I think CNA and medical assistant courses are a waste of your time. Have you ever thought about becoming a medical assistant or a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. I think I would do much better in the office setting, and I am considering doing a MA program. To get medical assistant certification, you must attend and graduate from accredited or industry-approved medical assistant classes and pass a test. They tend to be a little slower paced than nursing home jobs, and while you may have a lot of patients at once, you will usually have more help than you would in … A place for advice, help with passing your certification test and school. I love what I do and providing patient care but I think the hospital setting is not for me, as the pace and stress level is very high. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This idea that you need a 4.0 or something close to that to get accepted is the typical advice you get from misinformed pre-meds. I haven’t worked as a CNA, but I just wanted to add that there are some doctor offices that are very fast pace and hectic so just be careful when you’re looking for a job lol like mine stresses me out but it makes it little better when I see my other coworkers stressed too... I’ve been a cma for 5ish years and recently switched to a CNA job at the hospital. The medical assistant is one of the important parts of medical staff. This will provide the necessary skills that show prospective employers you can hit the ground running. MA student learn more about pharmacology while cn learn more about bedside care, i honestly would take cma than cna cuz bedside manner is kinda a commonsense, and in pretty sure theyll teach you those stuff on nursing school. First things first, a position as a CNA is not the same as a MA. They Can Bend Forks (Sort Of) MAs will reach many forks in the road. The difference in these incomes is credited to more involved medical assistant training, as well as the high demand for allied health careers. How to Become a Medical Assistant. I personally didn't like being a CNA, but I wish I'd gone to nursing school instead of medical assisting school. Apply to Medical Assistant, Clinical Assistant, Patient Care Technician and more! AIMS offers students an immersive learning environment that will provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. CNAs are responsible for patient safety, which means they must closely observe and monitor patients’ pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and even behavioral changes. I am currently a CNA and work at a local hospital. If so, you may be wondering what the similarities and differences are between these two career paths. This is why they’re also referred to as “nursing aides”. Don't get me wrong, I love being a medical assistant, but in the state I live it's definitely not a career, Been a cna for 10 years ma for 1. If you can do that, I think you'll get in somewhere. Whether you already have hands-on experience in healthcare – or are considering a career change – discover whether medical assistant training or CNA training is best for you! Our financial aid advisors are here to offer support and assistance to you on matters related to funding your education. Writing a cover letter is a necessary part when getting a job . Medical assistants (MA) and certified nursing assistants (CNA) are health-care careers that involve working with patients of all ages and physical condition, providing them with high quality patient care. When considering a career as a Medical Assistant or a CNA, be sure to read their key roles to see what position is right for you. CNA- this was one of the best experiences leading up to medical school acceptance. If becoming a medical assistant interests you, you’ll want to check out our article “9 Notable Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant Now.” If you’re leaning more toward licensed practical nursing, our article “ How to Become an LPN: 5 Steps to Earning Your Scrubs ” … cna as pt care tech in hospital is good. Faculty of Medicine NTNU / Flickr / CC BY. The healthcare field offers a wide range of career options for people interested in helping others and working in a rewarding position. Don't get me wrong, I love being a medical assistant, but in … Premedditors. Has 1 years experience. If you really want to be a CNA, be a CNA. Registered Nurse Certified Medical Assistant; Number practicing in the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Oct. 2017) reports that 2,955,200 RNs currently work in the U.S.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently 634-400 CMAs employed throughout the United States: Pay: $32.91 per hour, or $68,450 per year (median pay) Both careers require certification and a state license. I make $6 more per hour and have significantly less stress. Each state has its own medical assistant requirements, but a lack of formal training will likely result in lower salary offers. After training, you’re required to take your state examination (which includes practical and clinical questions). Private clinics might suit an MA better than fast-paced hospitals, and a smaller team also provides an ability to work in both the clinical and administrative fields. Whichever healthcare career you choose, understanding what training programs offer will help you discover what your strongest skill