Introduction:

When it comes to pursuing a career in the healthcare field, there are many different paths one can take. Two popular options are becoming an acute care nursing assistant or a medical assistant. While these roles may seem similar on the surface, they have distinct differences in terms of job duties, education and training, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between acute care nursing assistants and medical assistants, helping you determine which path is the right fit for you.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An acute care nursing assistant, also known as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), works in a hospital or other acute care setting, providing direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. Their main responsibility is to assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. They also help with transferring patients, taking vital signs, and documenting patient information.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant works in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. They perform both administrative and clinical tasks, providing support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. Medical assistants may schedule appointments, update medical records, and handle billing and insurance claims. In addition, they may also take patient histories, prepare patients for examinations, and assist with minor procedures.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant:

While both roles involve providing healthcare support, there are several key differences between acute care nursing assistants and medical assistants:

1. Job Focus: Acute care nursing assistants primarily focus on direct patient care, while medical assistants have a broader scope of responsibilities that include both administrative and clinical tasks.

2. Work Environment: Acute care nursing assistants typically work in hospitals, while medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices.

3. Supervision: Acute care nursing assistants work under the direct supervision of nurses, while medical assistants may work under the supervision of physicians or other healthcare professionals.

4. Patient Population: Acute care nursing assistants primarily work with patients who require acute or critical care, while medical assistants work with patients of all ages and with a wide range of medical conditions.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Medical Assistant: Job Description

The job description for an acute care nursing assistant and a medical assistant can vary significantly. Here are some of the key responsibilities for each role:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Taking vital signs and documenting patient information.
• Assisting with transferring patients.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
• Assisting with basic medical procedures, such as wound care and catheterization.

Medical Assistant:

• Taking patient histories and updating medical records.
• Preparing patients for examinations and assisting with minor procedures.
• Administering medications as directed by a physician.
• Scheduling appointments and managing patient flow.
• Handling billing and insurance claims.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Medical Assistant: Education and Training

The education and training required for becoming an acute care nursing assistant and a medical assistant differ as well:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• To become a certified nursing assistant, you typically need to complete a state-approved training program, which can be as short as a few weeks.
• After completing the training program, you must pass a competency exam to become certified.
• Some states may also have additional requirements, such as a background check.

Medical Assistant:

• Medical assistants typically complete a postsecondary education program, which can be a certificate program or an associate degree program.
• These programs typically take one to two years to complete.
• Some medical assistants may also choose to become certified, although certification is not always required for employment.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Medical Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary for acute care nursing assistants and medical assistants can vary:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,830 in May 2020.

Medical Assistant:

• The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 in May 2020.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both acute care nursing assistants and medical assistants play important roles in the healthcare field, but they have distinct differences in terms of job duties, education and training, and career outlook. If you are interested in providing direct patient care in a hospital setting, becoming an acute care nursing assistant may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more varied role that includes both administrative and clinical tasks, becoming a medical assistant may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two careers depends on your individual interests, skills, and goals.

Dreambound offers programs in multiple locations. For in-depth information on the intricacies of these two vocations, their prerequisites, and steps to join, explore the following blogs:

• Medical Assistant in Maine
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes near you