Medical assistants and registered nurses are popular healthcare personnel. These professionals work with patients in healthcare to improve their health. While healthcare professionals have similar roles, we’ve got some key differences between the professionals. Medical assistants and registered nurses both work as a greater part of the healthcare team. They are very important in medical practice and or the health care system. Read through this guide to get a comprehensive comparison between registered nurses and medical assistants.
What is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional working alongside nurses, physicians, and healthcare personnel to provide patient care. This personnel can perform administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare set-up, like hospitals, clinics, or medical offices. Besides being the first point of contact with patients, medical assistants can guide patients on their well-being and help to administer medications.
What is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses are vital healthcare providers that help to coordinate patient care, offer health education services, and provide emotional support. These health professionals can specialize in specific areas of nursing, including pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics. Besides working in clinics, physician’s offices, and hospitals, registered nurses can also provide their services in public health or home health care settings.
Differences between a Registered Nurse and Medical Assistant
While registered nurses and medical assistants play similar roles, we have some key differences between these professionals. Let’s look at the differences between these health professionals:
Roles and responsibilities
While registered nurses and medical assistants work with patients, there is a huge difference in the roles and responsibilities of each health professional. Medical assistants focus on taking patients’ vitals, providing immunizations, and conducting physical exams. The other roles of a medical assistant include:
● Recording personal information and patient history
● Helps physicians to conduct patient examinations
● Giving patients injections or medications
● Explaining treatments or medication to patients
● Filing and updating medical records
● Scheduling patient appointments
In contrast, a registered nurse performs more advanced medical procedures. These health professions help assess the patient’s condition before determining the appropriate treatment. The other duties that a registered nurse carries out include the following:
● Monitoring and operating medical equipment
● Observing and recording patient’s conditions
● Administering treatments and medicines
● Guide patients on the practices after treatment
● Performing diagnostic tests
● Analyzing the diagnostic results
● Teaching patients and caregivers how to manage injuries or diseases
Education
Before starting your medical assistant career, you require appropriate certification (diploma or certificate) from an accredited institution. You can also pursue an associate degree, which comprises anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, and other administrative duties.
However, to work as a registered nurse, you must obtain either an associate degree in nursing or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and pass the state’s National Council Licensure Examination to get an RN license NCLEX-RN. Nursing programs are usually more rigorous and time-consuming. Nurses must learn skills and medical knowledge in many areas in order to practice safe and effective care.
Work Environment
Registered nurses and medical assistants work in varying environments depending on the facility. For instance, registered nurses work in nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities, whereas medical assistants provide their services in physician offices, private hospitals, or practices. In addition, medical assistants work during regular business hours while registered nurses provide their services throughout extended hours, such as weekends, nights, and holidays.
Salary
Medical assistants and registered nurses get different salary ranges depending on their qualifications, level of experience, and facility. While medical assistants get an average of $41159 annually, registered nurses get an annual average salary of $77,033.
Final Thoughts
While registered nurses and medical assistants can offer you a promising medical career, it’ll be vital to understand the comparison between these professions. Despite these health professionals having similar roles, the above are key differences between these medical careers. Understanding the differences will help you learn the roles each professional plays and choose the right career path.
References
https://nurse.org/healthcare/medical-assistant
About the Author
Priscilla Is a nurse practitioner that has been working in healthcare for over 10 years. She started working as a patient care tech, a Certified nursing assistant, A Licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, and a board-certified Family Nurse practitioner. She has worked in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and homes as well as working in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatrics, maternal, and adult care, Military nursing, immediate care, and family practice.
