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Medical Assistant vs CNA: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

  • Writer: Elnaz Sarabchian
    Elnaz Sarabchian
  • Aug 23
  • 2 min read

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you’ve probably come across two popular entry-level roles: Medical Assistant (MA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Both positions are in high demand and provide valuable patient care experience, but they differ in training, job duties, and career growth.

At Clinical Skills Institute (CSI), we specialize in preparing students for NHA-accredited Medical Assistant certification, so let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which path fits your goals.

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Training & Certification

Medical Assistant (MA):

  • Typically requires completing a training program (3–12 months).

  • Certification is strongly preferred by employers. CSI students sit for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.

  • Training covers both clinical (vital signs, injections, specimen collection) and administrative (billing, coding, scheduling) skills.


Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

  • Requires a state-approved training program (4–12 weeks).

  • Certification is required in all states to work.

  • Training focuses only on basic patient care such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with daily living activities.


✅ Winner: If you want a faster entry into healthcare, CNA is shorter. But for broader skills and higher pay, MA certification offers more value.


Job Duties

Medical Assistant (MA):

  • Split between clinical tasks (vital signs, injections, assisting with procedures) and administrative tasks (EHRs, billing, insurance verification).

  • Work directly with physicians, PAs, and nurse practitioners in clinics, urgent cares, or hospitals.

CNA:

  • Focuses on direct patient care like bathing, dressing, feeding, repositioning, and mobility support.

  • Work primarily in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.


✅ Winner: If you prefer a mix of hands-on medical skills and office tasks, MA is best. If you enjoy helping patients with daily needs, CNA is a better fit.


Salary & Career Growth

Medical Assistant (MA):

  • Average pay: $37,000–$48,000/year ($17–$25/hour).

  • Career growth options: Specialize in billing/coding, clinical procedures, or advance to nursing, PA school, or med school.

CNA:

  • Average pay: $30,000–$36,000/year ($14–$18/hour).

  • Career growth: Many CNAs later pursue nursing programs (LPN/RN).

✅ Winner: Medical Assistants generally earn more and have broader career advancement opportunities.


Work Settings

  • MAs: Clinics, urgent care centers, private practices, hospitals.

  • CNAs: Nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals.


 Which Is Right for You?

  • Choose CNA if you want a fast, low-cost entry into healthcare and enjoy hands-on patient care in long-term care settings.

  • Choose Medical Assistant if you want clinical + administrative skills, higher pay, and broader career pathways in healthcare.

Why Students Choose Clinical Skills Institute for Medical Assisting

At Clinical Skills Institute, our NHA-accredited Medical Assistant program is designed for students who want:

  • Affordable tuition ($810 if paid in full)

  • Flexible, 100% online learning

  • NHA exam registration & practice tests included

  • Optional externship support (1–2 weeks, often leading to job offers)

  • Job board access, resume support, and recommendation letters


Final Takeaway

Both MAs and CNAs are vital to healthcare, but if your goal is to earn more, gain versatile skills, and have career growth opportunities, Medical Assisting is the stronger option.

👉 Ready to become a Certified Medical Assistant? Enroll in CSI’s program today for just $810

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