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what difficulties did you have trying to join the medical trade?
I'm in the San Jose Job Corps program and I'd like to be a medical assistant but my long-term goal is to be a radiologic tech. the preferred order I'd like to do is medical assistant, LVN/LPN, phlebotomy, then radiologic tech.
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Adam, I totally get it. Diving into the medical trade isn’t always a smooth ride. When starting out, one of the biggest hurdles is figuring out all the certification requirements and making sure you are hitting all the necessary milestones. It feels like every step—being a medical assistant, then moving on to LVN/LPN, phlebotomy, and eventually radiologic tech—required a whole new set of skills and extra coursework. Balancing that with life and any financial pressures can be really challenging. There will be days when the workload and the pressure of exams will make you question if you can keep up. But each challenge teaches something valuable and will build up your confidence little by little. The key is to take it one step at a time, lean on your support network, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Your passion and determination will see you through, even when it gets tough. So, keep pushing—you’re on the right path and every little hurdle is just another step toward your goal. You got this Adam, all the best buddy! 😊
Updated
Rita’s Answer
If you want to be a radiology technician, my question is why don't you just do it instead of going through all these different steps in other fields? It takes time and money to go to school.
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Catherine’s Answer
I will tell you that phlebotomy training is a part of the medical assistant curriculum so you can be certified for both at the same time. Make sure you have a good support system whether it be family or friends and try not to take a pause between steps. It's easy to get a degree and decide to take some time working in that area before moving on. From my experience, a pause is not always a good thing. So, if you have a vision, don't stop until it's achieved. Good luck with everything!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Adam
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
The difficulties (if any!) will depend on your circumstances. For me, it was getting into school. The school I wanted to get into was a community college nursing program, which was less expensive than the university programs and was also a shorter program. Because of those benefits, it had a long wait list and was even more competitive than the university I wound up going to instead. Going to the university and getting the next level degree turned out to be the best decision for me.
Everyone will have different challenges. Some learners will have to consider the cost of the program before anything else, while others may be most concerned with the location or length of training. Karin's answer above lists some places to start checking out to see which will be a good fit for you!
Everyone will have different challenges. Some learners will have to consider the cost of the program before anything else, while others may be most concerned with the location or length of training. Karin's answer above lists some places to start checking out to see which will be a good fit for you!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Adam
Updated
Bright’s Answer
The medical trade, particularly through programs like Job Corps, presents numerous challenges for those entering the field. Common challenges include academic rigor and prerequisites, limited training slots and competition, financial and time constraints, transitioning between different roles, finding quality mentorship and practical experience, and finding opportunities to shadow professionals or secure clinical placements.
To overcome these challenges, individuals should plan academically, understand prerequisites for each step in their career path, use Job Corps resources like career counseling, tutoring, and connections with local employers, network actively with instructors, current trainees, or professionals already working in the field, be flexible and patient, and seek financial guidance through scholarships, grants, or additional financial support.
By planning ahead academically, strengthening skills like biology and chemistry, using Job Corps resources, networking actively, being flexible and patient, and seeking financial guidance, individuals can navigate the challenges and build a rewarding career in the medical field. By focusing on long-term goals, being patient, and seeking financial guidance, individuals can overcome these hurdles and build a rewarding career in the medical field.
In summary, the medical trade presents numerous challenges for those entering the field, but with careful planning, perseverance, and the right support system, individuals can overcome these obstacles and build a rewarding career in the medical field.
To overcome these challenges, individuals should plan academically, understand prerequisites for each step in their career path, use Job Corps resources like career counseling, tutoring, and connections with local employers, network actively with instructors, current trainees, or professionals already working in the field, be flexible and patient, and seek financial guidance through scholarships, grants, or additional financial support.
By planning ahead academically, strengthening skills like biology and chemistry, using Job Corps resources, networking actively, being flexible and patient, and seeking financial guidance, individuals can navigate the challenges and build a rewarding career in the medical field. By focusing on long-term goals, being patient, and seeking financial guidance, individuals can overcome these hurdles and build a rewarding career in the medical field.
In summary, the medical trade presents numerous challenges for those entering the field, but with careful planning, perseverance, and the right support system, individuals can overcome these obstacles and build a rewarding career in the medical field.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Adam
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Adam,
I see you have a goal and a plan how to get there. Go for it! Don't start looking for difficulties before you have even started. You got this!
Some Medical Assistant programs in the Bay Area:
https://catalog.sjcc.edu/degrees-certificates/medical-assisting/
https://cpage.sfsu.edu/cma/ucsf-academy
https://bamasf.edu/programs/medical-assistant/
https://kpsahs.edu/medical-assisting-certificate-program
https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/kaiser-washington-medical-assistant-apprenticeship-program
Some programs take a few months. Others take 2 years. Some are online, others are experiential learning. I would recommend you speak to someone in the field to find out which programs are reputable and recommended. Also look at cost, time commitment, what you'll learn and which certifications you'll get. Make sure you get enough clinical time.
I hope this helps! All the best on your way in the medical field!
KP
https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/how-to-become/
https://nursinglicensemap.com/nursing-specialties/licensed-practical-nurse/lvn-vs-lpn/
https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/how-to-become-a-licensed-practical-nurse/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/radiologist-technician
I see you have a goal and a plan how to get there. Go for it! Don't start looking for difficulties before you have even started. You got this!
Some Medical Assistant programs in the Bay Area:
https://catalog.sjcc.edu/degrees-certificates/medical-assisting/
https://cpage.sfsu.edu/cma/ucsf-academy
https://bamasf.edu/programs/medical-assistant/
https://kpsahs.edu/medical-assisting-certificate-program
https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/kaiser-washington-medical-assistant-apprenticeship-program
Some programs take a few months. Others take 2 years. Some are online, others are experiential learning. I would recommend you speak to someone in the field to find out which programs are reputable and recommended. Also look at cost, time commitment, what you'll learn and which certifications you'll get. Make sure you get enough clinical time.
I hope this helps! All the best on your way in the medical field!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
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