Hey cmm4ever,

I just got done reading your post and I know exactly what you are going through. I was feeling the same way not that long ago I was angry, frustrated, sad and depressed. Every job I applied for was either too far from my home (which by the way I do not have my own transportation...I have to borrow my mother's car!)All job posts said 3-5 yrs experience and CMA....I knew I had to get my CMA which I did, but then the experience part...How in the world are you supposed to get experience if you are not given a chance? That receptionist position you mentioned....I would take it. It is some experience and yes it may not be doing clinical or it may not be full-time, but it is a foot in the door for you. Once you have your CMA I am sure you will be a benefit to them because you can also do clinical. They other day I attended an open house at a local hospital and applied for a Unit Secretary position. It is a foot in the door for me if I get it. Yes it may not consist of blood draws or EKGs but I have my certification and if they are short staffed or there is an emergency they know that I can do the job it needed. Why don't you try a Unit Secretary position? All you need is HS diploma/GED and med term. It is worth a shot! And your school sounds...well...crappy! Are they even accredited? Look don't be afraid to apply for ANY position in the field. Go for it...what do you have to lose? Take the CMA and if you fail it...take it again! At least you will know what to expect.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? No

Yes the college is accredited...crazy. I did go for a kind of interview a few weeks ago, and the position was only on call (lady said I wouldnt be guaranteed anything at all!),so I decided not to pursue that further, but told her to keep me in mind if at least part time became available. She also was talking to me about their CNA training (It's a nursing home),I guess it would start in a few weeks, but I never really decided if I should do it or not. I mean I would feel like I went for MA for nothing.Plus I would want to know exactly what I would have to do. I have been looking also for something like unit secretary. I wish us the best of luck!

I have read several of your posts and you seem very nervous about your training etc. I understand what your going through but you should try to calm down a bit and have a little faith in yourself. If you look at things you have said in your post you will see that you may need to step back and see what you could do to help yourself. I think you should have taken the job at the nursing home. Even if you only worked once in a while you would at least be on their payroll and be able to list it on your resume. If a position comes up in their facility you could have applied for it, now the person that will take your offered position will be there when the available full or part time job comes up. If they offer you CNA trainging you should have taken it. They usually pay you while you train and give you a job. They also pay for your CNA exam, even if you never used it again you would have it to list on your resume. You havent even taken the exam yet and have these opportunities. Remember that if you are working there when you take your exam and you dont pass the first time you can retake it and still work while you study. I volunteered for a month at a hospital and it helped me land my job. Good Luck

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CCMA, CET, CPT

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

Cmm4ever,

I agree with what JerseyMA said..you should take that position even though it is only prn. And do think about the CNA. Not sure about situation in NY, but here in Florida CNAs are in demand. I sometimes wish I would have taken CNA instead of MA. I would probably have been working a year already. Anyway just something to think about.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? No