Graduate Nursing vs Medical Assistant
Key Points:
- Graduate nurses have more advanced clinical duties; medical assistants focus on administrative and basic clinical tasks.
- Graduate nurses generally earn higher salaries than medical assistants.
- Both fields have good job prospects.
- Graduate nursing requires a master's degree, while medical assisting typically involves a certificate or diploma program.
- Graduate nursing programs are more expensive and take longer to complete compared to medical assisting programs.
The healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in various roles. Graduate nursing and medical assisting are both rewarding careers that offer opportunities to make a difference in people's lives. However, the educational requirements, job descriptions, and career outlooks for these two professions differ significantly. Let's take a closer look at what it means to be a graduate nurse and a medical assistant.
Graduate Nursing vs Medical Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary
Graduate Nursing:
- The career outlook for graduate nurses is excellent, with a projected job growth rate of 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This high demand is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased access to healthcare, and the need for primary care providers in underserved areas.
- The median annual wage for nurse practitioners, one type of graduate nurse, was $114,510 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The exact salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialty.
Medical Assistant:
- The career outlook for medical assistants is also positive, with a projected job growth rate of 19% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is fueled by technological advancements in healthcare, an aging population, and the increasing need for support staff in medical offices.
- The median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare setting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a career in healthcare is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of your interests, skills, and goals. Graduate nursing and medical assisting are both viable options for those who want to make a difference in people's lives and work in a rewarding profession. While graduate nursing offers more advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential, it also requires a higher level of education and training. On the other hand, medical assisting provides a quicker entry into the healthcare field but may offer limited advancement opportunities. Ultimately, the choice between graduate nursing and medical assisting depends on your individual preferences and career goals.
Dreambound ensures accessibility to its educational programs by offering them in diverse locations. For a detailed exploration of the exciting opportunities within these two vocations, we encourage you to visit:
Marce Arnejo is part of the Sales team at Dreambound. Her role involves seeking out schools and institutions to provide valuable opportunities for students seeking a career in the healthcare sector. Beyond her professional life, Marce is passionate about music and gaming. She finds joy in exploring various genres of music and using gaming to unwind and immerse herself in virtual worlds. Her diverse interests enrich her personal life and contribute to her work by bringing new ideas and creativity.
