cna vs cma

[MsAshley33]

Hey everyone. Could someone please tell me what the difference between a cna and a cma is? And which one is better. I just started cma classes and now im not so sure its better than being a cna...i want to be a nurse this is just a stepping stone. i thought cmas were better because they can give shots and draw blood...i dont think cnas could do that. please, someone, give me as much info that you can...im confused.

thanks,

ashley

[CarVsTree]

One is not "better" than the other, just different.

CNA's are trained to work in healthcare facilities, either Long term (nursing homes) or acute care (hospitals) facilities. CMA's training is geared more toward working in a doctor's office. If you're thinking of going into nursing I would suggest you go the CNA route. Yes, CMA's can draw blood (some NA positions reguire phlebotomy) and some give shots (although that is just wrong since they don't learn all of the implications of injectable meds) they really don't learn much about taking care of hospitalized or long term care patients.

[faith1522]

Ashley, the only difference is that we are allowed to draw blood and give shots and we are qualified to do catheters but really other than that ma's do what cna's do. I know the school I went to promised alot like getting the graduates jobs or helping them with finding one but I graduated this November will be 2 years and I have not been able to find a job in that field because they want you to be experienced. So I was disapointed with the MA program myself but it may be different where you are at.

Hey everyone. Could someone please tell me what the difference between a cna and a cma is? And which one is better. I just started cma classes and now im not so sure its better than being a cna...i want to be a nurse this is just a stepping stone. i thought cmas were better because they can give shots and draw blood...i dont think cnas could do that. please, someone, give me as much info that you can...im confused.

thanks,

ashley