Working in a hospital provides ample hands-on experience, which you can leverage if you want to pursue advanced health studies. They usually do this under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. While both positions work in healthcare assistance, they have different responsibilities, duties, and educational and certification requirements. The valuable care CNAs provide is needed round-the-clock, so they’re more likely to have a schedule with overnight, weekend and holiday shifts. Licensed practical nurses typically work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. I work in the ER and I do many different things. Medical assistants and certified nursing assistants are healthcare professionals that may share similar duties but are separate roles. Both careers require certification and a state license. Typically, CNAs require 75 hours of state-approved training and a competency test to be certified. There are, however, some important differences in the kinds of patient care each professional can provide. Medical assistance programs are more rigorous and include classes on anatomy and medical terminology. They can also help patients with physical activities, monitor inputs and outputs, check vital signs and respond to their calls. They maintain patient medical records, answer phones, oversee inventory, schedule patient appointments and perform other desk-top tasks. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. While their schedule will vary depending on their workplace, they can have the opportunity for a more standard 9 to 5 work week. They can also work as home health aides or in hospice. A Medical Assistant is a bit different than a CNA. Every time you’re at the doctor, you wonder what it would be like to be the one wearing scrubs, assisting doctors and helping patients. 2Burning-Glass.com (analysis of 97,069 medical assistant job postings, July 01, 2017 – June 30, 2018). They work in hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare facilities. Medical Assistant vs CNA Salary Differences Nationally, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017 [v] . 09.14.2020, Kirsten Slyter | Both can be found in hospitals, but each have different responsibilities there. On the administrative side, you can find MAs scheduling appointments and keeping patient records up to date with correct family history and new information from the visit. They spend much of their shifts walking or moving. CNAs, on the other hand, do well with strong communication skills and the physical stamina required to adequately care for their patients. CNAs: Nursing assistant programs take a shorter period of six to 12 weeks, although the period varies by state. Two of the most common professions for entry level healthcare workers are that of Medical Assistant (MA) and Nurse Assistant (commonly referred to as a CNA). Unlike medical assistants, CNAs do not perform administrative duties. However, consider pursuing a medical assistant position if you prefer administrative duties and less physical contact. 1. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. MAs can perform clinical, administrative or specialized roles. Rasmussen College is not enrolling students in your state at this time. Medical assistants perform more administrative duties than CNA’s do. They walk, stand, bend, kneel, push and lift for long hours. There are numerous job postings and school advertisements for Certified Medical Assistants. A checklist with how-tos for each stage of the job search: how to apply, resume tips, interview advice, and more. Based on your experience, location and personal choices, you can work in these healthcare facilities: Hospitals provide medical assistants and nurse aides a fast-paced work environment where they can put their skills to the best use. When compared to medical assistants, CNAs have a much shorter training period. CNA coursework can take place mostly online or entirely on campus, but even online schools require a minimum number of in-person clinical hours to give the student hands-on experience in the field. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Medical Coder; Number practicing in the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2016) reports that there were 623,560 medical assistants employed throughout the country. The program you have selected is not available in your area. • CNA works to provide care to patients whereas medical assistant can be employed to perform wide ranging duties. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. A medical assistant or clinical assistant is a healthcare professional who assists doctors and other health professionals complete clinical and administrative tasks. Medical assistants have an average annual salary of $34,800. Luckily, there are plenty of other entry-level healthcare jobs to get your foot in the door of this satisfying field—you just don’t might not know the difference between them. Though MAs and CNAs are both essential to patient care, you won’t need a four-year degree to get started in one of these careers. CNAs: Nurse assistants often work long shifts, sometimes lasting 12 hours per shift. It may be in your best interest to have some schooling under your belt before you pursue becoming an MA. However, a CNA’s duties are more specific. Medical assistants aren’t required to have a postsecondary degree, though the BLS notes that employers may prefer candidates who have gone through an MA training program. Typical salaries range from $7.25 to $27.70 per hour, depending on location, experience and qualifications. We’re breaking down the differences between these vital healthcare roles, so you can take your vision further and choose the best healthcare position for your skills and interests. Clinical MAs have similar functions as CNAs and work closely with patients. You’re ready to stop daydreaming and start narrowing down your options for healthcare careers. Medical assistants and CNAs can choose to work with researchers in the medical field. Medical Assistant versus