Differences Between CNA & CMA

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Question:
What is the difference between a CNA and an CMA? I want to work in a doctor office as a career, but when I asked about this I was told only CMA’s can work in that setting. Aren’t CNA’s the same thing??

Answer:
NO! CNA’s are NOT even closely matched, skill wise, with Medical Assistants. A CMA is a Certified Medical Assistant. People with this title have been educated by an approved and accredited school for at least 9 months, (full time) and 12 months (part time) or more. These people have special training in medical office procedures, medical office billing and operations, scheduling, and many have further training in taking exrays, drawing blood,  doing EEGs and performing other tests ordered by the doctors.

A notable difference between CNA’s and CMA’s is who supervises them. Doctors directly supervise medical assistants. They delegate duties to the MA and expect the MA to have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job. CMA’s also, importantly, self regulate their own practice. They have a Code of Conduct, and must be certified by national board testing.

CNA’s on the other hand, work directly under the RN. The nurse delegates only certain tasks to CNA’s as allowed by state law- which limits what the CNA can do. Oddly, CNA’s often make MORE money that a CMA; I cannot explain this discrepancy but it exists.