sets are. Future MAs might not be sure if they should specialize in a particular field (like OB/GYN or cardiology). They're practically the same thing except a nurse can do more, and they make significantly more money. For the most competitive resume, CNA classes should require a real-world internship. Investing time in your education should result in greater job satisfaction, too. Telling the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be confusing . Apply to Nursing Assistant, Patient Assistant, Medical Assistant and more! Medical assistant courses and networking along the way will help to provide a taste of what each place might have in store, but freedom to choose is a powerful motivator for job hunters. However, the specific job duties and workplaces can vary dramatically. I Can do online courses for both and worth through them throughout the semester. A typical shift may involve responding to patient calls, providing direct care (e.g. We’re breaking down the differences between these vital healthcare roles, so you can take your vision further and choose the best healthcare position for your skills and interests. OK so I havent posted on here in a while, because I was on the cna reddit. There are substantial differences between the education requirements to become a registered nurse and a medical assistant. Certified nursing assistants work less with doctors and more directly with nurses. Close. The major difference between an MA and CNA is their ability to handle desk duties and administration. Job Outlook Plenty of candidates applying for same position, and it's hard for employer to choose someone based on resume only. If you prefer to work more directly with patients, a CNA role might be a great fit for you. Rowan University Publications / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND. 6. UNDERGRAD. Medical assistants in the lowest 10 percent wage bracket earn less than $12.41 per hour, or $25,820 per year. Archived. Being a medical assistant better than a cna? Pay. Medical Assistant vs. CNA. More posts from the MedicalAssistant community. Deciding between a medical assistant versus a CNA career doesn’t have to be difficult. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average medical assistant pay was $33,610 (over $16 per hour). It might be easier to ask what a medical assistant doesn’t do! Find more subreddits like r/cna -- At /r/cna/ we share our stories of caring for patients/residents and advice on how to best accomplish our mission of providing the best possible care for … What has your experience been like? In fact, much of the training to become a medical assistant can actually take place through on-the-job training. Medical Assistant vs. CNA. I only lasted 3 months before switching again because I was too stressed out. Whether you’re checking their temperature, fixing their chart, helping them take their first steps after surgery, or navigating the insurance process for them, it’s endlessly rewarding work. With real-world experience, allied health professionals typically discover the sectors that appeal to them. A lot of jobs start at minimum wage, especially if you have under two years of experience. Medical assistants, however, only need to earn a high school diploma and in some cases, they complete a medical assistant program to become a certified medical assistant (CMA). In fact, from 2018 to 2028, the medical assistant field is expected to grow by a whopping 23%, compared to a healthy (but considerably smaller) growth rate of 9% for CNAs. A subreddit for medical assistants. The allied health industry is growing quickly, and holds exciting opportunities for those aspiring to begin a career in medical services. 296. 163k. Specializes in ICU. I love being an MA. Though they may have similar job descriptions, when you get past the basics, they’re incredibly different healthcare careers. Medical Assistant or CNA? Accredited medical assistant training courses are held at thousands of community colleges throughout the country. • Medical assistant requires the presence of a doctor in a healthcare setting whereas CNA is more of a help to nurses. ... Reddit's home for wholesome discussion related to pre-medical studies. Because you’ll be working with controlled substances and at-risk patients, your state may require a background check and annual education credits. Medical Assistant. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. These health professionals should take preventative measures (like repositioning patients to avoid bedsores) but must report to their overseeing nurse if they encounter any medical changes like blood pressure and urine output. juliaann. While both require excellent communication skills and a passion for helping patients with a variety of needs, the training and job description for these careers are quite different. