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Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse

Medical Assistant vs Registered Nurse

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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.

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:

Athena Kan
Written by
Athena Kan

Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.

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