CNA vs MA

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Hello all my Pre-Nursing Student friends!

Like you, I am a pre-nursing student. I am trying to make myself more competitive for applying to several nursing schools by becoming a certified nursing assistant or a medical assistant. But which is the better path to go (as far as getting the patient care experience)? I have tried searching through the forums and have stumbled across several topics regarding similar questions, but haven't really found a solid answer.

I've read that certified medical assistants are trained to work in physician's offices, clinics, and group practices - but I've also read that there are indeed medical assistants that are working in hospital settings (which would be more ideal than working in a office setting). How true is this? Are there medical assistants working in hospital settings? I'm confused because the American Association of Medical Assistants says that "Medical assistants are the only allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians' offices, clinics and group practices." The scope for a medical assistant seems to include more tasks than a CNA, but a CNA has so many options as far as settings are concerned.

It seems to me that working as a CMA would give me experience as far as certain procedures go, but a CNA would give me the experience being in a hospital setting. Now if medical assistants do in fact work in hospital settings, why do so many people take the CNA route? I understand that becoming a CNA is generally less time consuming, but wouldn't the large scope of a CMA be more beneficial?

Any answers would help be helpful! Thank you in advance. Oh yes, I currently reside in California. So any specific information regarding California would be great, but if you live in another state - please share, as I'm sure there are many other pre-nursing students who are wondering the same thing as well. Thanks again!

EDIT TO AN STAFF: I felt that this topic was more suitable to fit in the pre-nursing student forum as it is not CNA specific.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

Giant Panda, as a fellow and new pre-nursing student, I can tell you what I feel. I feel that if you work as a CNA instead of CMA you'll be more prepared for the situations you may encounter as a nurse or in nursing school. CNA's are specifically trained by the nursing process, and like you said are much more versatile. (Not to down CMA's) Here in my area of North Carolina, many physicians offices are hiring CNA's in CMA's place since they have much clinical experience, and can easily alternate from an office setting to a hospital setting pretty easily. Hope this helps.

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Yes, very helpful indeed. Thank you the information. Where I live, there is an establishment that offers CNA and CMA training tuition free (except for book and supply purchases of course) that run during completely different dates. The CMA training starts this year, while the next CNA cycle starts next summer. If I can't get into a CNA training-program at another facility this year, I might as well do the CMA since it won't conflict with any CNA training.

But it sounds to me, based on your post, that CNA would be the better route to take. Thanks again!

Hope to hear other opinions on the subject!

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The CNA certificate will be more useful to you and less costly in the long run, than an MA certificate. You can get employment as a CNA and some nursing programs will either give you credit toward the entrance requirements, or will require it. No RN program requires MA for entrance.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

No problem and yes, I do feel CNA is the better choice you know because it's nursing training at it's most basic state and I don't know how it is where youy live, but here in NC at most school when your trying to get into their nursing program, they require you to have your CNA and only your CNA nothing less. But, like you said if it would clash with your future training get what you can while you can. Lolz!!!

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Thanks everyone. The only reason why I had the confusion is because I've read other threads here about other nurses taking the CMA route over the CNA route because the scope of practice was wider.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.

Good information to know - I am presently a MA (not certified) and was mulling over the idea of getting my CNA while I am completing Micro, Physio, some Spanish and some math prior to applying to ADN and BSN programs. But then I found out when I requested my diploma/graduation documentation from my MA school; they told me I could take refresher courses, so I guess I'll do both; or whichever can get me a job first.

Additionally, my friend is a CNA and works in a prestigious burn hospital (and has for the last 10 years). We met while embarking on this nursing journey together. She told me her hospital doesnt really hire Medical Assistants.

Good luck in whatever you choose - and what part of California are you in that offers free CNA training? I've looked high and low.

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I'm in Northern California; about 45 minutes north of Sacramento in a town called Yuba City. If you're near the area, you might want to look into Yuba Sutter One-Stop. They offer a variety of health career courses tuition-free (you still have to pay for books and supplies though). Actually, they are actually having an informational meeting regarding all their programs on April 14th at 3:00PM.

And thank you! I wish you the best as well. :)

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