What’s the difference between a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and a medical assistant?
Both professions involve working closely with patients, doctors, and nurses. However, the specific job duties and workplaces can vary drastically.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some key differences and similarities.
What are Medical Assistants versus CNA Job Responsibilities?
A medical assistant performs a wide range of job duties to assist physicians and nurses in diagnosing and treating patients. Typical job duties include:
- Asking patients about their medical and personal histories
- Assisting physicians with patient examinations
- Measuring vital signs
- Guiding patients to the examination room
- Preparing samples for laboratory tests
The job duties of a medical assistant will vary based on work environment and state regulations that determine which tasks medical assistants are allowed to perform.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works with patients who need help performing daily routine tasks. These job duties include:
- Cleaning or bathing patients
- Transferring patients between beds or into wheelchairs
- Measuring vital signs and log health complaints
- Helping patients eat
A CNA can expect to work primarily with elderly patients or those with disabilities who need assistance with the daily functions that most people take for granted.
What are the Salary Differences between Medical Assistants and CNAs?
According to the BLS, medical assistants earn a median annual wage of $44,200 as of May 2024. However, wages can vary significantly based on experience, location and responsibilities.
Medical assistants with several years of experience, advanced certifications or high-demand areas can earn considerably more. In fact, the top 10% of earners in the field made more than $57,000 annually.
Medical assistants working in outpatient care centers or specialty practices often earn higher pay.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median annual wage of $39,530 as of May 2024. Like medical assistants, CNA salaries can fluctuate depending on the state, the healthcare setting and the level of experience.
Those in the top 10% of earners made more than $50,000 per year as of May 2024. CNAs who work in hospitals or government facilities tend to earn higher wages compared to those in long-term care or home health settings. Earning specialized certifications or gaining experience in high-acuity care environments may potentially boost a CNA’s earning potential.
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Where do Medical Assistants and Nursing Assistants Work?
More than half of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices. The rest work primarily in the following places:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care facilities
- Chiropractic offices
The most common work environment for CNAs is different from medical assistants, with 37% of all CNAs working in nursing care or elder care facilities, as opposed to physicians’ offices. Nursing assistants also work in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Home healthcare
- Retirement communities
Medical Assistant vs. CNA Comparison Chart
|
CNA |
Medical Assistant |
|
|
Common Duties |
Clean and bathe patients, help patients with daily activities, measure vital signs, and log patient health concerns |
Chart patient history, measure vital signs, assist physicians with examinations, and schedule patient appointments |
|
Entry Level Education |
High school diploma or equivalent |
Postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree |
|
Projected Job Growth |
4% through 2033 |
15% through 2033 |
|
Certification Required |
Varies by state |
Varies by state |
|
Where they work |
Nursing care facilities, home care, hospitals, retirement communities and assisted living facilities, and government |
Physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities |
Should You Become a Medical Assistant or CNA?
Deciding between becoming a CNA or a medical assistant depends on your career goals, interests, and desired work environment.
If you’re looking for a more versatile role that includes both clinical and administrative duties in settings like doctor’s offices or outpatient clinics, becoming a medical assistant might be the better choice. Medical assistants also tend to have higher earning potential and faster job growth compared to CNA’s.
However, if you prefer hands-on patient care, helping with daily activities, and working in long-term care or home health settings, a CNA role may be the right fit.
You should consider your strengths, long-term goals and the type of healthcare environment you want to work in when making your decision.
Start Your Path Toward a Career in Healthcare
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, DTC can help you get started. Reach out to our Admissions Team to learn how we can help you take the first step.
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