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Discussion

CNA vs CMA ??

I'm an experienced CNA and I love it. However, I'm gong to go back to school- I want to become an RN. Someone mentioned becoming a CMA to work while I work on becoming an RN... What are the biggest real life differences between CMA and CNA? I've known a few CMAs- the only difference in the particular jobs they had vs my job is that they gave immunizations. I'm sure there are other big differences, since on average there seems to be a $10k/yr difference in salary.

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    hmm??? I have never heard of a CMA.

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    CMA is a medical assistant. Scope of practice is generally going to be greater with a MA. CNA scope will be dictated by your state's nurse practice act.

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    hmm??? I have never heard of a CMA.

    CMA = certified medical assistant

    The duties of the CMA are more clerical and geared toward employment in a clinic or doctors' office: scheduling appointments, greeting patients, answering phones, collecting patient histories, collecting specimens, blood withdrawal, vital sign checks, measurement of height & weight, EKGs, etc.

    Since medical assisting is the most graduated vocational program in America, jobs may or may not be hard to find. In general, doctors and office managers want to hire MAs who already have experience and can hit the ground running. The pay is sometimes low. The hours are inflexible.

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    I think it depends on where you work.

    In LTC facilities, the CMA/QMA is essentially just there to pass meds and take blood sugars. They get paid more than CNA's as well. In the places I worked, they were also there as back up CNAs so if things were falling behind or getting crazy, the nurse would step in and take over the med pass and the MA would assist the CNAs with their duties.

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    Thanks :)

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