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What path should I take at Job Corps?
My first trade choice is Medical Assistant (opens up in June), and I will be on a waitlist. Until then I will be in Medical Admin, my 2nd trade choice. And I don't know what I should do for my 3rd trade option, I want to do advanced training but what will I have to do to do advanced training? What are the requirements for that, I was thinking LVN/LPN nursing for advanced. But how will that fit into my plans here? I'm at San Jose Job Corps by the way. Or should I go to college, but also how does that work here? My ultimate career is to be a registered nurse, but wouldn't mind being an LVN/LPN nurse. I want to find a job for the trades I complete like Medical Assistant too. Need some help and advice.
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hello America,
It's great that you're already planning ahead and considering different career paths at Job Corps. Here's some advice to help you make informed decisions:
1. Medical Assistant (MA) as Your First Trade Choice:
- Start in Medical Admin (MAA): While waiting for the Medical Assistant (MA) trade to open up in June, starting with Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) is a great move. It will give you valuable office and organizational skills that can complement your future career in healthcare. You’ll learn medical office tasks like patient scheduling, record-keeping, and billing, which can help you land administrative roles in healthcare.
2. Advanced Training (LVN/LPN Nursing):
Advanced training at Job Corps can be a great way to further specialize in your healthcare career. If your ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), here’s how LVN/LPN training could fit in:
- Requirements for Advanced Training:
- Completion of Basic Training: You typically need to complete your initial trade (e.g., Medical Assistant or Medical Admin) and excel in it.
- Good Standing: You’ll need a strong academic record, good attendance, and positive behavior during your time at Job Corps.
- Counselor Approval: Your counselor will assess your readiness and commitment to more advanced coursework.
Once you're accepted into advanced training, you could transition into an LVN/LPN program. This can set you up for immediate job opportunities as a Licensed Vocational Nurse/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN), which is a stepping stone to becoming an RN.
- How LVN/LPN Training Fits into Your Plans:
Completing LVN/LPN training would allow you to start working as a nurse sooner while continuing to pursue your RN goal later. You can often bridge from LPN to RN through specialized programs (LPN-to-RN bridge programs), sometimes even while working.
3. Considering College:
- College While at Job Corps:
Some Job Corps centers, including San Jose, may allow you to take college courses while you’re enrolled. This could be a smart move if you want to start earning college credits toward your RN degree while completing your Job Corps training.
- Talk to your counselor about dual-enrollment options or partnerships with local community colleges.
- You could pursue prerequisites for an RN program, such as biology, anatomy, and chemistry, while still at Job Corps.
4. Choosing a Third Trade Option:
If you’re considering advanced training like LVN/LPN, it would be wise to choose a third trade that complements your healthcare career goals. Here are some options:
- Clinical Lab Technician: This can give you hands-on experience with medical testing, bloodwork, and diagnostic tools, which are valuable in nursing.
- Pharmacy Technician: This trade offers knowledge about medications, which is useful for nurses. Plus, it’s another healthcare career option if you want more experience in the medical field.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMT training can give you critical care experience, which is a great background for nursing.
5. Job Placement After Completing Your Trades:
Job Corps has career counselors and job placement services to help you find employment after you complete your training. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of getting a job:
- Network During Your Training: Build connections during your externships or internships, especially with hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations.
- Job Placement Support: Take advantage of Job Corps’ job search services. They often have relationships with local employers.
- Certification: Ensure you obtain all relevant certifications (e.g., CMA, LVN/LPN) to boost your employability.
6. Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN):
Your ultimate goal to become an RN can be approached in a few ways:
- LVN-to-RN Bridge Program: After completing LVN training, you could enroll in an LPN-to-RN program. These programs take less time than starting from scratch in an RN program.
- Direct College Path: If you decide to go directly to college after Job Corps, make sure you’re meeting the prerequisites for an RN program.
Next Steps:
1. Talk to Your Counselor: Confirm the availability of advanced training in LVN/LPN and ask about any dual-enrolment opportunities with local colleges.
2. Stay Focused on Your Ultimate Goal: Keep the long-term goal of becoming an RN in mind, but be flexible with the steps you take, as LVN/LPN can be a great stepping stone.
3. Explore Job Opportunities: Research job opportunities for Medical Assistants and Medical Admin Assistants in your area. You might find great jobs that give you experience while working toward advanced nursing.
Remember, the best path for you will depend on your individual circumstances, interests, and goals. By carefully considering your options and seeking guidance, you can make informed decisions and achieve your career aspirations
Best wishes!
