Show Both certified medical assistants (CMAs) and registered nurses (RNs) perform genuinely vital healthcare tasks. CMAs and RNs assist licensed doctors and other medical personnel and are often responsible for various patients’ general treatment and care. There are similarities between these two positions, but also several distinctions. What is the difference between a CMA and an RN? Some factors that separate these two careers include specific day-to-day responsibilities, workplace environments, and the prerequisites necessary to work in this capacity. The amount of education required for these positions also differs; becoming a CMA typically requires a one-year post-secondary certificate while becoming an RN takes two to four years. CMA certification is available but optional, while nurses are required by law to be licensed, and some pursue certification in specialty areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or gerontology. For those trying to decide between becoming either a CMA or an RN, it is crucial to fully understand the scope of both fields to move forward with a career path. Aspiring healthcare professionals will be pleased to know that CMAs are well-positioned with educational prerequisites and work experience to apply for RN educational programs in the future. Read on to discover the differences, similarities, and overlaps between both fields with a side-by-side comparison chart. What is a CMA vs RN: Similarities, Differences, and OverlapOne similarity between CMAs and RNs is that both work in the healthcare field and generally assist with patient care in various ways. For example, both a CMA and an RN may be responsible for preparing a patient for an examination, recording patient information, or administering medications as requested by the treating physician. However, there are also substantial differences that set these two apart. For example, CMAs generally have the opportunity to work in either a clinical or administrative setting. A CMA may be preparing patients and administering medication in a clinical setting. A CMA may be creating the staff schedule in an administrative environment and calling patients to follow up with their appointments. On the other hand, RNs do not work exclusively in an administrative capacity; instead, they generally have a more clinical role, including assisting the physician with patients. Furthermore, licensing requirements and credentialing bodies are different for these two positions. CMAs may pursue licensing through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). At the same time, RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The reference guide below distinguishes between these distinct yet related career paths to learn more about what it takes to become a CMA and RN. Side-by-Side Comparison: Medical Assistants and Registered Nurses
Jocelyn Blore Managing Editor After graduating from UC Berkeley, Jocelyn traveled the world for five years as freelance writer and English teacher. After stints in Japan, Brazil, Nepal, and Argentina, she took an 11-month road trip across the US, finally settling into lovely Eugene, OR. When Jocelyn isn’t writing about college programs or interviewing professors, she satirizes global politics and other absurdities at Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). Thank you for being interested. Is MA higher than RN?Medical assistants (MA) require much less training than nurses. This might include on-the-job training or a certified program, which can range from nine months to two years. Associate degrees and certification courses for MAs are offered online and at traditional schools.
What is the difference between nurse and assistant?The main difference between a nurse and a nursing assistant is the role they fill in the health care hierarchy. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides basic patient care and works under registered nurses. A registered nurse (RN) provides a higher level of patient care and coordination and works under a doctor.
What is the difference between a medical assistant and a nurse practitioner?Physician assistants train using the medical model, similar to physicians, which means they focus on the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease that the patient has. Nurse practitioners train on the nursing model, which means they focus on the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient with the disease.
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