None of the Florida nurses could answer my question.I'll try here.

It is my understanding that a patient support tech is more like a certified nurse assistant and not a medical assistant. Usually medical assistants are supervised by a physician and limited to Dr. clinics while CNAs work under the supervision of RNs and are seen more in hospitals and LTC facilities. Do you have a CNA certification too?

Hi, and thanks for your response. I don't have a CNA certification, but was required to take all of the courses, (and many many more), than those that went to the school to become a CNA. I do have a Medical Assistant diploma. I was under the impression that a Medical Assistant diploma superceded that of a CNA, but I could be incorrect.

It is my understanding that a patient support tech is more like a certified nurse assistant and not a medical assistant. Usually medical assistants are supervised by a physician and limited to Dr. clinics while CNAs work under the supervision of RNs and are seen more in hospitals and LTC facilities. Do you have a CNA certification too?

Hi, and thanks for your response. I don't have a CNA certification, but was required to take all of the courses, (and many many more), than those that went to the school to become a CNA. I do have a Medical Assistant diploma. I was under the impression that a Medical Assistant diploma superceded that of a CNA, but I could be incorrect.

I was under the impression that a Medical Assistant diploma superceded that of a CNA, but I could be incorrect.

One does not supercede the other because they are two completely separate roles and are not governed by the same body. Even though their roles may overlap in some areas, you cannot compare the two or say one "outranks" another.

Can you tell me, in detail, what the job duties include?

Nobody here can do that because every hospital writes their own job duties for their patient support techs. It may be as simple as fetching water, changing linens and getting vitals. It may be as involved as getting blood sugars, drawing labs and inserting foleys, or anything in between. Only a representative from that particular hospital can tell you in detail what the job duties of that job would be.

Some of the hospitals in my area will allow MA's to work in the capacity of PCT's. They typically would have more responsibilities than a CNA, often can do phlebotomy as well as basic pt care. I recommend calling your hospital's HR and seeing what sort of position they recommend you applying for.

One does not supercede the other because they are two completely separate roles and are not governed by the same body. Even though their roles may overlap in some areas, you cannot compare the two or say one "outranks" another.

But if you, being a nurse, applied for a position at a doctors office that is searching to hire a Medical Assistant, you wouldn't qualify?

For the most part one of the most obvious differences is as a tech in the hospital you do not do billing..the roles are more or less similiar...but like someone else mentioned the difference in roles actually depend on the facility you want to work at..good luck!

But if you, being a nurse, applied for a position at a doctors office that is searching to hire a Medical Assistant, you wouldn't qualify?

Most places that hire MAs say "MA/LPN or equivalent". It would be up to the hiring person whether or not they would want an RN in an MA role. But as an RN, I would be grossly OVERqualified.

Most places that hire MAs say "MA/LPN or equivalent". It would be up to the hiring person whether or not they would want an RN in an MA role. But as an RN, I would be grossly OVERqualified.

I too would be "grossly OVER qualified" to work in a position that takes 1 month of training versus 12 months.

It isn't the amount of training that qualifies you for the job, but the type of training. CNAs may only have a month of training, but it is very different very specialized training. CNA training is based in providing personal care to people. I really don't know much about MA training, but I doubt you're taught the basics of making a bed with a person in it, how to move a person who can't bear their own weight from a bed to a chair, or how to clean up poop galore.

Again, I took all of the courses, side by side, with those that went to the school for their CNA training, from begining to end. Practical and theory.