Which is the best option ?

Hi, I am keen to start a career in a hospital setting.

A few points:

• I am English but living in the USA thus I have no GED

• I am (or will be ) a *cough* Mature Student

• I have just received my work permit but am not employed at the moment, but I need to change that sooner rather then later.

The main areas I am interested in are:
Phlebotomy
Lab Assistant
Histology Aide
Possibly Radiology, Surgical or Ultrasound Tech

Now I cannot seem to find any Hospitals that train or courses in my area, they only courses offered (at great cost) are Medical assistant.

Now I was doing some more research this morning and my local community collage offers a Certified Nurse Assistant course (12 weeks) for a reasonable price.

Would taking this course get me on the road I want to be or should I go for the more expensive and longer medical assistant course offered by a private school?

Or would I be better off trying to get any job in a hospital eg: linen aide, house keeper etc and try to get on the job training by the hospital?

Any pointers would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance. :spin:

You may get more specific feedback within the state forum where you live. Good luck to you!
Quote from stlpixieHi, I am keen to start a career in a hospital setting.A few points:I am English but living in the USA thus I have no GEDI am (or will be ) a *cough* Mature StudentI have just received my work permit but am not employed at the moment, but I need to change that sooner rather then later.The main areas I am interested in are:Phlebotomy Lab AssistantHistology AidePossibly Radiology, Surgical or Ultrasound TechNow I cannot seem to find any Hospitals that train or courses in my area, they only courses offered (at great cost) are Medical assistant.Now I was doing some more research this morning and my local community collage offers a Certified Nurse Assistant course (12 weeks) for a reasonable price.Would taking this course get me on the road I want to be or should I go for the more expensive and longer medical assistant course offered by a private school?Or would I be better off trying to get any job in a hospital eg: linen aide, house keeper etc and try to get on the job training by the hospital?Any pointers would be very welcome.Thanks in advance. :spin:
Please take the advice of many and take the course for CNA followed by getting your Home Health Aide certificate if offered in your state. Then continue on to nursing school. Medical Assistant is a waste of your money for a dead end job. You can do the same job for the same low pay, if you want to, as an LPN. But as an LPN, you have so many other doors open to you. And when you get an RN license, you can really make things work for you. This is an easy decision. Good luck whatever you decide.
Quote from PMFB-RN*** Typicaly medical assistants work in doctors offices, not in hospitals. I have been a nurse for 12 yeqars and have never seen an MA in a hospital. CNAs do work in hospitals but the work can by physicaly hard with heavy lifting involved, depending on where you work. Also CNA is a stepping stone into nursing. MA is a stepping stone for nothing.
In some states there are vocational courses for phlebotomy as well since you mentioned that as an interest. I'd decide first what you ultimate goal is then choose programs and positions that will further you on to that goal while meeting your current needs as well.