Question about upgrading from CNA to Medical Assistant (please read)

[jss1985, ASN, RN]

Im doing a bit of research for my wife. Shes trying to move away from CNA work to something thats like 9-5, admin/office type work in a medical setting.

Shes been applying to unit clerk, medical receptionist jobs, medical records, and similar titles... These positions dont really ask for much except for high school diploma, med terminology, and maybe some healthcare/hospital experience.

Despite having 13 years of experience as a CNA working at a top city hospital and earning 3 state nursing awards.... She can't get any of the above job titles.

So we were thinking maybe upgrading to Medical Assistant might be help out in that regard? However we also see "Medical Administrative Assistant" which is also available as a national certification (CMAA) under the National Healthcare Association.

The CMAA route seems less expensive and shorter to complete than the MA route. But would either one help my wife transition out of CNA work? If so, which would be best CMAA or MA?

[caliotter3]

Depending upon where you live, you wife may find it difficult or impossible to get a medical assistant job. CMA, MA, CMAA, no matter what the abbreviation, job openings are never going to match CNA opportunities. If you wife wants to "upgrade", she should consider becoming an LPN/LVN.

[jss1985, ASN, RN]

Depending upon where you live, you wife may find it difficult or impossible to get a medical assistant job. CMA, MA, CMAA, no matter what the abbreviation, job openings are never going to match CNA opportunities. If you wife wants to "upgrade", she should consider becoming an LPN/LVN.

I see. So if she wants to work as a medical receptionist or unit clerk or registrar or anything along those lines what should she do? Because unit clerk for instance only asks for high school diploma and medical terminology. But she has all those things and has been a CNA for 13 years yet she cant find a unit clerk or medical receptionist job.... What do you suggest?

[sunny2]

Does your wife know anyone that works at a hospital or medical practice, so she can get your foot in the door. Or maybe she should take a CNA position where they are receptionists and unit clerks and eventually transition into one of those jobs.

[Pudding212]

Every place I have worked as an MA, offers the position to CNAs with training. She may just get less pay since she isn't a certified medical assistant.

[caliotter3]

I see. So if she wants to work as a medical receptionist or unit clerk or registrar or anything along those lines what should she do? Because unit clerk for instance only asks for high school diploma and medical terminology. But she has all those things and has been a CNA for 13 years yet she cant find a unit clerk or medical receptionist job.... What do you suggest?

If she wants to work in these capacities she should apply for openings.

[Einmyria]

Hi, this depends on your wife. The Medical Admin Assistant seems like more clerical versus medical assistant is more patient care. Does she want to be clerical vs patient care? Also some people say "pencil pushers" make more money, meaning the medical admin assistant may earn her a little bit more per hour. It depends on wages and which one she would feel better satisfaction from.

In Colorado there are a lot of openings for Medical Assistant, certain companies want a 2 MA to one Provider ratio.

[Eguerrerojbp]

I think it depends on what your wife would

Like to do? For example most of the jobs I have worked at required me to preform front and back duties. I do ekg, labs, vitals, assist minor procedures, poc testing, abi's, pft, med refills, (non narcotic) with provider authoritization. But I can also work the front schedule appt., verify insurance, authorizations medical records the whole works!

I would say become an MA if she ever gets tired of working the front she can always work the back.

[Ramcharger310, ASN, CNA, RN, EMT-B]

If she is having trouble getting hired on at your local hospital, have her volunteer to get her foot in the door. Once a volunteer, she is considered a type of employee by the hospital and given priority hiring over outside candidates.

I would say become an MA if she ever gets tired of working the front she can always work the back.

That's what she said.