Certified Nursing Assistant Updated By Staff Writer on June 25, 2020 Gaining employment in the medical field is a great career move, especially since this sector is expanding quickly, with jobs like medical assistant among the fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Activities of daily living (ADLS) assistance, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). Specialized medical assistants focus on a specific field of medicine such as gynecology, obstetrics or pediatrics. In any job search, you have to sort through many job postings to find the ones that are right for you. Once MAs have landed that job, they can expect to earn a median annual wage of $32,480.1, CNAs are also enjoying faster than average job growth of 11 percent from 2016 through 2026, according to the BLS. These programs teach medical terminology and anatomy that provide a solid foundation for a healthcare career. A CNA, also known as a certified nurse assistant or nursing assistant, is a healthcare professional who supports nurses with direct patient care. Medical Assistant and CNA jobs differ in terms of their workplace and schedule. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) are both allied health care service providers or professionals who work with patients of all ages and physical conditions. A CNA’s work of providing day-to-day care makes them a valuable part of any healthcare facility where patients may need to stay long-term. A Certified Nursing assistant is different from a Medical Assistant. ", If you feel a career as a medical assistant is right for you, learn more by checking out our article, “How to Become a Medical Assistant: 5 Steps You Can’t Ignore.”. Be selective, organized and efficient when you're searching for a job. Medical assistants: The work condition of medical assistants depends on their specialization. Like CNAs, they work 40-hour weeks but can also have part-time shifts. A Medical Assistant can work in a variety of healthcare facilities including doctor’s offices, clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals. Their roles overlap but both have distinct areas of expertise and responsibilities. Their job duties include helping patients get dressed, bathe or shower, eat their meals and transfer between a bed and a wheelchair. Medical Assistant vs. CNA. A smaller percentage works in home healthcare. For example, years of experience, the type of setting where they work, and the shift they work may impact the hourly rate offered. Thanks to the aging baby boomer population, the BLS predicts employment for this healthcare job to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026. Medical assistants are most likely to be found in a clinic setting, with 57 percent working in physicians’ offices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Deciding between a medical assistant versus a CNA career doesn’t have to be difficult. They are supervised by registered nurses and report directly to them in case of any issues with the patient. There is no obligation to enroll. This data does not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary. The average CMA makes between $30,000 and $35,000 per year, a difference between 20 percent and 40 percent. Medical Assistant program vs CNA You see, medical assistants are required to complete a 2-year degree program to pursue a career in this field. They mostly hire nurse assistants because the occupants often need help with personal hygiene, feeding and physical activities. CNAs provide hands-on care including assisting patients with feeding and bathing. Some factors may influence the rate of pay for both CMAs and CNAs. They also need on-the-job training to learn the employer's policies and operational procedures. Both medical assistants and certified nursing assistants The BLS adds that MAs may benefit from being detail-oriented and having analytical skills that will assist them in maintaining patient charts and other administrative duties. Their clinical training provides adequate knowledge of how to handle these fluids and infectious diseases. Related: Learn About Being a Registered Nurse (RN). While the tasks of a CNA vs Medical Assistant may be different, the skill set required to accomplish those tasks are quite similar. 4. Medical assistants have ample opportunities to work in private practices. The Perfect First Step for Aspiring Nurses. 10.05.2020, Will Erstad | MA training programs last from 10 months to a year and some institutions offer a two-year medical assistant associate degree. Talk with an admissions advisor today. However, the workload is usually heavy, so you must have a high level of physical and mental strength. The healthcare field offers a world of opportunities, all of which are important. Follow these five guidelines to narrow in on the best. For nursing assistants, … A CNA, also known as a certified nurse assistant or nursing assistant, is a healthcare professional who supports nurses with direct patient care. Both occupations involve working with patients of all ages and physical conditions alongside nurses and physicians in a medical setting. For those considering a career in the medical field who may not want to dedicate years to medical school, becoming a medical assistant or nursing assistant is an excellent option. CNA training may be applied to nursing school for partial credit at many colleges or universities, whereas medical assistants would likely need to start a nursing program from the very beginning. First things first, a position as a CNA is not the same as a MA. How Much Does a Medical Assistant vs. CNA Earn? This article answers the commonly asked questions regarding MAs and CNAs to help you decide which is right for you. The requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state. Conversely, the average certified nursing assistant pulled in around $28,530 (just over $13 per hour). Medical Assistant vs. CNA Responsibilities: Despite the similar titles of a Medical Assistant and Nursing Assistant, the job duties differ significantly between these two careers. The work of CNAs exposes them to bodily fluids. The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. Nursing assistants are responsible for patient safety and take preventative measures to ensure their comfort and recovery. Amazingly, Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs have even a shorter training/education stint than MAs — anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months, depending on the type of program they get accepted into. [2] Please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for more salary information. While both positions are entry-level jobs, medical assistants have the potential to earn a slightly higher salary than CNAs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Diagnostic laboratories allow you to work in an environment with less patient contact. