namarof Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I was initially thinking of getting my HCE through possibly working as a Surgical Tech. but the schools I've looked at here in California are another $24,000 to $30,000! What are some foot in the door, least expensive yet a high learning environment for an aspiring PA? I was thinking EMT - but I've got no idea how to get certifications for that nor if there is an area in my locale available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LESH Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/HWDD/HCTP.html http://www.healthjobsstarthere.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namarof Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Tremendous, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LESH Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 You might want to check and see if there are any Regional Occupation Programs (ROP) in your area. Do a search. They used to offer CNA & MA training. For at least half the California PA programs MA tends to be a desired HCE. May be easier to get that surg tech training. LesH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namarof Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 I'll look into those ROPs. I've found a campus that has about five different health care programs here in my locale. I can't really branch out elsewhere because I am also getting my General Education from a Community College in the area. If you had to choose, which program of study would you prefer as a viable concentration for HCE? The campus that seems most feasible to me would be this: http://www.cnei.edu/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 CNA, CNA, CNA. CNA. Yes, CNA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimbikerun4fun Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I took the CNA test (20 simple questions) without taking any sort of class. And it doesn't require any CEU's! Maybe its different per state though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LESH Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 LOL tell us what you really think winterallsummer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted January 3, 2012 Moderator Share Posted January 3, 2012 I took my emt through ROP in the 80's for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namarof Posted January 4, 2012 Author Share Posted January 4, 2012 Thanks for the replies. This forum is great. =) Seems CNA is a popular choice.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackjacks Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I am a CNA, worked in home healthcare for awhile, got a job as a MA due to CNA+experience, and got into PA school. The educational training cost me $500 for a 3 week CNA class and I made $17/hour as a privately hired home healthcare CNA. Very cost-effective way to obtain HCE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 $17/hour is a MUCH higher than average rate for CNA. In the south my two CNA jobs have been 10 and 12 dollars an hour, respectively. I had a chance to make 16/hr at a wound care center but heard the work was grueling. 10-14 an hour is a more realistic range to expect. BUT, I have made "more" money by having a great benefits package including some tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and good insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackjacks Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 BUT, I have made "more" money by having a great benefits package including some tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and good insurance. Wow, that is a nice deal! I am young enough to stay on my parent's insurance, so I found my old home healthcare position privately and negotiated that rate. They were paying an agency over $20/hour for care so felt they were getting a good deal on me. They did lose the benefit of the agency's guarantee to always have staff available, but I never called in sick, gave plenty of notice when a day off was needed and before leaving the position so it worked out well for all parties involved. Highly recommend going this route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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