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ethan
Student
Everett, Washington
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Road to becoming a registered nurse?
Im currently in Job corp to get my CMA and planning on getting my CNA in the local college what are the next steps after this? what jobs are available to me as CNA/CMA while I get my RN?
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ethan!
Road to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)
To become a registered nurse (RN) after obtaining your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certifications, you will need to follow several structured steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Complete Your CNA and CMA Certifications
You mentioned that you are currently pursuing your CNA at a local college while also working on your CMA through Job Corps. Completing these certifications is essential as they provide foundational knowledge and skills in patient care, which will be beneficial in your nursing career.
2. Gain Experience as a CNA/CMA
Once you have obtained your CNA certification, you can start working in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. This experience is invaluable as it allows you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations, develop patient care skills, and understand the healthcare environment better.
As a CMA, you may also find opportunities in outpatient settings where you can assist with administrative tasks alongside clinical duties. Both roles will enhance your resume when applying for RN programs.
3. Research Nursing Programs
While gaining experience, begin researching nursing programs that fit your career goals. There are generally three pathways to becoming an RN:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes 2-3 years to complete and is offered at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A more comprehensive program that usually takes 4 years at universities.
Accelerated BSN Programs: For individuals who already hold a degree in another field; these programs can be completed in about 12-18 months.
Consider factors such as program accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical rotation opportunities, and financial aid options.
4. Apply to Nursing Programs
Once you’ve identified suitable programs, prepare your application materials. This often includes transcripts from previous education, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and sometimes entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
5. Complete Nursing School
After being accepted into a nursing program, you’ll engage in both classroom learning and clinical practice. The curriculum will cover subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory, and patient care techniques.
6. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Upon graduating from an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective practice as an entry-level nurse.
7. Obtain State Licensure
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing. Each state has its own requirements regarding background checks and additional documentation.
8. Seek Employment as an RN
With your RN license secured, you can start applying for nursing positions across various healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, or home health agencies.
Job Opportunities While Pursuing RN
As a CNA or CMA while preparing for your RN degree:
You can work part-time or full-time positions that offer flexible hours.
Look for roles that allow further skill development relevant to nursing.
Consider positions such as medical assistant roles in outpatient clinics or hospitals where you can gain exposure to different specialties within healthcare.
These experiences not only provide income but also enhance your understanding of patient care dynamics which will be beneficial during your RN training.
In summary, the path to becoming an RN involves completing necessary certifications like CNA/CMA first; gaining relevant experience; enrolling in an accredited nursing program; passing the NCLEX-RN; obtaining licensure; and finally seeking employment as an RN.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources on nursing education pathways and professional standards for nurses across various levels of practice.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN oversees the NCLEX examination process and offers detailed information about licensure requirements across different states for RNs.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides data on job outlooks for various healthcare professions including RNs and CNAs along with salary information which helps prospective students understand career prospects post-graduation.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Road to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)
To become a registered nurse (RN) after obtaining your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certifications, you will need to follow several structured steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Complete Your CNA and CMA Certifications
You mentioned that you are currently pursuing your CNA at a local college while also working on your CMA through Job Corps. Completing these certifications is essential as they provide foundational knowledge and skills in patient care, which will be beneficial in your nursing career.
2. Gain Experience as a CNA/CMA
Once you have obtained your CNA certification, you can start working in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. This experience is invaluable as it allows you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations, develop patient care skills, and understand the healthcare environment better.
As a CMA, you may also find opportunities in outpatient settings where you can assist with administrative tasks alongside clinical duties. Both roles will enhance your resume when applying for RN programs.
3. Research Nursing Programs
While gaining experience, begin researching nursing programs that fit your career goals. There are generally three pathways to becoming an RN:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes 2-3 years to complete and is offered at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A more comprehensive program that usually takes 4 years at universities.
Accelerated BSN Programs: For individuals who already hold a degree in another field; these programs can be completed in about 12-18 months.
