Can a CNA apply as a medical assistant?

Bean79 · Dec 20, 2008

I don't see why not in some settings. I worked as a CMA until recently; I have been working as a PCT since entering LPN school. I guess your role as an MA varies from setting to setting. Some offices only will require such skills as Vitals and rooming patients taking messages, and light paperwork(which you are fully capable of doing); other offices require a lot of paperwork and front office duties that may be more challenging, but you are capable of learning that. The only problem I can foresee is if you get into an office with a lot of procedures or if they require some billing and coding skills. Many settings require phlebotomy, injections (IM, SC, & ID), running basic labs, preparing specimens, and assisting with procedures (this can vary depending on practice). Some offices are more than willing to train and are OK with no certification, but now you are seeing more and more offices who want people with some formal training and certification (I think this is a liability or insurance issue). But I would do some research locally and see what the requirements are. I always say it can't hurt to apply. Good Luck!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Dec 20, 2008

LittleJ said:

As a CNA, can I legally double as a medical assistant, or does that require a different license?

Neither position requires a license.

The MA position may require different training.

LittleJ · Dec 20, 2008

Thank you both! I sincerely appreciate it!

kythe, LPN · Dec 20, 2008

I worked as a Medical Assistant for three years before going to nursing school, but I don't believe I ever worked with CNAs. That's not to say it never happens, but I don't think that is a common cross-over. I agree with SoyLMT that a CNA would appear qualified for some positions, especially in offices without phlebotomy or injections. However, I don't picture a CNA resume standing out against MA resumes regarding your chances of being hired.

It's also possible that legalities would stand in your way. It used to be more common for MA's to be trained on the job; then employers began requiring formal schooling for MA's. Now the need for "certified" medical assistants is growing. Although I went to a vocational school and earned a diploma in Medical Assisting, at the time, certification was optional, and I didn't choose to get it. I have heard that in my state, certification is required to work as a Medical Assistant. It never hurt my employment opportunities not to be certified at the time. Still, if I wanted to go back and work as an MA again now (and if I wasn't a nurse), my qualifications would be outdated even though I have experience in the field.

Getting a job as an MA may be easier if you have experience in an office setting, even as a receptionist. Some MAs do front-desk work, and dealing with paperwork, clients, and general office issues is something that really can't be taught in school. Experience in the area could at least show that you can work in the general office setting. But to get that job, you would potentially be competing against people with training and experience directly in the area. It would be best to consider what you have to offer that would compare with what they offer.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 20, 2008

Probably, because a single governing body doesn't regulate the CMA position, I had become a CNA and phlebotomist years ago and then took a cheap class to 'become' a medical assistant that cost $300, that did not include certification and only a glimpse at all of the duties of the CNA, and sure enough, afterward, I signed up for an agency for CMAs and got a great deal of work. Primarily, they wanted someone that drew blood so I could learn along the way.

Honestly, people are often trained on the job with no formal instruction. Not downing the CMA at all, but because it is not consistently regulated, I have seen many get hired without medical experience.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 20, 2008

SoyLMT said:

I don't see why not in some settings. I worked as a CMA until recently; I have been working as a PCT since entering LPN school. I guess your role as an MA varies from setting to setting. Some offices only will require such skills as Vitals and rooming patients taking messages, and light paperwork(which you are fully capable of doing); other offices require a lot of paperwork and front office duties that may be more challenging, but you are capable of learning that. The only problem I can foresee is if you get into an office with a lot of procedures or if they require some billing and coding skills. Many settings require phlebotomy, injections (IM, SC, & ID), running basic labs, preparing specimens, and assisting with procedures (this can vary depending on practice). Some offices are more than willing to train and are OK with no certification, but now you are seeing more and more offices who want people with some formal training and certification (I think this is a liability or insurance issue). But I would do some research locally and see what the requirements are. I always say it can't hurt to apply. Good Luck!

I agree. Now that I think of it, I remember going to the doctor once about 12 years ago, and the medical assistant there told me that she had almost completed an LPN course but had to drop out and was able to obtain this position. Since she had already learned in fundamentals of nursing about administering medications, had a pharmacology class, and had many other considerations, it was pretty easy to get that job. I even remember her saying that she 'challenged' their certification. I'm sure she would have been able to if allowed.

My only advice is if the OP decides to obtain formal training, get it from a community college (in my area, there is a CMA program in the community colleges continuing education program that currently charges about $1000, which isn't that bad), where the cost of the program is much more reasonable. Do not get sucked into paying thousands of dollars; the story is that they will be replacing or becoming like nurses. Many of those who believed it was deep in debt, unable to obtain a position, or if they actually did, it paid a great deal less than expected, and were unable to repay those loans.

PEBBLES1 · Dec 20, 2008

Check-in your state. In my state, we have different certifications, and I can't work as a CNA and vice versa. I work for a hospital, and they have other things we can do. For example, CNA's cant draw blood or do injections. As a MA, I don't do patient care. However, if you have a semester of Medsrug clinical, you can do CNA work. Good luck, and let us know if you can do both.

purple_rose_3 · Dec 21, 2008

You need to check with your BON. In my state, you must work as a CNA for six months and get a reference from your current boss even to enter the class. The CMA class, I think, is about the same length of time as the CNA.

time4meRN · Dec 21, 2008

CNAs and MAs are certified, not licensed. CNAs and MAs are different, although I have seen MAs work in hospitals in a PCT or " nurse assistant" capacity. I suppose MA's could work in a nursing home but are probably better suited in a doctor's office. MA's usually have more training.