Is a medical assistant the same as a CNA?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

No, a medical assistant is not the same as a CNA. A medical assistant is mostly a clerical and administrative role, while a CNA is a nursing role focused on assisting in patient care. The two medical positions require different kinds of education, background, and skills.

A medical assistant is a professional who focuses on scheduling, clerical, and billing tasks.

Medical assistants may work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Their job centers around many administrative duties.

Medical assistants may reach out to patients to schedule appointments or follow-up care. Medical assistants also have a role in bookkeeping and billing. Most of their duties are performed at a desk in a medical facility.

A CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) is a trained and certified healthcare professional that assists nurses. CNAs are important positions in any hospital setting.

They have many responsibilities that make them an integral part of the patient process in healthcare. However, it is considered an entry-level position in the hospital environment. Primarily CNAs assist nurses in their daily duties and interactions with patients.

Here are the key differences between a medical assistant and a CNA:

A medical assistant works primarily behind a desk or at a medical station and spends a lot of time on the phone
CNAs assist nurses and doctors in patient care
A medical assistant focuses on scheduling, clerical and billing tasks in a doctor's office
A CNA is tasked with hands-on care with patients
While medical assistant interacts with patients, they do not provide medical care
CNAs generally have higher salaries than medical assistants
Medical assistants require less education and training than CNAs