Pursuing a Medical Assistant training program can be a beneficial path before entering a nursing program. Here are a few reasons why:
- Gain Healthcare Experience: Medical Assistant training provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. This experience can give you a solid foundation in patient care, medical terminology, and basic clinical skills. This can also help you develop important skills such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and performing basic laboratory tests. When attending the Allen School of Health Sciences, our students will have a 275-hour internship component which they can apply in a real-world setting.
- Understand The Healthcare System: Working as a Medical Assistant allows you to gain a deeper understanding of how the healthcare system operates. You will have the opportunity to work closely with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, giving insight into their roles and responsibilities. This knowledge can be valuable when transitioning into a nursing program.
- Develop Communication Skills: Medical Assistants interact with patients daily, which helps them develop strong communication skills. Effective communication is crucial in nursing, as nurses need to communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Medical Assistant training can help you refine your communication skills and prepare you for the demands of nursing.
- Build A Professional Network: During your Medical Assistant training, you will have the opportunity to work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals. This can help you build a professional network that can be beneficial when applying to nursing programs or seeking employment as a nurse in the future. Networking can provide valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.
- Confirm Your Interest In Healthcare: Pursuing Medical Assistant training can help confirm your interest in healthcare and determine if a career in nursing is the right path for you. It allows you to gain firsthand experience in a healthcare setting and assess if you enjoy the work and responsibilities of patient care.
While Medical Assistant training can provide a solid foundation for a nursing career, it is important to note that additional education and training will be required to become a registered nurse (RN). Nursing programs typically require completion of specific coursework and clinical rotations to obtain a nursing degree and licensure. However, the experience and skills gained as a Medical Assistant can be valuable assets as you pursue a nursing career. The Allen School of Sciences has an accelerated Medical Assistant program where you can graduate in less than a year. If your passion is healthcare and you want to make a difference, contact the Allen School today! www.allenschoool.edu