Opinions about my education plan. Future plans for BSN.?

Question

First let me start by saying I live in a kind of small town with only one college which is a Community College. I have decided to switch into health careers from business which I found an absolute waste of time and was fairly forced into by a counselor based on test scores. I have taken a couple health careers classes now and absolutely love and have decided to eventually go on to get my BSN someday when we move to a bigger area.

However until then, I though that I would go ahead and get as much experience and education in the field as possible. Our school offers the following programs...

Administrative Medical Assisting
Clinical Medical Assisting
Certified Nurses Aid
Home Health Aid
LVN/LPN

Since I need to complete certain things to get into the CNA program (fingerprints, TB tests, etc..) I will do those during the spring 08 semester and enroll in the program in fall 09. However I of course want to take some classes in the mean time. So heres what I'm thinking

Spring 08 (starts in January)

Clinical Medical Assisting
Administrative Medical Assisting (this one is in Medical Billing, Insurance, Finance, Etc...)
Medical Terminology ( this will be my second course in medical terminology)

Fall 08(starts august 08)

CNA program
HHA program
Administrative Medical assisting (this one is in reception)

Starting Spring 09
LVN/LPN program


I plan on doing all tests and certifications for the Medical Assisting and of course passing all the tests and certifications for CNA/HHA

I'm just wondering if having done all this stuff, taking all these certifications until I can get to a place with an RN program will help me, especially if I use it to get a job as either an CNA or LVN/LPN prior to my husband and I being able to move.

Actually my plan is geriatrics nursing. There is an Assisted Living place here in town that hires with preference CNAs from the local school and assists them with receiving their LVN/LPN through financial assistance.

I want to do the Medical Assisting so im actually doing something this coming term, since there is no way i will be able to complete the CNA pre requirements (tests, fingerprints, etc) prior to the begining of spring 08 term.

I didnt say i hated business, i said i found it a waste of time, As in the courses my college requires to get an associates in business. I wouldnt mind as a BSN working in a business type setting, i just dont want a degree in business.

Answer 1

These classes can only help you. Not only will you have experience in different areas, you will be employable in those areas. You never know when one of these jobs can lead to something more. At the very least, you may be able to gain reputable references. Another benefit is finding an area that you like. You may love being a home health aid, but hate medical billing.

Also, many colleges have competitive nursing programs and you need lots of experience and education for admission into these programs.

Answer 2

I've been thru Nursing school, and the usual route in any state is getting a CNA license first, then a LVN/LPN, then an Associates in Nursing-ASN, which is an RN. The BSN, which is largely full of Liberal Arts courses, doesn't come until you have achieved this career ladder.
And you say you hate business? That is where most of the BSN jobs are. Insurance company consulting, Directors of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, etc..

Answer 3

Get your LPN. Medical assisting is for doctors offices and you will learn the business end of nursing later with your BSN. CNA or HMA is a wate of your time if you truley want a BSN. I am an LPN with a BS in biology currently studying for a BSN. The years of LPN experience is more valuable than anything else. Try not to get yourself cornered in the geriatric field...unless that is where you wish to work. Try it all in nursing as an LPN, make decent money, and you will keep learning while you are working.

Answer 4

Now if you get a job as a CNA, most jobs are usually in nursing homes and kinda messy, i have a lot of friends that complain all day long about that. I suggest you go straight for LVN, then that is a good line to RN, and then your bachelors. Plan well and good luck