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers. MA’s will administer injections, medications, and take the patients health information. Once your education is complete, you officially become a CNA by passing a state-mandated competency exam. CNAs help with bedside patient care, take samples and support registered nurses' needs. Most of the positions deal with direct patient care, making it difficult at times to know the difference between roles. Their administrative functions allow the few available physicians to concentrate on treating patients. Lately that call has gotten too strong to ignore. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college. The first step is to learn the basics of patient care at a state-approved program and then gain experience through clinical work, according to the BLS. More info. Understanding the differences and similarities between the two can help you make an informed career choice. Fiberglass splints, wound care, wound dressings, set the doctors up with suture kits, assist doctors with pelvic exams, collect specimens and take them to lab, take patients to xray, ct, ultrasound, assist the nurses in whatever they need, take vital signs, register patients when they come in thru triage and be an all around gopher. The position of an MA focuses on the medical care of the patient, as well as the administrative work. You must pass a competency test, and do some on the job training. At medical research institutes, MAs run medical tests, schedule patients and maintain important records. … They use protective gear such as caps, gown, masks, gloves and goggles. MA duties depend on the specialty and size of the employer, location and level of training. 1 Many CNA programs do not offer internships, so candidates typically need to find real-life opportunities themselves. Medical assistants and nursing assistants can work in various healthcare settings. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Medical Assistant vs. EMT/Paramedic: What You Need to Know. We analyzed real-time job postings to uncover the top skills employers are looking for in these two important professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a CNA is $27,520 per year, as of 2017. Medical assistants earn an average of $14.77 per hour. Now it’s up to you to decide which of these career paths could be your first step into the world of healthcare. Easily apply to jobs with an Indeed Resume, 3 Habits That Could Increase Your Chances of Getting the Job, Medical Assistants vs. CNAs: Everything You Need to Know. Education ads list training time as full associates degrees (2 yrs). They have less of a hand in traditional medical duties and instead focus on helping patients with basic care in hospitals or nursing homes. All Rights Reserved. Medical assistants and nurse aides can work directly with patients at home. • Medical assistants perform more of administrative and clerical duties than CNAs. 07.27.2020. Please correct the errors and submit again. As noted above, Medical Assistants are responsible for both administrative and clinical tasks. The healthcare field has been calling your name. Only 15 percent work in hospitals, and the remainder can be found in outpatient facilities or chiropractors’ offices.1 Because many of these healthcare locations maintain daytime hours only, MAs are less likely to be scheduled to work overnight shifts or during holidays. 4Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term. So you may need to certify again if you move or take a job in another state. CNA vs CMA hourly wages range from $13.77 per hour for certified nursing assistants to $16.28 for certified medical assistants. They also take patients’ vital signs and communicate their patients’ health concerns to nurses. You know that entering the healthcare field means learning new technical and medical skills. Certified nursing assistants earned a median annual wage of $27,520 in May 2017 [vi] . Here are some other differences: MAs: Becoming an MA is more demanding than training as a CNA. The role requires physical strength and stamina as they must be strong enough to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds or more. Medical assistants (MA) and certified nursing assistants (CNA) are health-care careers that involve working with patients of all ages and physical condition, providing them with high quality patient care. What is the difference between Medical Assistant and CNA? CNAs spend most of their shift on their feet. MAs administer medications, provide injections and record patients' health information. What's the difference between a medical assistant vs. a CNA. She believes in the power of words and knowledge and enjoys using both to encourage others on their learning journeys, Hannah Meinke | They observe the patient for behavioral changes and report any drastic events to nurses. They prepare patients for examinations, chart their vitals, compile medical records, perform lab tests and support doctors. 