CMA prospects

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

Job description of the CNA: https://allnurses.com/cna-ma-nursing/how-become-certified-748527.html

Job description of the MA: https://allnurses.com/cna-ma-nursing/how-become-medical-756731.html

MAs are found working mostly in clinics and doctors offices under the direction of physicians. Some physicians might be reluctant to hire a MA who has been trained as a physician because it might intimidate them. Others might shy away from hiring someone whom they view as overqualified.

GarrettLeonard · Jun 4, 2013

CNA is inpatient care, CMA is outpatient care.

CMA can do injections, run EKGs, do X-Rays (if cert) they can perform all medical administrative duties, they can essentially do almost everything an LPN can do, outside of delegation, etc. Right off the bat, straight out of MA school.

CNAs straight of training, cannot do hardly any of that. THey may know a lot about it, but don't do much of what a CMA can do. I was trained as a CNA in Job Corps, spent 7.5 months learning everything on lower levels of the nursing spectrum, my girlfriend being in MA School.

Another big difference between the two, is that a CMA words under a physicians license. Not tot he same capacity of a PA, however, the CMA still has to have an MD to answer too. While a CNA works under an RNs license.

ILoveHealthCare · Jun 4, 2013

CNA is inpatient care, CMA is outpatient care.
CMA can do injections, run EKGs, do X-Rays (if cert) they can perform all medical administrative duties, they can essentially do almost everything an LPN can do, outside of delegation, etc. Right off the bat, straight out of MA school.
CNAs straight of training, cannot do hardly any of that. THey may know a lot about it, but don't do much of what a CMA can do. I was trained as a CNA in Job Corps, spent 7.5 months learning everything on lower levels of the nursing spectrum, my girlfriend being in MA School.
Another big difference between the two, is that a CMA words under a physicians license. Not tot he same capacity of a PA, however, the CMA still has to have an MD to answer too. While a CNA works under an RNs license.

Not true. As a CMA I am not a nurse so I am not allowed, trained, or know everything a LPN/LVN knows. Yes, in a doctor office we may do a similar job, but please do not say I can do everything. Depending on the state I cannot give anesthetic medications like lidocaine. A nurse has to draw it up. I can not interpret results whether from labs or x rays. I can not call in new medications or read tb tests and so on. Also, I work corrections and work under the nurses license whether RN or LVN. If I was able to do everything a LVN does I would not be in school right now to be one!!

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2013

CNA is inpatient care, CMA is outpatient care.

I completed a medical assisting course in 2000, the LVN program in 2005 and the RN program in 2010. Some CMAs do work in inpatient settings. For instance, the inpatient rehab hospital where I work uses MAs on the floor as unit clerks, and they're working under my RN license since there's no physician in the building during night shift.

GarrettLeonard · Jun 5, 2013

Not true. As a CMA I am not a nurse so I am not allowed, trained, or know everything a LPN/LVN knows. Yes, in a doctor office we may do a similar job, but please do not say I can do everything. Depending on the state I cannot give anesthetic medications like lidocaine. A nurse has to draw it up. I can not interpret results whether from labs or x rays. I can not call in new medications or read tb tests and so on. Also, I work corrections and work under the nurses license whether RN or LVN. If I was able to do everything a LVN does I would not be in school right now to be one!!
It's a beautiful day to save lives.

I was refering to the common tasks associated between both professions.

And I will say, I had no idea a CMA could work under an LPN/RNs license..........