No, CNAs and MAs are not the same. Both are entry level health care jobs that get your foot in the door of the health care field. There is some debate between becoming a MA or a CNA. It is important to understand the roles of both jobs so you can choose the one for your skills and interests.
MA job duties typically include taking vital signs, administering shots and medication, preparing blood samples for lab and testing, and helping physicians completing exams. MAs also help with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and keeping patients records up to date.
Medical Assistants work mostly in doctors’ offices.
CNAs, on the other hand, work directly with patients, helping them with basic care: dressing, bathing, eating meals, transferring between bed and wheel chair, and more. They also take patients’ vital signs and communicate patients’ health concerns to nurses. CNAs work in different healthcare facilities like rehab centers, nursing homes, home health care and hospitals. CNAs jobs are very valuable and needed around the clock so overnight and weekend shifts are common.
One important difference between CNAs and MAs, are the education requirements. Becoming a CNA in Florida is much easier and affordable than becoming a MA. In FL, anyone 18 years old or older doesn’t need a high school diploma or GED to become a CNA; attending an accredited school that is costly is not required either.
CNAs candidates are allowed to challenge the FL Cna state exam. You may take a short and affordable CNA class in the Orlando area, CNA Kwik Track school and get the CNA training you need to challenge and pass the FL state exam to become a certified nursing assistant. The class that we offer is comprehensive, fun and affordable. You can contact us at 407-402-5823 for more information about the CNA training program in Orlando.
Becoming a MA in Florida usually requires a high school diploma and enrolling in a Medical Assistant program that has a length between 6 to 24 months. After the training, you will take the National certification exam. There are different types of training including online classes. This training is costly, up to $26,000.
Although, both jobs salaries are very similar, becoming a CNA is definitely is faster and more affordoable.