Can a CNA get a job as a MA?

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · May 21, 2010

Not sure about all States, but in my State in order to work as a MA, you need to attend and pass MA school AND our State's test for MA.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 21, 2010

It might be difficult for you to land a job as a medical assistant since you have not completed a formal training program to become one. Moreover, trained medical assistants who have completed certificate or AS degree programs are also having bad luck with jobs in this economy.

However, some physicians, chiropractors, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, acupuncturists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers might be willing to hire someone from off the street and train the person to be their assistant under the condition that you will work in their office for significantly less money than someone who is formally trained as a MA.

If you want daytime hours, why don't you work as a CNA during the 7-3pm shift?

mochomito · May 21, 2010

hello,

I was going to say that you would need phlebotomy and maybe ekg as well depending on your state. also where i live a lot of chiropractors and podiatrists hire what they called MA's but they train them themselves, so for podiatrists and chiropractors you could easily get a job with them during day hours. chiropractors some of them have weird hours though, where you would have like a 3 hour break. don't know if that's the norm in other states.

missy--kay · May 21, 2010

I went to MA school before nursing school, and there are many skills that an MA is expected to perform that a CNA does not do. Such as, phlebotomy, injections, etc... You might be able to find an office that will train. Good luck!!

caliotter3 · May 21, 2010

Although theoretically you could receive hands on training by the doctor that you would be working for, chances of getting the job are slim to none based on the availability of school trained, registered or certified MAs, with experience, who are available everywhere, for work.

missdixie023 · May 21, 2010

In our state, the MA program is a 2 year degree consisting of a lot of clinical hours- then you must pass your boards. I know that here it would be impossible for a CNA to work as a MA.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 21, 2010

I went to MA school before nursing school, and there are many skills that an MA is expected to perform that a CNA does not do. Such as, phlebotomy, injections, etc...

I was going to say that you would need phlebotomy and maybe ekg as well depending on your state.

If the OP can find a healthcare provider who is willing to train her, she can work as a front office medical assistant who doesn't deal with the hands-on back office tasks such as injections, blood draws, EKG testing, etc. Her duties can be more clerical and reception-oriented.

allnurses Guide · May 21, 2010

I worked for a physician, under his license, and learned MA stuff - on the job, so to speak.

That's the norm around here. I'd never heard of a "degree" for being a medical assistant before coming to allnurses.

I wish you luck - I know how it feels to not be around for kids - it stinks.

steph

Angel0411 · May 22, 2010

I worked for a physician, under his license, and learned MA stuff - on the job, so to speak.
That's the norm around here. I'd never heard of a "degree" for being a medical assistant before coming to allnurses.
I wish you luck - I know how it feels to not be around for kids - it stinks.
steph

^^^^This

You can work as a medical assistant without even being a CNA if they are willing to train you. Some places want a MA Certifcation and others don't ask for one.

red2003xlt, LPN · May 22, 2010

This from my school. I'm in Florida

Medical Assistant

LovelyOverload · May 22, 2010

It really just depends on the facility. I live in the OKC area and I've seen positions at OU hsc for a MA but under the requirements it states you can have a MA certification or a CNA certification.. You just have to look around!