Both careers require certification and a state license. Some colleges may offer online medical assistant programs and nursing assistant programs, but accredited courses are recommended as they require the completion of a guided internship. Working as a medical assistant is quite different from working as a nursing assistant, also known as a nursing ai… Healthcare occupations are projected to add about 1.9 million new jobs, growing at an above-average rate of 14% from 2018 to 2028 due to an aging population and a greater demand for health care services, including CMAs and CNAs. Private clinics might suit an MA better than fast-paced hospitals, and a smaller team also provides an ability to work in both the clinical and administrative fields. Apply to Medical Assistant, Clinical Assistant, Patient Care Technician and more! Future MAs might not be sure if they should specialize in a particular field (like OB/GYN or cardiology). I think CNA and medical assistant courses are a waste of your time. Many medical assistants can get their training “on the job” in a doctor’s office under the supervision of the healthcare practitioner or an experienced medical assistant. juliaann. toileting, bathing, feeding), changing linens, helping patients with physical activities, reviewing food consumption, and tracking inputs and outputs. Telling the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be confusing . Whether you already have hands-on experience in healthcare – or are considering a career change – discover whether medical assistant training or CNA training is best for you! 7. I did both. A lot of jobs start at minimum wage, especially if you have under two years of experience. Don't get me wrong, I love being a medical assistant, but in the state I live it's definitely not a career, Been a cna for 10 years ma for 1. Students in our CAAHEP accredited Neurodiagnostic technologist program learn how to record and study electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. First things first, a position as a CNA is not the same as a MA. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. OK so I havent posted on here in a while, because I was on the cna reddit. I love being an MA. • Medical assistant requires the presence of a doctor in a healthcare setting whereas CNA is more of a help to nurses. They tend to be a little slower paced than nursing home jobs, and while you may have a lot of patients at once, you will usually have more help than you would in … 2 years ago. Medical assistant certification offers those in the field more opportunities for advancement, increased job security and greater credibility with patients, peers and employers. I've done both, currently an MA. I was a CNA who went through the MA program and I've been working in internal med as an MA for the last year. Though they may have similar job descriptions, when you get past the basics, they’re incredibly different healthcare careers. This is just for in the meanwhile. Medical Assistant vs CNA Salary and Career Outlook. Cna Or Medical Assistant Medicine. Don't get me wrong, I love being a medical assistant, but in … People really stigmatize it, but the reality is that these care workers are really important and can do so much more than peri care. Medical assistant courses and networking along the way will help to provide a taste of what each place might have in store, but freedom to choose is a powerful motivator for job hunters. Though MA associate degrees take between 18-24 months to complete (and cost significantly more than medical assistant certification programs), graduates have more training and a much more competitive resume. MA is more clerical than CNA. How to Become a Medical Assistant. Prospective MAs might be able to work without any formal education, and can even receive on-the-job training from their employer. Writing a cover letter is a necessary part when getting a job . AIMS offers a variety of career resources and tools to its students and graduates. Deciding between a medical assistant versus a CNA career doesn’t have to be difficult. 242 CNA Medical Assistant jobs available on Indeed.com. After training, you’re required to take your state examination (which includes practical and clinical questions). Medical assistants have an even greater selection of job opportunities in a wider variety of work environments (especially private practices and clinics). Go for an associates in nursing or related field that interests you. The major difference between an MA and CNA is their ability to handle desk duties and administration. They're practically the same thing except a nurse can do more, and they make significantly more money. A place for advice, help with passing your certification test and school. Because you’ll be working with controlled substances and at-risk patients, your state may require a background check and annual education credits. Each state has its own medical assistant requirements, but a lack of formal training will likely result in lower salary offers. CNA- this was one of the best experiences leading up to medical school acceptance. Certified nursing assistants work less with doctors and more directly with nurses. In fact, from 2018 to 2028, the medical assistant field is expected to grow by a whopping 23%, compared to a healthy (but considerably smaller) growth rate of 9% for CNAs. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. They're practically the same thing except a nurse can do more, and they make significantly more money. To get medical assistant certification, you must attend and graduate from accredited or industry-approved medical assistant classes and pass a test. Whichever healthcare career you choose, understanding what training programs offer will help you discover what your strongest skill sets are. What has your experience been like? Having a good experience is sometimes not enough to get high-paid job. you will learn to work with people but very little about medicine. Cna Or Medical Assistant. cna at nursing home doing bed baths and feeding folks, not so good. Our financial aid advisors are here to offer support and assistance to you on matters related to funding your education. • CNA works to provide care to patients whereas medical assistant can be employed to perform wide ranging duties. I love what I do and providing patient care but I think the hospital setting is not for me, as the pace and stress level is very high. A clinical medical assistant may be asked to answer the phone, schedule appointments, fill out a patient’s medical information, and document and compile charts for the doctor to work from. You’ve probably seen medical assistants (MAs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) at clinics, hospitals, or caring for family members at assisted living facilities. Job Outlook Being a medical assistant better than a cna? • CNA requires undergoing 75 hours of state approved training and passing a competency test while a medical assistant requires passing an exam conducted by AAMA. Apr 16, 2010. If you work in the right location, you … Accredited medical assistant training courses are held at thousands of community colleges throughout the country. Technical schools, community colleges, local health providers, and the American Red Cross courses typically last from 1-4 months. CNA duties relate directly to hands-on care and patient support, but they wear many hats throughout any regular working day. