Is a Medical Assistant Higher Than a CNA?

Curious about the difference between a medical assistant and a CNA? Check out this blog post to learn more about the two positions and which one might be right for you.

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The Difference Between a CNA and a Medical Assistant

The main difference between a CNA and a medical assistant is their level of training and education. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is someone who has completed a short training program to become certified to perform basic nursing tasks. A medical assistant, on the other hand, has completed a more comprehensive training program that prepare them for a wider range of responsibilities. Medical assistants may also have additional certification in specific areas, such as phlebotomy or medical billing and coding.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants are one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, with an expected job growth of 29% from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Duties might include bathing, dressing and feeding patients; taking their vital signs; and turning or repositioning them to prevent bedsores.

The Education and Training Required for a Medical Assistant

The education and training required for a medical assistant is typically a certificate or diploma from an accredited institution, which takes around 1-2 years to complete. In some states, certification may also be required. A medical assistant typically performs administrative and clinical tasks in a doctor’s office, clinic, or other healthcare facility. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and billing and coding insurance forms.

The Certification Required for a Medical Assistant

There are many different types of health care professionals, each with their own set of responsibilities and qualifications. So, when it comes to deciding which type of career is right for you, it can be helpful to understand the difference between them. In this article, we’ll take a look at two popular health care careers: medical assistants and CNAs.

Medical assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical duties. They typically work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, or clinics, performing tasks such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, and checking patients’ vital signs. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to administer medications or injectables under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

CNAs, on the other hand, are focused primarily on providing direct patient care. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. CNAs are responsible for tasks such as bathing and dressing patients, taking vital signs, providing emotional support, and helping patients with mobility issues.

So, which type of health care professional is right for you? If you’re interested in a career that combines administrative duties with direct patient care, then becoming a medical assistant may be the right choice for you. If you’re interested in a career that is focused primarily on providing direct patient care, then becoming a CNA may be the better option.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

The salary of a medical assistant can vary greatly depending on their experience, education, and location. In general, medical assistants make slightly more than certified nursing assistants. However, both salaries can be greatly influenced by these other factors. Therefore, it is important to consider all of these factors when comparing the two positions.

The Job Outlook for a Medical Assistant

The job outlook for a medical assistant is very good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boomer population and continued expansion of healthcare industries will drive this growth.

The Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant

The benefits of being a medical assistant are many. Medical assistants are higher in demand than other professionals and earn a higher salary. They also have more opportunities for advancement and can move up the ladder quickly.

The drawbacks of Being a Medical Assistant

working as a medical assistant has its drawbacks. For one, you will be working long hours. You will also be on your feet for most of the day. Additionally, you will be exposed to a lot of germs and bacteria.

Is a Medical Assistant Higher Than a CNA?

The main difference between a medical assistant and a certified nursing assistant is training and job duties. Medical assistants typically have completed a postsecondary certificate or diploma program, while CNAs must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. Although both medical assistants and CNAs perform many of the same basic tasks, such as taking patient vital signs and measuring blood pressure, medical assistants have expanded responsibilities that include performing basic laboratory tests, administering medications, scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance paperwork.

Why You Should Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be wondering if you should become a medical assistant or a certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses, while medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks. So, which is right for you?

Let’s take a closer look at the duties of each position to help you decide.

Medical assistants are responsible for a wide range of clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare facilities. They may take patients’ medical histories, measure their vital signs, prepare them for examination, assist the physician during exams, and more. Medical assistants also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining Medical records and billing insurance companies.

CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. They may help patients with activities of daily living such as bathing and eating, take vital signs, and provide emotional support. CNAs typically work in hospitals or nursing homes.

So, which position is right for you? If you’re interested in a career that combines clinical and administrative duties, then medical assisting may be the right choice for you. If you’re interested in providing direct patient care, then becoming a CNA might be a better fit.