Has anyone ever worked a medical assistant position being a CNA?

mvm2 · Aug 22, 2014

I have to say maybe that is true, but I have not heard this. MA and CNA are different in their training and classes. We CNAs are trained more to work with the elderly and working in a LTC enviroment. MA have a lot more training from what I hear. I have to say I feel my 6 week class would not prepare me enough to work in a Dr. office. I would feel very unprepared to work in that enviroment. For instance I don't know anything about children. While an MA would know differances between adults in children. But I guess you could go and ask them if they take CNA apps. If they say yes then go for it. But I don't think I would just be taking all that time filling out apps when they might just toss it seeing you don't have an MA licence, and they will feel your wasting their time.

Also I have to say us CNAs being more qualified then an MA is a joke. Sorry but MAs take longer and more intense classes and they carry a licence while we just have a certification. There is a big differance between licence and certifications

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Aug 22, 2014

A MA is usually someone with a 2 year degree. They have a degree have different training than you do. They have to be able to do both front and back office. I think your advisor was wrong.

auscultate · Aug 24, 2014

Depends on your area that you are living. Where I live MANY CNAs become MA's after working in a inpatient setting and learning how to be unit secretary, lab tech, EKG tech, OR tech all of which is trained in house. The doctors that admit patients to the hospital often times will get to know the CNA by name because of their interactions at the hospital, so its just a natural transition to outpatient setting after a year or so. Dont think that CNA is just all LTC, once you enter into inpatient setting your skills can increase a lot if you explore your options. Also being a CNA in inpatient opens doors to other departments like finance, billing, medical records ETC.

funtimes · Aug 24, 2014

Being a CNA wouldn't hurt, but I don't see it as helping much either. More important would be clerical experience, some knowledge of coding and billing, at least a basic A&P class and knowledge of medical terminology, phlebotomy training and some experience with lab procedures. These are all things an experienced CNA might pick up over time, especially if they worked in a hospital and was a unit clerk, but CNA school itself isn't really going to give you much, if any training in these things.

MissChrissy · Sep 5, 2014

Tbh, I believe being an MA isn't worth it-better off getting your ADN.

There are some clinics that will pick up CNAs and train them to do MA duties.

If you have strong propensity towards learning, then being trained on the job as a MA isn't a difficult endeavor. I've been at my position for about 2 years and I do all roles within the procedure center of our clinic (Pre-op, Post-op, Teching, Scope sanitation), I work front desk/check out, worked the 'nurses' station-(checking in office patients, abundance of telephone encounters, contacting hospitals, etc), and within accreditation (data-collection, QI studies, etc).

It is very possible option, but just have to find a place willing to teach you!

What I learned in my CNA was virtually useless. I got more out of the 1 week of clinics then I did the didactic portion of the class (watered down, common sense stuff). If you do get hired by a clinic...then they will give you on-the-job training.

I was fortunate to be hired by the clinic I work at now because my scope of practice is a quite a deal larger then a CNA.

I would say the major downside is that since you are a cost effective option, you may get paid less in comparison to someone that went through the program even though you are have the same roles and responsibilities.

MidLifeChg2Nursing · Sep 19, 2014

Unless you have other skills along with your CNA I don't think your application for employment as an MA will be taken seriuosly. The other skills needed have already been mentioned by others, EKG, phlebotomy, specimen collecting, minor surgery assisting, sterilizing techniques, common lab procedures, insurance pre-certification, calling in pharmacy prescriptions, labeling lab specimens for pick-up, etc, etc.

I have seen advertised opennings stating that the doctor office will train the right person - that's what happened with my wife. She was in hotel for 5 years before deciding to go healthcare: started at front desk (admitting, registering, and billing guest), then sales assistant (scheduling/reserving hotel halls), then human resource assistant (scheduling employees, maintaining and updating employee records), then payroll (still updating records, accounts receivable/payable, generating reports). After 2 years of CNA, she applied for MA jobs - the office saw her clerical and administrative skills, and her clinical skills, and decided to give her a chance at training her.

MidLifeChg2Nursing · Sep 19, 2014

To humbly correct mvm2, MA are NOT licensed - my wife is not. MA do not neccessarily hold certifications - my wife is not certified, she learned on the job. MA can be certified, it's voluntary; and, although not mandatory, certification gives more credibility. Some doctor offices will only hire Certified Medical Assistants, as opposed to Medical Assistants without the voluntary certification. Hospitals ONLY hire Certified Medical Assistants.

mvm2 · Sep 20, 2014

To humbly correct mvm2, MA are NOT licensed - my wife is not. MA do not neccessarily hold certifications - my wife is not certified, she learned on the job. MA can be certified, it's voluntary; and, although not mandatory, certification gives more credibility. Some doctor offices will only hire Certified Medical Assistants, as opposed to Medical Assistants without the voluntary certification. Hospitals ONLY hire Certified Medical Assistants.

Thank you I humbly am greatful and except you correction :) I really thought I heard once someone said that am MA was licenced. Glad I can know what the truth is.