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average medical assistant pay was $33,610 (over $16 per hour). Many medical assistants can get their training “on the job” in a doctor’s office under the supervision of the healthcare practitioner or an experienced medical assistant. Here are some differences between a Medical Assistant vs CNA. I did both. you will learn to work with people but very little about medicine. When compared to medical assistants, CNAs have a much shorter training period. I came back to have more opinions told to me about this particular situation.OK so we have a new cna with is. Those of us already working in the field this is a place to help us get through our work day's. However, many CNA training programs do not include internships or other hands-on experience, so students must arrange such experience on their own. If you work in the right location, you … I was a CNA who went through the MA program and I've been working in internal med as an MA for the last year. Having the proper resources to conduct a successful job search can make a big difference. Medical assistant training can take less than one year to complete, so if you’re looking for a short certificate program that pays well – look no further! Check out the AIMS Education medical assistant certification program to get started. As the name suggests, medical assistant assists the doctors, nurses and other medical team members. Prospective MAs might be able to work without any formal education, and can even receive on-the-job training from their employer. The most common medical assistant training is an MA certificate program. Though MA associate degrees take between 18-24 months to complete (and cost significantly more than medical assistant certification programs), graduates have more training and a much more competitive resume. Online. Every state has its own CNA training requirements, so check local regulations before enrolling in a program. After all, these two roles both involve supporting healthcare professionals like nurses and physicians while providing important care to patients. Other common MA duties might include checking vital signs and performing basic physical examinations. As an MA, you’ll be in charge of preparing patients to see a doctor, including assembling a patient’s medical chart, drawing blood, sanitizing exam rooms, and sterilizing/organizing medical equipment. As a pre-nursing student, I was initially going for the CNA certification because its directly related to nursing but after much thought and listening to my gut I’ve decided to pursue an MA cert. I am applying to nursing school for next year, as well as rad tech. 164,037 Medical Assistant CNA jobs available on Indeed.com. This is why there are many institutes that are offering medical assistant programs in Michigan. To begin with, programs for nursing are much longer than for medical assistants. DONT BE A CNA. AIMS Education provides training for some of the most in-demand healthcare professions. Is there anybody here who has experience as both an MA and CNA? Working as a medical assistant is quite different from working as a nursing assistant, also known as a nursing ai… 2 years ago. This tends to take MAs away from hands-on patient care, which comprises the majority of a CNA’s daily routine. Some colleges may offer online medical assistant programs and nursing assistant programs, but accredited courses are recommended as they require the completion of a guided internship. MA is more clerical than CNA. Technical schools, community colleges, local health providers, and the American Red Cross courses typically last from 1-4 months. Students in our CAAHEP accredited Neurodiagnostic technologist program learn how to record and study electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. Go for an associates in nursing or related field that interests you. Medical assistants have an even greater selection of job opportunities in a wider variety of work environments (especially private practices and clinics). cna at nursing home doing bed baths and feeding folks, not so good. I personally think CMA is better. Others enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training. 0 Likes. I personally didn't like being a CNA, but I wish I'd gone to nursing school instead of medical assisting school. Often, they can take the opportunity to specialize in areas they are passionate about. Conversely, the average certified nursing assistant pulled in around $28,530 (just over $13 per hour). CNAs generally work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation and hospice centers. Cna Or Medical Assistant. Typical programs last between 6 and 12 weeks. Medical Assistant vs. EMT/Paramedic: What You Need to Know. Medical Assistant vs CNA Salary and Career Outlook. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. toileting, bathing, feeding), changing linens, helping patients with physical activities, reviewing food consumption, and tracking inputs and outputs. Both MA and certified nursing jobs are crucial to supporting patients who need care and attention. Healthcare occupations are projected to add about 1.9 million new jobs, growing at an above-average rate of 14% from 2018 to 2028 due to an aging population and a greater demand for health care services, including CMAs and CNAs. That however, is where the similarities end. • CNA requires undergoing 75 hours of state approved training and passing a competency test while a medical assistant requires passing an exam conducted by AAMA. Others attend a formal medical assistant training program. Apr 16, 2010. Plus, if the colleges your going to apply to go by a point system like my college does, MA experience/ certification for some reason gets more points than CNA when applying. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Posted by. 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