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MA vs CNA: What do they do?

A medical assistant plays a unique role in a healthcare team. They are qualified to undertake both clinical and administrative tasks. Among their core responsibilities, medical assistants are trained to:

• Take and record patient vitals
• Collect and examine lab tests
• Assist physicians with minor procedures
• Instruct patients about medication and special diet
• Transmit prescription refills
• Perform front office tasks such as checking patients in and scheduling appointments.

Medical assistants are sometimes referred to as “generalists” because they have a wide range of clinical and administrative responsibilities, making them highly versatile in a healthcare setting.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) takes a more hands-on patient care role and do not handle administrative tasks beyond noting patient needs or concerns. A CNA may be responsible for:

• Taking patient vital signs
• Assisting patients with proper hygiene, including bathing, toileting, and dressing
• Listening to and recording patient concerns, relaying that information to the nurse on duty
• Serving meals and helping patients eat
• Helping patients transfer to/from beds, wheelchairs, etc.
• Supporting patients with mobility

Both roles are responsible for patient care tasks, such as taking vital signs, engaging with patients, and recording patient care notes. But whereas a CNA will engage more directly with a patient’s daily activities (e.g., bathing, eating, mobility), an MA will focus more on clinical tasks associated with patient care exams, as well as managing administrative tasks.

Medical Assistant vs CNA - Where do they work?

A medical assistant works under the supervision of a doctor. They typically work in a:

• Physician offices
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Other outpatient settings

They will see many patients over the course of the day and need to be ready to move quickly from one to the next.

A certified nursing assistant works with and under the supervision of nurses. They can typically be found working in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Long-term care facilities
• Other in-patient settings

Patients who have been admitted to long-term care facilities require care around the clock, which is exactly what CNAs are trained to support.

Medical Assistant vs CNA - What training and skills are needed?

Effective training is essential to the success of an MA or CNA. With the right training, new MAs and CNAs will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their chosen career.

Medical Assistant Training

For those interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, the first step is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent as this is the minimum level of education required by many employers. Beyond a high school education, prospective MAs should complete targeted career training, such as:

*Length of training program, whether the training program includes clinicals and labs (and if so, how many clinical and lab hours), and program cost will vary by education provider and program type. Length and tuition costs provided are based on advertised program timelines and tuition fees provided by several education providers. Be sure to review program details from your chosen provider for an accurate timeline, content, and cost structure.

The only state in the U.S. that requires certification to practice as a medical assistant is Washington. Employers in other states may desire MAs with certification prior to employment, or additional skills needed to handle specific tasks such as administering medication or immunizations. Some of these skills may be acquired through on-the-job training, so it’s important to explore job postings in your area to better understand the desired skills and education of prospective employers.

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

As with a medical assistant, the first step toward becoming a CNA is the completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. Beyond this, individuals who seek to pursue a career as a certified nursing assistant will need to complete a state-approved CNA training program that will consist of both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Depending on the training provider, a CNA training program may be completed within three to six months, and may cost $1,300 - $2,000.

Upon completion of this training program, students will need to pass a state licensing exam to earn their CNA license. Training and license requirements may vary by state. Be sure to check with your local state board to determine CNA licensing needs.

MA vs CNA: How much do they make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a medical assistant is $42,000 and $38,130 for a certified nursing assistant. Salary expectations will vary based on location, facility type, years of experience, and more.

MA vs CNA: What’s next?

Whether you choose a career as a medical assistant or certified nursing assistant, you will be making a significant contribution to patient care. Both of these career paths will allow you to provide clinical support for patients, including taking vital signs and engaging with patients to better understand their needs and concerns, but a medical assistant will have the added responsibility of administrative support, including scheduling appointments, updating medical records, and transmitting prescription refills.

Your education and training is the next logical step toward beginning a new career as a MA or CNA. You are one decision away from high quality education and a clear path toward a rewarding career.

Explore relevant educational programs through U.S. Career Institute:

• High school diploma program
• Medical Assistant certificate program
• Medical Assistant associate degree program