What does a CNA do?

CNAs are responsible for direct patient care, which includes tasks such as: turning or moving patients, gathering medical supplies, bathing patients, assisting with daily patient needs (brushing teeth, getting dressed, etc.), feeding patients and documenting food and liquid intake, checking vitals, and tending to patient calls and emergencies.

What does a CMA do?

CMAs are responsible for documenting patient medical history, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, taking vital signs, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, wound care, and preparing and administering medication. CMAs may also perform administrative tasks such as welcoming patients, coding, filling out insurance forms, scheduling appointments, coordinating hospital admissions and laboratory services, and updating patient medical records.

Where do CNAs and CMAs work?

Both CNAs and CMAs work in a wide variety of healthcare facilities, including but not limited to: hospitals, private practices, doctor’s offices, etc. CNAs focus primarily on facilities that provide direct patient care, such as hospices, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. However, CMAs have a little more freedom and more options as they are also able to work in facilities that don’t focus on or provide long-term patient care.

What is the job demand for CNAs vs. CMAs?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CMA job outlook expects to increase by 29% over the next decade, which is at a much higher rate than the CNA job outlook at a 14% increase over the same time frame.

The increase of demand in both lines of work directly correlates to the increase in medical facilities across the nation, as well as advancements in medical technology, and a growing elderly population.

What does the pay look like for CNAs vs. CMAs?

While salaries are dependent on skill set and level of experience, CNAs have an average salary of $30,885 per year (approx. $13.95/hr). CMAs, on average, make about $35,878 per year (approx.. 16.52/hr).

For more information on our Clinical Medical Assistant training program here at Â鶹AV, be sure to call our Admissions team today, or fill out our online form.

Since 2007, Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) has been a valued externship and job placement partner of Â鶹AV (Â鶹AV).

PCHC has provided Â鶹AV Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, and Medical Coding & Billing graduates short-term practical experiences in their field of study. This short-term externship – work immersion allows students to observe professionals on the job and gain a hands-on practice and understanding of the healthcare field.

Â鶹AV is committed to coordinating successful on and off-campus recruitment sessions for our many partners. Earlier this month, PCHC’s Jennifer White (HR/Project Manager) and Vanessa Sanderson (Recruitment Coordinator) visited Â鶹AV’s Bangor campus to present PCHC’s many externship and career opportunities to current medical students.

Bangor’s new Career Development Advisor Bill Schissler also visited with Penobscot Community Health Care at their administrative offices on March 17th. At the meeting, Jennifer and Vanessa spoke about PCHC’s mission, how PCHC is growing and how Â鶹AV grads can be a part of that growth. Jennifer stated that after students successfully complete their externship with PCHC, up to 80% are going to work full time at PCHC as Phlebotomists, Medical Assistants and Medical Coders and Billers. That number speaks volumes about Â鶹AV graduates, but students must keep in mind they are involved in a competitive process. Grades, attendance and a complete, thoughtful application all play a role. To learn more about securing an externship with PCHC, students and graduates can contact Bill Schissler directly at: bschissler@ntinow.edu.

PCHC is by far the largest and most comprehensive of the 19 Federally Qualified Health Centers in Maine and the 2nd  largest of the 100 in New England. Learn more about Penobscot Community Health Care at www.pchc.com.