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average medical assistant pay was $33,610 (over $16 per hour). 6. ... Reddit's home for wholesome discussion related to pre-medical studies. I personally think CMA is better. To begin with, programs for nursing are much longer than for medical assistants. When compared to medical assistants, CNAs have a much shorter training period. Medical Assistant. For the most competitive resume, CNA classes should require a real-world internship. Which Career Is Right for You? AIMS Education provides training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions. If becoming a medical assistant interests you, you’ll want to check out our article “9 Notable Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant Now.” If you’re leaning more toward licensed practical nursing, our article “ How to Become an LPN: 5 Steps to Earning Your Scrubs ” … The medical assistant is one of the important parts of medical staff. Has 1 years experience. 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. By WhatGo - 04.03. photo src: www.aimseducation.edu. DONT BE A CNA. AIMS offers students an immersive learning environment that will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. I personally didn't like being a CNA, but I wish I'd gone to nursing school instead of medical assisting school. I think I would do much better in the office setting, and I am considering doing a MA program. This will provide the necessary skills that show prospective employers you can hit the ground running. Others attend a formal medical assistant training program. Those of us already working in the field this is a place to help us get through our work day's. While there may be some variation between states, typically it takes about 2 years for an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and 4 years for a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). I suggest you look up pay in your area and make sure it's enough. I personally didn't like being a CNA, but I wish I'd gone to nursing school instead of medical assisting school. Having the proper resources to conduct a successful job search can make a big difference. Other common MA duties might include checking vital signs and performing basic physical examinations. Pay. Medical Assistant vs. CNA. By WhatGo - 22.39. photo src: www.aimseducation.edu. 296. Certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant are two careers that play an important role in patient healthcare. This is why there are many institutes that are offering medical assistant programs in Michigan. A subreddit for medical assistants. These health professionals should take preventative measures (like repositioning patients to avoid bedsores) but must report to their overseeing nurse if they encounter any medical changes like blood pressure and urine output. In fact, much of the training to become a medical assistant can actually take place through on-the-job training. The difference in these incomes is credited to more involved medical assistant training, as well as the high demand for allied health careers. UNDERGRAD. Close. The allied health industry is growing quickly, and holds exciting opportunities for those aspiring to begin a career in medical services. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. The most common medical assistant training is an MA certificate program. Apply to Nursing Assistant, Patient Assistant, Medical Assistant and more! Medical Assistant vs. CNA. Medical assistants in the lowest 10 percent wage bracket earn less than $12.41 per hour, or $25,820 per year. As a pre-nursing student, I was initially going for the CNA certification because its directly related to nursing but after much thought and listening to my gut I’ve decided to pursue an MA cert. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Investing time in your education should result in greater job satisfaction, too. When considering a career as a Medical Assistant or a CNA, be sure to read their key roles to see what position is right for you. CNA vs. Medical Assistant Salary According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a medical assistant is $16.73 per hour, or $34,800 per year, as of May 2019. It might be easier to ask what a medical assistant doesn’t do! Faculty of Medicine NTNU / Flickr / CC BY. With real-world experience, allied health professionals typically discover the sectors that appeal to them. Is there anybody here who has experience as both an MA and CNA? However, many CNA training programs do not include internships or other hands-on experience, so students must arrange such experience on their own. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some key differences and a few similarities. You won't do pericare nor get socked in the face by a patient as an MA. Have you ever thought about becoming a medical assistant or a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? Often, they can take the opportunity to specialize in areas they are passionate about. cna as pt care tech in hospital is good. Online. This idea that you need a 4.0 or something close to that to get accepted is the typical advice you get from misinformed pre-meds. Our goal is to see every student enjoy a successful career in the healthcare field. A typical shift may involve responding to patient calls, providing direct care (e.g. CNAs are responsible for patient safety, which means they must closely observe and monitor patients’ pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and even behavioral changes. While both require excellent communication skills and a passion for helping patients with a variety of needs, the training and job description for these careers are