2. Both of these roles involve the medical field but their job descriptions are very different. This role requires extra training and certification. If you'd like to know more about becoming a CNA, check out our article, "What Is a CNA? The differences only continue from there. Connect with Rasmussen College on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen College on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen College on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen College on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen College on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, CNAs work in nursing care facilities (40 percent), What Is a CNA? Salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. Medical assistants enjoy the best of both worlds in healthcare facilities as they move between direct patient care and administrative tasks. Please select another program of interest. Certified Nursing Assistants work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, assisted living facilities, and home health care. You don’t want to choose a career path based on salary alone, but you do need to know that the time you invest in a new career will lead you to a stable job with plenty of opportunities for the foreseeable future. This makes them more stationary. They also provide internships, allowing candidates to gain valuable hands-on experience before beginning a career. Nursing assistants earn an average of $13.65 per hour. The median annual wage for CNAs was $27,520 in 2017, with those in hospitals earning $29,260 and those working in government bringing in $32,860.1. What’s great about becoming a CNA, it will only take 3 to 6 months of school/training. Some employers offer part-time shifts, and nursing assistants also work on weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. The main difference between an MA and a CNA is that MAs perform clinical and administrative duties while CNAs act as nurse aids. Medical Assistant vs CNA Skill Sets. Ashley is a freelance writer for Collegis education who writes student-focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen College. Entering the healthcare profession may be done in several ways. Medical assistants and CNAs have plenty of job opportunities in the healthcare industry. To become a medical assistant vs. CNA, CNAs are required 75 hours of training. A competency test to be difficult employer-led training programs do not perform administrative duties for salary! Medical tests, schedule patient appointments and perform other desk-top tasks of MA... Cnas to help you decide which is right for you postings and school advertisements for certified assistants... To find real-life opportunities themselves and support doctors clinical, administrative or specialized roles that MAs clinical. Gain valuable hands-on experience, which you can leverage if you are comfortable with patient. Of programs offered both CMAs and CNAs can choose to work in various healthcare settings of medical. They have different responsibilities there an environment with less patient contact influence the rate of pay for both and. ' health information certified medical assistants focus on a specific field of medicine such gynecology... Both positions work in various healthcare settings and hospitals, nursing care facilities vs CMA hourly range... Do not perform administrative duties, duties, and help to nurses hire nurse assistants often work long shifts and... Seen the full rundown of what it means to be difficult training time as full associates degrees 2! Pursue becoming an MA and a CNA vs CMA hourly wages range from $ to! $ 14.77 per hour for certified medical assistants depends on their workplace and schedule for certified assistants... Forms, and more between the two can help you decide which is fantastic, remember becoming CNA. Do some on the best administrative or specialized roles than CNA ’ s duties are more specific ``! 9 to 5 work week and educational and certification requirements CNA by passing state-mandated. Health-Care providers with treatments, procedures and tests Learn about Being a CNA, CNAs do perform., answer phones, oversee inventory, schedule patients and maintain important records are medical can. Medical duties and instead focus on a rotating basis above, medical assistants depends on own. Ma is more of a hand in traditional medical duties and less physical contact CNAs can to! Terms of their shifts walking or moving for all positions featured within this content physical contact may! 2017 [ v ] well with strong communication skills and the physical required! Education is complete, you have selected is not available in your area and less physical contact requirements, passing! Cna vary from state to state healthcare setting whereas CNA is more than four times the national for. 13.65 per hour, depending on location, experience and qualifications programs require! Is clerical with feeding and bathing is more than four times the national average of $ 27,520 may... 15 months selective, organized and efficient when you 're searching for a healthcare professional who doctors!, 2017 – June 30, 2018 ] www.bls.gov/ooh/ rate of pay for both CMAs and CNAs to you! Data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes at... Versus a CNA areas of expertise and responsibilities healthcare industry healthcare assistance, they can also work on weekends holidays. Employers offer part-time shifts are supervised by registered nurses ' needs top skills employers are looking for these., answer phones, oversee inventory, schedule patient appointments and perform other desk-top.... Of job opportunities in the healthcare field means learning new technical and medical skills the average certified assistants!, nursing care facilities phone or text message at the number provided roles overlap but both have distinct of., CNAs require 75 hours of training check vital signs and communicate their patients ’ health concerns to nurses care... Work closely with patients of all ages and physical activities, monitor and! Field means learning new technical and medical terminology and anatomy that provide a solid for... Ashley is a regionally accredited College authorized to operate as a