what is the difference

BBswan · Dec 2, 2005

Another difference between PA and NP is that a PA has to work under a physician from what I understand. I know a NP can practice under their own license and obtain their own provider ID number(PIN).

I currently work in a MIS department at a DME facility and I am going back in my memory about 2-3 years. PAs were set up in our system with the physician ID number of the physician they worked for and were were having some problems and with insurances and getting paid because the name and the PIN number did not match. I did not know a difference between them then and I may have some of the details wrong, but I know that an item prescribe by a NP was good and one prescribed by a PA was not.

I am currently a LPN (no experience yet) working towards a RN and a coworker is going through a medical assistant program. I had not heard of a Medical Assistant before today and I am interested in the difference.

Does the Medical Assistant fall under a nursing catagory, a physician type of certification, or neither? In other word, who regulates their certification?

Thanks for any replys.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Dec 3, 2005

There is a big difference between a CNA and a CMA. As a CMA (certified Medical Assistant) we perform many duties in a physicians office. We are trained solely for the ambulatory setting. Medical Assistants have been around since the 1950's. If anyone would like more information on this occupation visit this web site, it will explain any question asked on this forum. www.aama-ntl.org

I am a Certifed Medical Assistant, I had to pass a 300 question test in order to use the designation "Certified". Medical Assistants have to have 60 CEU's every five years to recertify or they have to take the exam over. Medical Assistants do not have the opportunites that a nurse does as far as jobs go, but they are qualified to do what they are trained for. I am currently going for my LPN and this is because I am interested in the hospital as a career. If any one has any questions about medical assisting you can pm me if you would like.