CNA / Medical Assistant..which is better for RN field

lindseylpn · Aug 6, 2017

1. Probably medical assistant but, each state/area pays differently.

2. CNA. If you do a search there's lots of posts about CNA vs MA for experience and the general consensus seems to be CNA is best. As a CNA you'll most likely be working with LPNs/RNs and as a MA you'll most likely be working with a physician. An MA and a nurse in the clinic setting have similar jobs but, the MA role is more task based and limited. Usually when someone becomes a medical assistant that is their end goal, to be an MA in a clinic.

3. CNA. MAs are usually employed in clinics, Mon-Fri 8-5. Hours may vary and I've heard of the occasional MA in the hospital setting but, the majority of MAs will work dayshift in a clinic. CNAs work 24/7 in all areas of healthcare.

Some places you can earn your CNA for free but, you may be obligated to sign a contract with that facility. If that's not an issue for you, you might want to look into something like that.

sfwant2beRN · Aug 6, 2017

Thanks for the reply.

Ill look into CNA certification

Missingyou, CNA · Aug 6, 2017

In my opinion; CNA is better. You will be surrounded by nurses and will have experience with patients and various conditions.

As CNA you will have more options on where and when you can work. Nursing home (1st, 2nd, 3rd shifts as well as per diem or "as needed" shifts), hospital (usually after 6 months of working in a long term care), assisted living, home care. Home care is awesome for someone going to school since you can almost choose your hours and often (not always) there can be a lot of down time with resident napping for you to do homework. There is always a demand for home care CNA.

I have a 2 friends who are MA and they have never been able to find a job. They are currently working as CNA's while looking for MA work. I guess it's different in every area though.

8130 · Aug 11, 2017

CNA! Cost is way lower and quicker to complete. Your work will be very relevant for preparation as a future RN. As an MA, you are prepared to work in doctors offices and trained on everything from front desk, medical records, etc. Not RN areas.

Full disclosure, I work with MAs and I think the only time you should go that route is if you are sure that's what you want to do for life. Around here, many spend 40k for schooling and their credits don't transfer. Ever. And they don't make good money. There is no way to build on that coursework. If you want to become and RN down the road you are starting from scratch. As a CNA, money and financial investment is minimal and extremely relevant in your future profession. You will probably make about the same as an MA as a hospital CNA but the upfront costs are soooooo much lower.

NursetobeKR · Aug 12, 2017

I am literally looking into this. So happy you posted. Best of luck!

Lipoma, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2017

I currently work as a MA in urgent care. What I am about to say is highly anecdotal and should be taken with a grain of salt. Before reading anything, I see myself as an outpatient RN, OR RN, or UC/EM RN and APRN.

When I worked as a nursing assistant in med-surg I got bored really quickly (I lasted 5 months before quitting). I learned that for a job to keep me entertained and interested I have to be able to do hands on procedures. As a nursing assistant, my scope was very limited. Everything was routine and my day rarely diverged from the norm. That said, it was a humbling experience and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Now, I work as a MA in urgent care and I couldn't be any happier. This experience aligned well with my goals. FNP in Urgent Care or Emergency Medicine. I can see as little as 10 patients in 12hrs... or 40 (We've gotten 50 before) in 12 hrs. That's the beauty of urgent care. I am the first one patients see and I have to triage as they come in based on acuity. I have learned to grow a thick skin in the 2 year's I've been here. 5 patients in the waiting room getting antsy? Guess what, if a chest pain, head injury/confused, laceration, diaphoretic abd pain *aka high acuity* patient walks in, they jump ahead of those 5 patients. Then guess who deals with it after? Me

My scope is very broad. Whatever the providers feels comfortable delegating to me and if I'm up for the challenge, I accept because we do not hire RNs. I have a nursing scope of practice without the pay or title. Blood draw, injections, nebulizer treatments, wound care, staple/suture removal, assisting with basic surgical procedures etc I am the one in the room with the provider or 1:1 with the patient prepping them until the provider is needed.

Having experienced working both as a nursing assistant and also as a medical assistant, I truly believe in MY case, working as a MA has provided me a better foundation in continuing my education into nursing and will ultimately make me a better RN and beyond. The pay as a MA is also much better. Some clinics will hire you as an uncertified MA and train you on the job to catch up to speed. I did this and never went to MA school. Got my EMT-B license ($1.4K) and applied for the job, was hired, and was provided on the job training. The learning curve was steep but I made it work.

Also, I've become accustomed to see what meds are being prescribed for what complaints. I can tell based on what the patient is at the clinic for, what interventions will be completed at the clinic, what after care instructions will be given to the patients, and which medication regimen will be offered all before they leave. I've learned so many meds in respect to Generic and Brands names and their purpose.

Glamma2012 · Feb 5, 2018

I am a Certified Medical assistant, haven't worked as one since 2013. I am currently working as a CNA with a temp agency, but still looking for work as a Medical Assistant. The last office that I worked, got burned out. I decided to go back to school, but wasn't able to start due to spouse having to have surgery, then he had another one shortly after. The school that I attended doesn't do refresher classes, I am a little discouraged, but still applying and not going to give up. Anyone Have Any Suggestions, I Appreciate It.