and prepares you for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required to practice as a registered nurse (RN). The BLS projects that employment for RNs will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
In summary, this career plan appears realistic given the current job market trends in healthcare and the structured steps you’ve outlined toward achieving your goals.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - This government agency provides comprehensive data on job outlooks, salary information, and educational requirements across various occupations including those in healthcare.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - A professional organization that offers resources related to certification and continuing education for medical assistants.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - This organization oversees nursing licensure examinations and provides information about nursing education pathways and requirements for becoming licensed as an RN.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.