Key Points:

• Medical Assistants perform basic clinical tasks; Registered Nurses provide more advanced patient care and nursing duties.
• Medical Assistants typically earn less than Registered Nurses, with the latter having a higher median salary.
• Both fields have good job prospects.
• Medical Assistants often complete a certificate or diploma program, while Registered Nurses require a bachelor's or associate's degree in nursing.
• Medical Assistant training is generally shorter and less expensive than Registered Nurse training.

When it comes to choosing a career in healthcare, there are many options available. Two popular choices are medical assistant and registered nurse. While both careers offer opportunities to work in the healthcare field, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of medical assistants and registered nurses, as well as the education and training required for each profession. We will also take a look at the career outlook and salary potential for both positions. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of whether a career as a medical assistant or registered nurse is the right choice for you.

What is a Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse?

• Medical Assistant
  A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs a variety of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician or other healthcare provider. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing. Clinical duties may include taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and administering medications. Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

• Registered Nurse
  A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care and coordinates patient care plans. RNs work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They may administer medication, perform medical procedures, and educate patients and their families about their health conditions. Registered nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.

Difference between a Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse

There are several key differences between medical assistants and registered nurses. Here are a few to consider:

• Scope of Practice
  Medical assistants have a more limited scope of practice compared to registered nurses. While medical assistants can perform certain clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs and preparing patients for examinations, they are not able to diagnose or treat patients. Registered nurses, on the other hand, have a broader scope of practice and are able to assess, diagnose, and treat patients.

• Responsibilities
  Medical assistants primarily focus on administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and administering medications. Registered nurses have a wider range of responsibilities, including patient assessment, care planning, and coordination of care. They are also responsible for providing emotional support to patients and their families.

• Supervision
  Medical assistants work under the direct supervision of a physician or other healthcare provider. They are not able to make independent decisions regarding patient care. Registered nurses, on the other hand, have more autonomy and are able to make independent decisions regarding patient care.

• Education and Training
  The education and training requirements for medical assistants and registered nurses differ. Medical assistants typically complete a one- or two-year certificate or diploma program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Registered nurses, on the other hand, must complete a two- or four-year nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed.

Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Job Description

• Medical Assistant
  As previously mentioned, medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. Some common job duties of medical assistants include:

  • Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
  • Taking patient vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
  • Preparing patients for examinations and assisting with medical procedures
  • Administering medications as directed by a physician
  • Assisting with patient education and providing support to patients and their families

• Registered Nurse
  Registered nurses have a more extensive job description compared to medical assistants. Some common job duties of registered nurses include:

  • Assessing patients' health conditions and documenting their medical history
  • Developing and implementing patient care plans
  • Administering medications and treatments
  • Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing the results
  • Educating patients and their families about their health conditions and self-care

Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Education and Training

• Medical Assistant
  To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a one- or two-year certificate or diploma program. These programs are typically offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and some universities. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Some topics covered in medical assistant programs include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and pharmacology.

• Registered Nurse
  To become a registered nurse, you will need to complete a two- or four-year nursing program. These programs are offered at colleges and universities and result in either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Both ADN and BSN programs include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience. Topics covered in nursing programs include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing ethics, and patient care.

Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Career Outlook and Salary

• Career Outlook
  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the expanding role of medical assistants in patient care. The employment of registered nurses is also projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by factors such as the aging population, increased rates of chronic conditions, and the need for healthcare services in rural areas.

• Salary
  According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,930, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,300. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,410, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $116,230. It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and level of education.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in healthcare is a big decision, and it's important to carefully consider your options. Both medical assistants and registered nurses play important roles in the healthcare system, but they have different scopes of practice and responsibilities. If you are interested in a career that involves a combination of administrative and clinical tasks, a career as a medical assistant may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in providing direct patient care and have a broader scope of practice, a career as a registered nurse may be a better choice. It's also important to consider your educational goals and the job outlook and salary potential for each profession. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your interests, skills, and career goals.

Dreambound's programs are accessible in various locations. To gather more information about these two vocations, check out:

• Medical Assistant in Connecticut
• Registered Nurse in Connecticut