Difference Between CNA & MA?

[svnnhlbby23]

Hello everyone! Currently I am a CNA working at a skilled nursing facility. When I originally got accepted into my training program, I was under the impression that CNAs are hired at hospitals quite a bit. Now that I am looking around at the nearby hospitals, I am finding out that this isn't the case. The positions that are open are asking for medical assistants. I was looking into taking the local medical assistant course in my area, but it is so expensive and time consuming. There is also a Phlebotomy program in my area that costs a lot less and is only once a week. Would it be better to take the phlebotomy program to get into a hospital, or would I still have to become a medical assistant? What is the difference between cnas and mas? I have been told that cnas with a phlebotomy certification are just as qualified as medical assistants. Also, is there anything else I can do to better my chances of getting into a hospital? Volunteering, additional certifications, etc...

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

A CNA works under the supervision of an RN and an MA works under the supervision of a Doctor.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

Generally CNAs are more utilized in inpatient settings, and MAs are more common in clinics. I guess MAs might be utilized in a tech role in the hospital (EKGs, etc), but I've never seen them providing nursing care on the floor like a CNA does.

But a CNA with the proper training can do everything an MA does (and maybe vice versa, but I am not sure what kind of ADL training MAs get. . . ), and I've worked with plenty of CNAs who work as MAs in a clinic.

[NursePJ2015]

Generally CNAs are more utilized in inpatient settings, and MAs are more common in clinics. I guess MAs might be utilized in a tech role in the hospital (EKGs, etc), but I've never seen them providing nursing care on the floor like a CNA does.

But a CNA with the proper training can do everything an MA does (and maybe vice versa, but I am not sure what kind of ADL training MAs get. . . ), and I've worked with plenty of CNAs who work as MAs in a clinic.

They can not so the same things. Yes, on the job training is one thing, but what each learns in the classroom is not the same. The educational background is very much need for medical assistants in my opinion. I have worked with many who graduated from a medical assisting program and with those trained with no background and trained CNA to so the MA job. With on the job training, you will no get the complete background of what a medical Assistant is trained to do and why it is important. You receive the very basic information, and depending on the trainer you could be missing out alot.

The medical assistant profession is growing and the title of the medical assistant is now being protected and recognize by the government and Medicare. Medical Assistants are now being required to become certified across the board. They now can complete a associate degree, become certified in different specialities, and moving up the ranks in management and leadership positions.

[NursePJ2015]

Also, as a medical assistant and recent nursing graduate, medical assistants do NOT learn the same skills as a CNA. It would have made things a little easier if I had the CNA training when I completed my clinicals. As a MA I did patient care, but nothing like what CNA does. I think it should be required for those starting nursing school.

[verene, MSN]

When you are looking at the hospital postings are you searching by job title or by required education? I found many of my local hospitals *do* hire CNAs but the job title is almost never CNA - unit tech, patient care tech, health care assistant, etc all require a CNA cert.

CNAs and MAs are different in their scope and practice. I don't know all the details, but I do know that all of the techs my unit has hired, even if they were previously trained/worked as an MA, were required to get a CNA certificate to work. To work in the ED as a tech my hospital prefers medical assistants, emt-b, or CNA with EKG and phlebotomy certificates.

Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door at a hospital - it's how I got my current job.

[AshBuggin]

MA has a higher scope of practice than a CNA. Totally different job description