Key Points:

• Graduate Nurses focus on patient care, while Medical Administrative Assistants handle administrative tasks in healthcare settings.
• Graduate Nurses typically earn higher salaries than Medical Administrative Assistants.
• Both fields have good job prospects.
• Graduate Nurses require a master's degree, while Medical Administrative Assistants can often obtain their training through online or in-person programs.
• Graduate Nursing programs are more expensive and take longer to complete than Medical Administrative Assistant training.

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with that comes a growing need for skilled professionals in various roles. Graduate nursing and medical administrative assistant are two careers that offer unique opportunities for individuals who are interested in healthcare but have different skill sets and interests.

What is a Graduate Nursing and Medical Administrative Assistant?

Graduate Nursing

Graduate nursing is a profession that involves providing advanced nursing care to patients. Graduate nurses, also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), have completed a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and have obtained advanced clinical training and certification in a specialized area of nursing practice. They have the authority to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialized healthcare services.

Medical Administrative Assistant

A medical administrative assistant is a healthcare professional who provides administrative support to medical offices, hospitals, and clinics. Their primary responsibilities include managing patient records, scheduling appointments, coordinating patient care, and assisting with office operations. Medical administrative assistants are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

Difference between a Graduate Nursing and Medical Administrative Assistant

While both graduate nursing and medical administrative assistant roles are essential in the healthcare industry, there are key differences between the two:

1. Responsibilities: Graduate nurses are primarily focused on providing direct patient care, diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and managing patient care plans. On the other hand, medical administrative assistants are responsible for managing administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and coordinating patient care.

2. Scope of Practice: Graduate nurses have an expanded scope of practice compared to medical administrative assistants. They have the authority to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialized healthcare services. Medical administrative assistants do not have clinical responsibilities and primarily focus on administrative tasks.

3. Patient Interaction: Graduate nurses have frequent direct patient interaction as they provide hands-on care and support to patients. They develop relationships with patients, provide education and counseling, and monitor patient progress. Medical administrative assistants also interact with patients but primarily in an administrative capacity, such as scheduling appointments and answering basic questions.

4. Level of Education and Training: Graduate nursing requires a significant amount of education and training. Individuals must complete a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and obtain advanced clinical training and certification in a specialized area of nursing practice. Medical administrative assistants typically complete a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree program in medical office administration or a related field. They may also pursue professional certification to enhance their skills and job prospects.

Graduate Nursing vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Job Description

Graduate Nursing

• Provide direct patient care, including diagnosing and treating patients.
• Develop and implement patient care plans.
• Prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Educate patients and their families about their health conditions and treatment options.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Medical Administrative Assistant

• Schedule appointments and manage patient calendars.
• Maintain patient records and update patient information.
• Answer phone calls and respond to patient inquiries.
• Coordinate patient referrals and follow-up appointments.
• Assist with insurance billing and coding.
• Manage office supplies and maintain office organization.

Graduate Nursing vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Education and Training

Graduate Nursing

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
• Completion of a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with a specialized focus.
• Obtaining advanced clinical training and certification in a specialized area of nursing practice.
• Licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.

Medical Administrative Assistant

• Completion of a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree program in medical office administration or a related field.
• Optional professional certification, such as Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Registered Medical Administrative Specialist (RMAS).

Graduate Nursing vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Graduate Nursing

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of nurse practitioners, a type of graduate nurse, is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for primary care providers.
• The median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $111,680 in May 2020, higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

Medical Administrative Assistant

• According to the BLS, the employment of medical secretaries, a category that includes medical administrative assistants, is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing need for healthcare services and the aging population.
• The median annual wage for medical secretaries was $38,090 in May 2020, slightly lower than the median annual wage for all occupations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of individual interests and strengths. Graduate nursing and medical administrative assistant offer unique opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and aspirations. It is essential to thoroughly research and evaluate the responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlooks of each profession to make an informed decision. Whether one chooses to pursue a career as a graduate nurse or a medical administrative assistant, both roles play a vital role in providing quality healthcare to patients.

Dreambound strategically offers its educational programs in diverse locations. To gain a thorough insight into the exciting opportunities within these two vocations, we encourage you to explore more detailed information by visiting:

• Graduate Nursing in Oregon
• Medical Administrative Assistant in Oregon
• Graduate Nursing classes near you