Medical Assistant vs. CNA: Training, Skills & Job Opportunities
Oct 02, 2024
Both medical assistants and certified nursing assistants are rewarding jobs and are much appreciated within the healthcare community. However, when it comes to pursuing a career path in either, which one is better suited to your needs?
We'll help compare the roles of a medical assistant vs CNA to help you understand more clearly the differences and similarities between these jobs.
Not only that, but you'll get a more detailed insight into what's expected in these roles and what job opportunities come with it if you're looking to advance at any point.
Table of Contents
- What are the main differences between a medical assistant and a CNA?
- What is the salary difference between a medical assistant and CNA?
- What are the job prospects for medical assistants and CNAs in today's market?
- What are some recommended medical assistant and CNA programs?
What are the main differences between a medical assistant and a CNA?
When it comes to a medical assistant vs. CNA role, are they much different? Well, if you're exploring a healthcare career, it's important to know the differences so that you can make a better decision on which role is best suited for you and your needs. Generally, medical assistants receive more education and are trained to handle more advanced clinical duties compared to CNAs.
Let's look at some of the main differences between a medical assistant vs. CNA.
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Medical Assistant |
Certified Nursing Assistant |
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Job responsibilities |
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Required skills |
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Education |
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Typical work settings |
Doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities |
Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other long-term care facilities |
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Median annual salary |
$38,860 |
$33,601 |
What is the salary difference between a medical assistant and CNA?
Are there many differences when it comes to comparing salaries for a medical assistant vs CNA? Let's take a look at some of the average salaries that you can expect in the US when it comes to medical assistants and certified nursing assistants.
As you can see, the the salary offered for a CNA vs a medical assistant increases with experience level. This is because medical assistants typically have more responsibility and experience as they gain more seniority.
It is important to note that these are just averages, and the actual salary for a medical assistant or CNA can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the type of facility, and the specific job duties.
What are the job prospects for medical assistants and CNAs in today's market?
Medical assistants and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) have varied work environments, but there are some key differences in where each is typically employed. Both roles are in high demand, with approximately 350,499 job openings across the U.S. healthcare market, according to Zippia
Work settings for medical assistants
Medical assistants primarily work in outpatient and ambulatory care settings, including:
- Physician’s offices
- Health clinics
- Urgent care centers
- Offices of other health practitioners
Work settings for CNAs
CNAs, also known as nursing assistants, work in a wider range of healthcare environments, often providing long-term patient care. They are commonly employed in:
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Hospitals
- Home healthcare agencies
- Skilled nursing facilities
What are some recommended medical assistant and CNA programs?
If you've got your high school diploma or GED, then further education and training is required. Whether you're looking at a medical assistant program or a nursing assistant program, it's important to do your research.
There are plenty of online courses out there but it's worth checking with your state, for the right state-approved education program. The FHCA is a reputable and long-standing institution that has helped churn out the best healthcare professionals within the medical community to date.
The time to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can vary depending on the individual and the program they choose. Typically, CNA training programs last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Our Nursing Assistant Program typically takes 6 weeks for classes held from Monday through Thursday, with class hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Why study at FHCA? Well, there are many reasons why you should. As an organization that's been running for over 16 years now, you'll struggle to find other program providers that offer the same high-quality and glowing track record that FHCA has acquired.
