Both medical assistants and nurses are important to healthcare teams, but they have important differences in education requirements, scope of practice, salaries, and primary responsibilities. If you’re trying to choose between pursuing one of these allied health careers, it’s important to understand these differences before signing up for a certified medical assistant program.

Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians and other providers in offices and clinics. Their responsibilities can vary significantly depending on the healthcare setting, but often include duties like:

• Scheduling appointments
• Maintaining medical records
• Taking patient histories
• Assisting with exams
• Collecting lab specimens
• Providing basic patient care

Nursing

Nurses provide patient care across a wide range of healthcare environments. Their primary responsibilities focus on:

• Administering medications
• Monitoring patient health
• Coordinating care plans
• Educating patients
• Operating medical equipment
• Providing wound care
• Conducting diagnostic tests

The Main Similarities

While medical assistants and nurses have important distinctions, they do share some common ground:

• Both careers involve direct patient contact and care
• Strong communication skills are essential for both
• Attention to detail is a must
• Compassion for patients is required

The Main Differences

There are several key ways that medical assistants and nurses differ:

Responsibilities and Duties: What’s the Same and What’s Different

Medical assistants tend to handle more administrative work and basic clinical tasks like taking vitals, while nurses focus more exclusively on advanced patient care.

There is some overlap in basic clinical responsibilities, but nurses perform more complex care like giving injections, administering medications, changing wound dressings, operating equipment, and assessing patient status.

Educations and Certifications

The required education also differs significantly:

• Medical assistants typically complete a 1-2 year diploma or certificate program.
• Nurses must complete more advanced degrees (2-4 years), like an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nurses must also pass the NCLEX-RN national licensing exam to begin practicing. The credentialing is more variable for medical assistants. While certification can be advantageous for career advancement, only a handful of states require it by law.

Salary and Career Structure Outlook

Due to the differences in education and credentials, nurses earn higher salaries on average and have more defined career advancement pathways.

According to the BLS, medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $34,800 compared to $75,330 for registered nurses. Nurses additionally take on leadership roles more often as they gain experience, while career growth is more limited for medical assistants.

Factors for Choosing the Right Career Path for You

As you weigh your options, consider factors like:

• How much schooling you want to complete
• If you want to specialize in a certain nursing field
• Whether you’re interested in leadership opportunities
• The expected salary range you’re targeting
• Whether you want to perform primarily clinical or administrative tasks

Contact the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants to Learn More About Our Certified Medical Assistant Program

If the medical assistant role resonates with your skills and interests, contact the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants to learn about our accredited Certified Medical Assistant program. Our experienced instructors can provide further guidance as you take the next steps toward a rewarding allied healthcare career.

Reach out today to schedule a tour or get your questions answered!