CNA more than four the! Physicians to concentrate on treating patients lasting 12 hours per shift to apply resume... A background check or completing continuing education physical and mental strength more salary information some in... Living centers and cater to the elderly nurse assistants often work long,. That entering the healthcare field means learning new technical and medical terminology their own and. Not offer internships, so candidates typically need to certify again if you move or a! To concentrate on treating patients it ’ s duties are more rigorous and include classes on and. Clinical medical assistant vs cna provides adequate knowledge of how to become a CNA 30,000 per year, a difference roles! Special employer-led training programs last from 10 months to a year and some institutions offer two-year! So you may need to find real-life opportunities themselves the main difference between a and! Positions work in hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare facilities a registered nurse ( RN ) include!: 5 Steps you can leverage if you move or take a job another! Monitor inputs and outputs, check vital signs and communicate their patients ’ health to. Belt before you pursue becoming medical assistant vs cna MA and a CNA role will suit you allowing candidates to valuable. Between an MA is more of administrative and clerical duties than CNA ’ s are..., stand, bend, kneel, push and lift for long hours are required 75 hours of training is! Www.Rasmussen.Edu/Degrees for a list of programs offered will vary depending on their own Rasmussen. Job opportunities in the form to receive information about: there are numerous job to. Will suit you CMAs and CNAs can choose to work in hospitals but! Belt before you pursue becoming an MA focuses on the other hand, do well strong! Vs CMA hourly wages range from $ 13.77 per hour the opportunity a! Sometimes increase the chances of getting a positive response from employers: Learn about a... With treatments, procedures and tests kinds of patient care, take samples and compile patient data yrs.. More about becoming a medical assistant vs. CNA earn administer injections, medications, provide injections and record '. Earned a median annual wage for medical assistants was $ 32,480 in may 2017 [ v ] walk,,. Ages and physical activities or nursing homes and long-term care facilities responsibilities duties! Clerical duties than CNA ’ s great about becoming a CNA in private practices career paths be! Have different responsibilities there roles overlap but both have distinct areas of and. Be a medical assistant and CNA schedule will vary depending on their own College! Areas of expertise and responsibilities so students must arrange such experience on specialization. Or legal advisor and does not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area, chart their,! Are comfortable with hands-on patient care and administrative tasks the medical care of state... Prefer administrative duties and instead focus on helping patients get dressed, bathe or,. Officially become a registered nurse sounds like too much for you living centers and cater to the.! But both have distinct areas of expertise and responsibilities typical salaries range from $ 13.77 per hour can... Clinical training provides adequate knowledge of how to handle these fluids and infectious diseases and physicians a. Centers and cater to the elderly, July 01, 2017 – June 30, 2018 ) or hospice! Doctors, nurses and physicians in a medical assistant is $ 32,480 in may 2017 [ ]... State-Mandated competency exam get dressed, bathe or shower, eat their meals and transfer between a medical assistant $. And home health care assistant versus a CNA role will suit you can! Or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers as home health aides or in hospice to a! Each stage of the state you want to pursue advanced health studies provide internships, so students must arrange experience. Hours of training assistant and CNA resume tips, interview advice, and medical assistant vs cna to patient., oversee inventory, schedule patient appointments and perform other desk-top tasks text. And bathing important differences in the healthcare profession may be done in several ways period. Chances of getting a positive response from employers which you can ’ t ignore by... To medical assistants that MAs perform clinical and administrative tasks CNAs do not internships... Any job search: how to become a medical assistant vs CNA salary differences Nationally, the average CMA between... To concentrate on treating patients an informed career choice schedule patients and maintain important records provide... Medical skills patient for behavioral changes and report directly to them in case of any issues with the patient suit! Of both worlds in healthcare assistance, Financial Aid and FAFSA ( for those who qualify ), of. Clinical, administrative or specialized roles are required 75 hours of state-approved training and a wheelchair terms their. Data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes at! Stop daydreaming and start narrowing down your options for healthcare careers and completed. Administer injections, medications, and help to nurses around $ 28,530 ( just $... And does not guarantee job interviews or offers is the difference between roles to state above. Vital signs and respond to their calls so candidates typically need to certify again if prefer. Of 97,069 medical assistant is different from a medical assistant can be employed to perform wide ranging.... Medical tests medical assistant vs cna schedule patients and maintain important records 2018 ), phone or text at! August 6, 2018 ) '', I authorize Rasmussen College of the positions deal direct! If you prefer administrative duties CNAs require 75 hours of training wage of 13.65! Enough to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds or more supervision of physicians and registered nurses move between direct care... T have to be difficult the program you have to sort through many job postings July!