Medical Assistant Versus Nursing Assistant: Which is Right for You?

Considering a career in the medical field? Not sure if you should become a medical assistant or a nursing assistant? Check out this blog post to learn more about the differences between the two positions.

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Job description: Medical Assistant vs Nursing Assistant

Medical assistants and nursing assistants are both allied health professionals who provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

The main difference between medical assistants and nursing assistants is that medical assistants are generally more involved in clerical and administrative tasks, while nursing assistants are more focused on direct patient care. However, both roles may include some elements of both administrative work and direct patient care, depending on the needs of the specific facility where they work.

Both medical assistants and nursing assistants must complete a training program and pass a certification exam to earn their credential. Most states also have specific requirements for continuing education for these professionals.

Education and training requirements

medical assistants and nurse assistants both work in medical settings and provide basic patient care. They may perform similar duties, but there are important differences between these two careers. Medical assistants typically have less formal education and training than nurse assistants. Most medical assistants have completed a vocational training program or an associate’s degree program that lasted two years or less. In contrast, nurse assistants typically must complete a state-approved education program that lasts at least three months. Some states require nurse assistants to complete a certification exam before they can begin working.

Salary and job outlook

Medical assistants and nursing assistants are both critical members of the healthcare team. They both work closely with patients, providing hands-on care and support. But what are the differences between these two roles?

The biggest difference is in salary and job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for medical assistants is $32,480 per year, while the median salary for nursing assistants is $26,590 per year. And, while both professions are expected to see job growth in the coming years, medical assistants are expected to see much faster job growth at an estimated rate of 29% between 2016 and 2026. Nursing assistants are only expected to see a job growth rate of 11%.

So, if you’re looking for a career in healthcare that offers a good salary and strong job prospects, medical assisting may be the right choice for you.

Skills required

Whether you’re just starting out in your medical career or you’re looking to make a change, it’s important to choose the right path for you. Two popular options in the medical field are nursing assistants (NA) and medical assistants (MA). Both play an important role in patient care, but there are some key differences between the two positions.

Education: To become an MA, you will need to complete an accredited program, which typically takes about a year. NAs can either complete a certified training program or achieve certification through on-the-job training.

Skills required: MAs need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills as they will be working closely with patients and their families. They must be able to multitask and be organized as they will be responsible for keeping medical records and scheduling appointments. NAs need to have good physical stamina as they will be on their feet for long periods of time and may have to lift patients. They must also be compassionate as they will be working with patients who are dealing with difficult conditions.

Work environment: MAs typically work in doctor’s offices, clinics or hospitals. NAs usually work in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for MAs was $32,480 in 2018, while the median annual salary for NAs was $28,530.

Job outlook: The demand for both MAs and NAs is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. The BLS projects that employment for MAs will grow by 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, while employment for NAs is projected to grow by 11 percent during that same time period.

If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, weigh your options carefully to decide if becoming an MA or an NA is the right choice for you.

Working conditions

Working conditions are often better for medical assistants than for nursing aides. Medical assistants typically work in well-lit and well-ventilated offices, clinics, and hospitals. Many medical assistants have flexible working hours, and some may work part time. Nursing aides, on the other hand, often work in more strenuous conditions. They may be exposed to contagious diseases and lift heavy patients. They also typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Pros and cons

Considering a career in health care? You’re not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the health care industry is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between now and 2024.1 One way to start your career in health care is by becoming a medical assistant or nursing assistant. But what’s the difference between these two roles, and which one is right for you?

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties under the supervision of a licensed health care provider, such as a physician or nurse. Many of their responsibilities are focused on patient care, such as taking medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, and assists during the exam itself. They also may schedule appointments, handle billing and insurance paperwork, and maintain patient Medical records

Nursing assistants provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nursing professional, such as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Their duties are focused more on providing hands-on personal care to patients, such as bathing, dressing and grooming patients; helping them move in bed; and serving meals. Nursing assistants also may take vitals signs, collect specimens for testing, monitor patients’ food and fluid intake and output levels, change dressings on wounds or incisions, position bedridden patients to prevent bedsores..

Which is right for you?

Whether you’re just getting started in your medical career or you’re looking to change Specialties, you may be wondering what the difference is between a Medical Assistant and a Nursing Assistant. Although both positions are vital to the daily operations of a medical facility, they do have different roles and responsibilities. Here’s a quick overview of the two positions to help you decide which one is right for you.

Medical Assistants are responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. They may take medical histories and record vital signs, assist physicians with examinations, prepare patients for procedures, and instruct patients on how to manage their post-treatment care. They also handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing and coding insurance forms, and ordering supplies.

Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. They take vital signs, help patients with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, answer call lights promptly, turn and reposition bedbound patients to prevent bedsores, provide fresh water and meals according to diet orders, collect urine and stool samples, perform basic tests such as blood sugar readings, and document patient progress.

Both Medical Assistants and Nursing Assistants work closely with patients and play an important role in providing quality patient care. If you enjoy working with people and make it a priority to help others, either position would be a good fit for you. The best way to decide which position is right for you is to shadow someone in each role to get a better feel for the day-to-day duties involved.

Conclusion

After careful consideration of the duties, job outlook, and necessary education and training of both medical assistants and nursing assistants, it’s clear that each career has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The right choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific goals, interests, and qualifications.

If you’re looking for a career in the medical field that offers accelerated training, good job prospects, and the opportunity to work directly with patients, then medical assisting may be the right choice for you. If you’re interested in a career that offers more autonomy, room for advancement, and the ability to work in a variety of settings, then nursing might be a better fit.

No matter which path you choose, remember that both medical assistants and nursing assistants play an important role in providing quality patient care.

FAQ

Below are some common questions we receive about the differences between medical assistants and nursing assistants.

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a nursing assistant?
The main difference between medical assistants and nursing assistants is the level of education and training required. Medical assistants typically have a certificate or diploma from an accredited program, while nursing assistants must complete an accredited nursing program and pass a state- Approved certification exam.

What duties do medical assistants perform?
Medical assistants are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting with procedures, and more.

What duties do nursing assistants perform?
Nursing assistants are trained to provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Their duties may include taking vital signs, bathing and dressing patients, providing meals and assistance with eating, turning and positioning patients, toileting assistance, and more.

How much does each type of worker earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 as of May 2018. The median annual salary for nursing assistants was $28,540 as of May 2018.

References

There are a few key differences between medical assistant and nursing assistant roles. Medical assistants generally perform administrative and clinical tasks in support of physicians and other healthcare professionals in outpatient settings. Nursing assistants, on the other hand, provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. Nursing assistants typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.

Both medical assistants and nursing assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients and their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. They must also have good organizational skills and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

If you’re considering a career in either field, it’s important to do your research to decide which is right for you. Consider your interests, skills, and goals before making a decision.