Cna, Cma, Cmt?

zacarias, ASN, RN · Sep 22, 2004

What is the differance between cna, cmt, cma? I want to work in the
health care industry while I work on a nursing degree but am confused about
the job responsibilities and requirements of these positions.

Hi there!!

Those initials can be confusing. I'll try to help.

CNA is Certified Nursing Assistant which is a "nurse's aide" that works in hospitals and nursing homes providing direct care to residents with regard to Activities of Daily Living and generally assisting them with whatever they need. Lots of time spent with patients.

CMT is Certified Monitor Technician where I live. This is someone, often a cross-trained CNA or MA, who watches the heart monitors at the nurses station in a hospital. They are trained in some EKG rhythm interpretation and alert staff when someone is having a dangerous heart rhythm. They usually work on a cardiac floor of some sort.

MA is Medical Assistant. To become a medical assistant, you usually go through a one year course at a technical or community college. Upon graduation, you can work in many places including doctor's offices where you will work with patients and run front or back office. You can be trained in such skills as taking blood, giving injections etc...

Hope this answered your questions.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Sep 22, 2004

CMA could also be Certified Medication Aide, depending on where you live. My state does not have them, but some do.

MT could also be Medical Technologist - they work in the lab.