Nursing assistants and Medical Assistants are excellent career options. In both positions, the individual works with patients and collaborates with nurses and physicians. Those interested in working in the healthcare sector will find that both the Medical Assistant and Nursing Assistant professions are quick and easy ways to break into the industry.

Both careers, however, are quite different from one another. This overview will help people make decisions about their career path by providing them a general understanding of medical assisting and nursing assisting careers.

Medical Assistant

A Medical Assistant assists doctors in doctor's offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities by performing clinical and administrative duties. An assistant to a doctor is a professional in the healthcare field who aids them in office settings and clinics. In addition to taking the patient's vital signs, they may also measure the patient's height and weight. They also ask about symptoms and concerns and transmit that information to the doctor or Registered Nurse (RN). Each facility has its Medical Assistant duties depending on the location, size, and specialty of the facility. 

CNA

CNAs, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants, are vital to the success of any hospital. Nurse Assistants play a key role in the patient experience since they can provide many healthcare services. A CNA's role is often seen as light entry-level work, but in reality, it is an excellent stepping stone for other healthcare careers. CNA work can help in developing the skills needed for nursing or healthcare management careers in many ways and is an excellent way to begin your professional career. 

Role of a Medical Assistant

Each office and clinic has specific duties that a Medical Assistant must perform. Administrative or clinical tasks occupy most of their time. A medical assistant may be assigned to help patients at the front desk of a hospital or office, or they may contact a patient after an exam to draw blood. 

Administrative Tasks: 

Medical Assistants may perform administrative tasks such as:

• Setting up appointments and answering phone calls

• Acknowledging and greeting patients and their families

• Entering and updating medical records

• Preparation and completion of insurance forms

• Arranging hospital visits and laboratory tests

• Paying bills, handling books, and managing general office mail

Roles in the Clinic:

They may also perform clinical work such as:

• Bringing patients into the examination room

• Updating medical histories and recording symptoms

• Assisting patients in preparing for their appointments

• Collecting and preparing laboratory samples or the performance of basic laboratory tests

• Attending physicals with a doctor

• Discussions with patients regarding prescriptions and diet

• Filling prescriptions for patients

• Removing stitches and dressing wounds

• Drawing blood for laboratory tests

• Preforming an electrocardiogram (heart test) and other medical tests

Medical assistants are jacks of all trades, streamlining important tasks to make clinic operations more efficient.

Role of a CNA

Nursing Assistants have many responsibilities. Registered Nurses (RNs) usually supervise Certified Nursing Assistants as they provide direct patient care. Nurse Assistants, Nurse's Aides, and Patient Care Assistants are all names for Certified Nursing Assistants. CNAs provide direct patient care to nurses, assisting them with many complex and physical tasks. 

There are several responsibilities that they have:

• Moving or turning patients

• Collecting medical supplies

• Taking care of patients by bathing them

• Cleaning teeth, shaving, etc., as well as brushing and combing hair

• Providing patients with food and liquids while documenting their intake

• Documenting data

• Stocking supplies

• Measuring heart rate and blood pressure

• Assisting with certain medical procedures

• Ensuring safety procedures

• Transporting patients

• Caring for wounds

CNAs will have different responsibilities and requirements depending on the hospital or facility. As Certified Nursing Assistants, they help perform important duties that ensure patients remain safe and well-cared for during their hospital stay. Maintaining a clean environment, checking vital signs, and performing other duties of this nature are extremely important to patient well-being.

The exact responsibilities that CNAs may perform will vary by state, so you need to check where you live for specific job roles. 

Job Outlook: Medical Assistant vs. CNA

Medical Assistant

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare. A number of factors have been attributed to the projected increase in jobs for medical assistants in the coming decade, including advances in technology, the growing number of elderly Americans who need medical care, and an expected increase of doctors' offices and outpatient care centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 23% job growth for Medical Assistants through 2024. The top 10% of Medical Assistants earn $50,000/year. 

CNA

Nurse Assistants are also projected to grow much faster than the national average because of many of the same factors that make medical assisting one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare careers. In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17% increase in job opportunities for Nursing Assistants. The top 10% of Nursing Assistants earn more than $42,000/year.

Education Requirements: CNA vs. Medical Assistant 

CNA

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Nursing Assistants requirements vary by state. A Nurse Assistant generally needs a license or certification from the state. An approved education program is typically followed by passing a competency exam, which enables nursing assistants to use state-specific titles. The job title varies by state as well. For example, Ohio uses the title of State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), while other states use Nurse’s Aide. But generally, most states use the term Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

After passing the state test, a Nursing Assistant's name is added to a state registry. Working in a nursing home, hospital, or any other clinic requires being on a state registry. There are also other requirements in some states, such as continuing education and a criminal record check.

Medical Assistant

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states do not require certification for medical assistants. In some cases, employers may prefer hiring Certified Assistants. Certifications are available from several organizations. To be eligible for each certification, applicants must pass an exam and take one of several alternative paths. Among these paths are earning a degree from an accredited program and working. To become certified, the applicant must usually be at least 18 years old.

Medical assistants can earn certifications such as:

• ● Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

• ● Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

• ● Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

• ● National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) f

• ● Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

If you’re interested in becoming a CNA or a Medical Assistant, find classes in your city and state by clicking “Search By Location” which is also at the top of the page. Just enter your zip code and find accredited CNA programs near you. The free search also showcases local, online, or even fast-track CNA classes. You can also check out our Free CNA Course.

Guest Author Bio: Emma Lewis is a professional blogger specializing in content about the healthcare industry and medical technology.