MCC Medical Assisting students practicing during their lab.

10 Intriguing Differences Between Medical Assisting and Certified Nursing Assisting

Are you considering a career in healthcare, but not sure whether medical assisting or certified nursing assisting is a better fit for you? These two positions share many similarities, but there are also important differences to consider.

What are 10 key differences between medical assisting and CNA?

Patient interaction

Medical Assistants have a unique opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients, as they often see patients multiple times for various appointments. This type of long-term interaction can allow for the development of trust between the patient and the Medical Assistant, and it can also help the Medical Assistant better understand the patient’s needs and preferences. Conversely, CNAs may have more limited interaction with patients, as many of their duties involve assisting with personal care needs, such as bathing and toileting, and may not require the same level of ongoing interaction with patients.

Scope of practice

Medical Assistants may have more opportunities to specialize within their field and pursue areas of interest, such as phlebotomy or medical billing and coding. CNAs, on the other hand, typically have a more defined scope of practice and may not have as many opportunities to specialize. Additionally, while Medical Assistants can perform more complex clinical tasks, they may also have more administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records.

Work environment

While both Medical Assistants and CNAs work in healthcare settings, their work environments can vary greatly. Medical Assistants may work in fast-paced clinics or emergency rooms, while CNAs may work in long-term care facilities or hospice settings. The work environment can impact the type of patient care provided, as well as the pace and level of stress involved in each job.

Job responsibilities

Medical Assistants may have more diverse job responsibilities than CNAs, including administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing patient records. However, this diversity in job responsibilities can also lead to a greater workload and potentially higher stress levels. In contrast, CNAs may have more repetitive job duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, but they may also have a more predictable workday with fewer surprises.

Physical demands

Both Medical Assistants and CNAs have physically demanding jobs, but the specific demands can vary. Medical Assistants may spend long hours on their feet, performing tasks like taking patient histories and administering medications, which can lead to foot, leg, and back pain. CNAs, on the other hand, may be more prone to injuries from lifting and moving patients, and may also have a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Emotional demands

The emotional demands of Medical Assisting and CNA jobs can be quite different. Medical Assistants may encounter a wider range of emotions from patients, as they may be helping patients manage chronic conditions or supporting them during medical procedures. CNAs may have more opportunities to build relationships with patients and their families, which can lead to a higher emotional investment in patient care. Both roles require a high level of empathy and compassion, but the specific emotional demands can vary.

Working with families

The emotional demands of Medical Assisting and CNA jobs can be quite different. Medical Assistants may encounter a wider range of emotions from patients, as they may be helping patients manage chronic conditions or supporting them during medical procedures. CNAs may have more opportunities to build relationships with patients and their families, which can lead to a higher emotional investment in patient care. Both roles require a high level of empathy and compassion, but the specific emotional demands can vary.

Technology skills

Both Medical Assistants and CNAs need to be comfortable using basic medical technology like electronic health records and vital signs monitors. However, Medical Assistants may have more opportunities to learn and use advanced technology like medical imaging equipment, while CNAs may need to be proficient with specialized equipment like patient lifts and mobility aids.

Advancement opportunities

While both careers offer advancement opportunities, the paths to advancement can differ. Medical Assistants can pursue advanced training to become a Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, or other healthcare professional, while CNAs can pursue additional training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse.

Supervision

Medical Assistants may work under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner. CNAs usually work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. The level of supervision may impact the work environment and level of autonomy in each role.

While both Medical Assistants and CNAs play vital roles in healthcare, they have significant differences to appeal to various goals, desires, and temperaments. By understanding these differences, you can more accurately choose the career that will provide you with lifelong interest and advancement. 

Interested in Medical Assisting as a career path? Click here to learn more about Midwestern Career College’s Medical Assisting Program.

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