CMA vs CNA: Which is Right for Me?
So you want to build a career in healthcare, but you’re torn between becoming a certified medical assistant and a certified nursing assistant.
Both allied health professionals are essential members of the healthcare team, and the shortage of employees that hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been experiencing over the last few years, while problematic, means you’re needed more than ever.
In other words, you won’t have any issue finding a job — once you’re ready to start applying.
The requirements for nursing and medical assistants can vary from state to state, as well as employer-to-employer, which is why it’s important to check the specific requirements for each. At the end of the day, setting yourself up for a successful, sustainable CMA or CNA career typically follows the progression of completing a medical assistance program, obtaining a certification, and gaining relevant experience.
What is a certified nursing assistant?
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional responsible for daily patient care.
CNAs typically report to registered nurses (RN) or licensed practical nurses (LPN), and fulfill a great starting position for those wanting to become RNs or LPNs themselves.
A few of a CNA’s most common responsibilities are:
- Assisting patients with basic hygienic practices (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Helping patients with mobility, such as through walking or a wheelchair
- Taking, recording and monitoring patient vital signs
- Administering medications and monitoring their effects
- Communicating frequently with patients and their families
In short, CNAs generally provide patients with the care they need to remain healthy, comfortable and safe.
What is a certified medical assistant?
A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks in a variety of settings.
Typically working under the supervision of a physician, nurse or doctor, CMAs are responsible for managing both front- and back-office tasks.
Some of their most common clinical tasks include:
- Preparing patients for examinations, treatments and minor procedures
- Taking, recording and monitoring patient vital signs
- Administering medications or injections as directed by the physician
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Preparing and sterilizing the exam rooms before and after patients
Some common administrative tasks include:
- Scheduling appointments and following up
- Maintaining patient records
- Handling billing and coding
- Maintaining and filing patient records
Though there is a little overlap between the CMA and CNA positions, there are several key differences between these allied health professionals.
What are the differences between a CMA and a CNA?
Both CMAs and CNAs are highly valued members of the healthcare team and work in patient care,but there are a few main differences that keep these careers distinct.
The first big difference is in responsibility. Nursing assistants are most commonly found working in hospitals, nursing and other residential facilities where they provide basic care to patients. Medical assistants can work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities, performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks.
Next, there’s the difference in pay. Nursing assistants typically make around $15 an hour, which equates to around $30,000 per year. Medical assistants, because they deal with a wider range of responsibilities and patient care, make closer to $18 an hour, or $37,000 per year.
Then, you have the job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the nursing assistant field is expected to grow around 5% over the next decade, a pretty standard rate. Medical assistance, on the other hand, is projected to grow upwards of 16% over the next decade, a rate that is much faster than the majority of all occupations.
CMA vs CNA: which position is right for me?
When comparing two career paths, many professionals ask themselves the question of which career is best; really, the question to ask yourself is, which career path is best for you?
The truth is both of these specializations are great career options, but one is likely better suited for you than the other. If you enjoy working directly with patients and want to be able to provide basic medical care, a career as a CNA might be a good fit for you. If you’re more interested in performing a broader range of responsibilities, a CMA might be more what you’re looking for.
In addition, if you’re interested in or planning on pursuing a more advanced role in healthcare later on, becoming a CMA is a great stepping stone to help you get there.
Other important factors to take into consideration include:
- Personal strengths and weaknesses
- Individual interests and lifestyle
- Your mental and emotional capabilities
- How much you enjoy working with people
- Career goals and overall vision
When it comes to choosing between being a CMA or a CNA, only you can uncover which career path is the best fit for you If you’re having trouble deciding, here’s a free career assessment tool to help you narrow down your choices.
If that doesn’t provide you with the clarity you need, you can always send us a message.
Speak with an advisor today
Both certified medical assistants and certified nursing assistants can fulfill lucrative, long-term careers in healthcare. If you’re having a hard time discerning which one is the best fit for you, we’re here to help.
Health Tech Academy provides top-tier education and practical training to aspiring healthcare professionals who are looking to make their mark in the medical industry. Through our upskilling programs, apprenticeships and even post-hire career support that will set you up to become a highly desired employee upon graduation, but will also enable you to earn top dollar.
Schedule a free strategy session with one of our career specialists to more clearly identify what the next step in your path is, and how we can best support you in your career development.