Consider factors such as program accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical rotation opportunities, and financial aid options.
4. Apply to Nursing Programs
Once you’ve identified suitable programs, prepare your application materials. This often includes transcripts from previous education, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and sometimes entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
5. Complete Nursing School
After being accepted into a nursing program, you’ll engage in both classroom learning and clinical practice. The curriculum will cover subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing theory, and patient care techniques.
6. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Upon graduating from an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective practice as an entry-level nurse.
7. Obtain State Licensure
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing. Each state has its own requirements regarding background checks and additional documentation.
8. Seek Employment as an RN
With your RN license secured, you can start applying for nursing positions across various healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, or home health agencies.
Job Opportunities While Pursuing RN
As a CNA or CMA while preparing for your RN degree:
You can work part-time or full-time positions that offer flexible hours.
Look for roles that allow further skill development relevant to nursing.
Consider positions such as medical assistant roles in outpatient clinics or hospitals where you can gain exposure to different specialties within healthcare.
These experiences not only provide income but also enhance your understanding of patient care dynamics which will be beneficial during your RN training.
In summary, the path to becoming an RN involves completing necessary certifications like CNA/CMA first; gaining relevant experience; enrolling in an accredited nursing program; passing the NCLEX-RN; obtaining licensure; and finally seeking employment as an RN.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Nurses Association (ANA)
The ANA provides comprehensive resources on nursing education pathways and professional standards for nurses across various levels of practice.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN oversees the NCLEX examination process and offers detailed information about licensure requirements across different states for RNs.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides data on job outlooks for various healthcare professions including RNs and CNAs along with salary information which helps prospective students understand career prospects post-graduation.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Molly R.
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
19
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Molly’s Answer
There are many openings for CMA's throughout the healthcare industry. Hospitals, Short and long term nursing facilities, Provider offices ( Primary care, Orthopedics, Surgery, to name a few). Some may offer flexible schedules to meet the needs of your schooling and may also offer sign on bonus'. We need compassionate, dedicated, and thoughtful CMA's and RN's!
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
84
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Kudos to you for being a valued member of the Jobs Corp and for bravely choosing to venture further into the medical profession.
The roles you can potentially take on as a CMA / CNA are mainly located in physicians' offices, hospitals, and care facilities such as nursing homes. Each setting may come with a different set of tasks and responsibilities, but rest assured, the pay scale for both CMA and CNA roles is quite comparable.
If you're on the verge of acquiring your CMA certification, you might want to think about advancing directly to the RN program instead of opting for a CNA program. The RN program, which culminates in an Associate Degree, only spans two years and opens up a plethora of opportunities for you, all of which come with a significantly higher pay scale. You can continue to work as a CMA while you study, and many employers even provide tuition aid or reimbursement for employees keen on advancing their careers. Once you've earned your RN, you have the option to continue your studies and earn a BSN or MSN. Many employers offer benefits such as tuition reimbursement or assistance to help cover the cost of these degrees.
I wholeheartedly wish you success as you continue to navigate your path in this rewarding field.
The roles you can potentially take on as a CMA / CNA are mainly located in physicians' offices, hospitals, and care facilities such as nursing homes. Each setting may come with a different set of tasks and responsibilities, but rest assured, the pay scale for both CMA and CNA roles is quite comparable.
If you're on the verge of acquiring your CMA certification, you might want to think about advancing directly to the RN program instead of opting for a CNA program. The RN program, which culminates in an Associate Degree, only spans two years and opens up a plethora of opportunities for you, all of which come with a significantly higher pay scale. You can continue to work as a CMA while you study, and many employers even provide tuition aid or reimbursement for employees keen on advancing their careers. Once you've earned your RN, you have the option to continue your studies and earn a BSN or MSN. Many employers offer benefits such as tuition reimbursement or assistance to help cover the cost of these degrees.
I wholeheartedly wish you success as you continue to navigate your path in this rewarding field.