Medical Assisting Vs. Certified Nurses Assistant
Careers as a medical assistant or certified nursing assistant are similar in many ways. They frequently are used as stepping-stones and resume builders for more sought-after positions in the health care field.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
Both medical assistants and certified nursing assistants perform the most basic clinical duties. Medical assistants also commonly perform administrative duties, while certified nursing assistants perform some custodial duties.
Training
-
Most medical assistants go through a one- to two-year training program, resulting in a certificate or associate's degree. Nursing aides typically undergo a training program of up to three months.
-
Earnings
-
Medical assistants, on average, earn more than nursing aides. In 2006, medical assistants earned an average of about $26,000, while nursing aides earned about $22,000.
Advancement
-
Advancement opportunities for medical assistants and certified nurses assistants are very similar. Both commonly receive further training and use their experience to land jobs as practical nurses or registered nurses.
Employers
-
The majority of certified nursing assistants are employed by hospitals or residential care facilities. Most medical assistants work in doctor's offices.
-