It's great that you're already planning ahead and considering different career paths at Job Corps. Here's some advice to help you make informed decisions:
1. Medical Assistant (MA) as Your First Trade Choice:
- Start in Medical Admin (MAA): While waiting for the Medical Assistant (MA) trade to open up in June, starting with Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) is a great move. It will give you valuable office and organizational skills that can complement your future career in healthcare. You’ll learn medical office tasks like patient scheduling, record-keeping, and billing, which can help you land administrative roles in healthcare.
2. Advanced Training (LVN/LPN Nursing):
Advanced training at Job Corps can be a great way to further specialize in your healthcare career. If your ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), here’s how LVN/LPN training could fit in:
- Requirements for Advanced Training:
- Completion of Basic Training: You typically need to complete your initial trade (e.g., Medical Assistant or Medical Admin) and excel in it.
- Good Standing: You’ll need a strong academic record, good attendance, and positive behavior during your time at Job Corps.
- Counselor Approval: Your counselor will assess your readiness and commitment to more advanced coursework.
Once you're accepted into advanced training, you could transition into an LVN/LPN program. This can set you up for immediate job opportunities as a Licensed Vocational Nurse/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN), which is a stepping stone to becoming an RN.
- How LVN/LPN Training Fits into Your Plans:
Completing LVN/LPN training would allow you to start working as a nurse sooner while continuing to pursue your RN goal later. You can often bridge from LPN to RN through specialized programs (LPN-to-RN bridge programs), sometimes even while working.
3. Considering College:
- College While at Job Corps:
Some Job Corps centers, including San Jose, may allow you to take college courses while you’re enrolled. This could be a smart move if you want to start earning college credits toward your RN degree while completing your Job Corps training.
- Talk to your counselor about dual-enrollment options or partnerships with local community colleges.
- You could pursue prerequisites for an RN program, such as biology, anatomy, and chemistry, while still at Job Corps.
4. Choosing a Third Trade Option:
If you’re considering advanced training like LVN/LPN, it would be wise to choose a third trade that complements your healthcare career goals. Here are some options:
- Clinical Lab Technician: This can give you hands-on experience with medical testing, bloodwork, and diagnostic tools, which are valuable in nursing.
- Pharmacy Technician: This trade offers knowledge about medications, which is useful for nurses. Plus, it’s another healthcare career option if you want more experience in the medical field.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMT training can give you critical care experience, which is a great background for nursing.
5. Job Placement After Completing Your Trades:
Job Corps has career counselors and job placement services to help you find employment after you complete your training. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of getting a job:
- Network During Your Training: Build connections during your externships or internships, especially with hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations.
- Job Placement Support: Take advantage of Job Corps’ job search services. They often have relationships with local employers.
- Certification: Ensure you obtain all relevant certifications (e.g., CMA, LVN/LPN) to boost your employability.
6. Path to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN):
Your ultimate goal to become an RN can be approached in a few ways:
- LVN-to-RN Bridge Program: After completing LVN training, you could enroll in an LPN-to-RN program. These programs take less time than starting from scratch in an RN program.
- Direct College Path: If you decide to go directly to college after Job Corps, make sure you’re meeting the prerequisites for an RN program.
Next Steps:
1. Talk to Your Counselor: Confirm the availability of advanced training in LVN/LPN and ask about any dual-enrolment opportunities with local colleges.
2. Stay Focused on Your Ultimate Goal: Keep the long-term goal of becoming an RN in mind, but be flexible with the steps you take, as LVN/LPN can be a great stepping stone.
3. Explore Job Opportunities: Research job opportunities for Medical Assistants and Medical Admin Assistants in your area. You might find great jobs that give you experience while working toward advanced nursing.
Remember, the best path for you will depend on your individual circumstances, interests, and goals. By carefully considering your options and seeking guidance, you can make informed decisions and achieve your career aspirations
Best wishes!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Updated
Rene’s Answer
Hello there, it's fantastic to see your interest in the Medical Assistant field. It's indeed a great choice! As a Certified Medical Assistant myself, although not currently practicing, I can suggest a few related careers that you might find intriguing. Consider looking into roles such as a Phlebotomist, EKG Technician, Radiology or Ultrasound Technician, or even a Laboratory or Pathology Technician.
If your ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, remember that you'll need to become a Registered Nurse first. A great stepping stone towards this could be starting with a Nurse Assistant course. It's a shorter course that allows you to begin working sooner, earn a salary, and simultaneously acquire the skills needed to progress towards becoming a nurse. It's a rewarding journey ahead!
If your ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, remember that you'll need to become a Registered Nurse first. A great stepping stone towards this could be starting with a Nurse Assistant course. It's a shorter course that allows you to begin working sooner, earn a salary, and simultaneously acquire the skills needed to progress towards becoming a nurse. It's a rewarding journey ahead!