quite different. CMA busy/hectic is wayyy different than CNA busy/hectic. I haven’t worked as a CNA, but I just wanted to add that there are some doctor offices that are very fast pace and hectic so just be careful when you’re looking for a job lol like mine stresses me out but it makes it little better when I see my other coworkers stressed too... I’ve been a cma for 5ish years and recently switched to a CNA job at the hospital. Every state has its own CNA training requirements, so check local regulations before enrolling in a program. CNA jobs in hospitals can be difficult to find unless you know someone, have built up some experience, or have taken the time to volunteer at the hospital. Medical assistants, however, only need to earn a high school diploma and in some cases, they complete a medical assistant program to become a certified medical assistant (CMA). I'd personally prefer switching to an admin/clerical role after 1 year being an MA in a outpatient setting to not deal with clinical work. Medical Assistant or CNA? Medical Assistant vs CNA Comparison Chart CNA Medical Assistant Common Duties Clean and bathe patients, help patients with daily activities, measure vital signs, log patient… If you’ve set your sights on a medical assistant career – and are currently living in the New Jersey area – jumpstart your education. I only lasted 3 months before switching again because I was too stressed out. 0 Likes. Posted by. CMA. Medical assistant training can take less than one year to complete, so if you’re looking for a short certificate program that pays well – look no further! As the name suggests, medical assistant assists the doctors, nurses and other medical team members. I am currently a CNA and work at a local hospital. Conversely, the average certified nursing assistant pulled in around $28,530 (just over $13 per hour). Medical Assistant vs. CNA. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average medical assistant pay was $33,610 (over $16 per hour). Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Others enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training. Medical Assistant vs. EMT/Paramedic: What You Need to Know. The healthcare field offers a wide range of career options for people interested in helping others and working in a rewarding position. Archived. You are better off investing your time in an activity that will make you unique. Both MA and certified nursing jobs are crucial to supporting patients who need care and attention. This tends to take MAs away from hands-on patient care, which comprises the majority of a CNA’s daily routine. Conversely, the average certified nursing assistant pulled in around $28,530 (just over $13 per hour). Rowan University Publications / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND. Whether you’re checking their temperature, fixing their chart, helping them take their first steps after surgery, or navigating the insurance process for them, it’s endlessly rewarding work. As an MA, you’ll be in charge of preparing patients to see a doctor, including assembling a patient’s medical chart, drawing blood, sanitizing exam rooms, and sterilizing/organizing medical equipment. I make $6 more per hour and have significantly less stress. Plus, if the colleges your going to apply to go by a point system like my college does, MA experience/ certification for some reason gets more points than CNA when applying. There is a great scope for a medical assistant. 164,037 Medical Assistant CNA jobs available on Indeed.com. 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. More posts from the MedicalAssistant community. Check out the AIMS Education medical assistant certification program to get started. MA student learn more about pharmacology while cn learn more about bedside care, i honestly would take cma than cna cuz bedside manner is kinda a commonsense, and in pretty sure theyll teach you those stuff on nursing school. Registered Nurse Certified Medical Assistant; Number practicing in the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Oct. 2017) reports that 2,955,200 RNs currently work in the U.S.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently 634-400 CMAs employed throughout the United States: Pay: $32.91 per hour, or $68,450 per year (median pay) That however, is where the similarities end. Plenty of candidates applying for same position, and it's hard for employer to choose someone based on resume only. This is why they’re also referred to as “nursing aides”. For people who prefer a slightly more unpredictable list of tasks each day, becoming a medical assistant might be a great idea. Specializes in ICU. If you can do that, I think you'll get in somewhere. If so, you may be wondering what the similarities and differences are between these two career paths. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Typical programs last between 6 and 12 weeks. There are substantial differences between the education requirements to become a registered nurse and a medical assistant. I came back to have more opinions told to me about this particular situation.OK so we have a new cna with is. They both assist doctors, nurses and other health-care providers with treatments, procedures and tests. I am applying to nursing school for next year, as well as rad tech. Premedditors. If you really want to be a CNA, be a CNA. I Can do online courses for both and worth through them throughout the semester. Here are some differences between a Medical Assistant vs CNA. If you prefer to work more directly with patients, a CNA role might be a great fit for you. However, the specific job duties and workplaces can vary dramatically. Find more subreddits like r/cna -- At /r/cna/ we share our stories of caring for patients/residents and advice on how to best accomplish our mission of providing the best possible care for … 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. Which one would you suggest. They Can Bend Forks (Sort Of) MAs will reach many forks in the road. CNA vs. MA Salaries. 163k. After all, these two roles both involve supporting healthcare professionals like nurses and physicians while providing important care to patients. CNAs generally work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation and hospice centers. , procedures and tests and worth through them throughout the country handle desk duties and administration CNA vs. Salaries... Nor get socked in the healthcare field offers a wide range of career options for people interested in helping and! 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