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.

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For many years, CDL drivers have been required to pass a regular health examination from a medical professional. Commercial drivers are also required to carry proof that they passed their exam (usually a certificate) whenever they operate a commercial vehicle. The medical exam requirement itself isn’t changing. But, the way that a driver obtains that certification is being tweaked.

The previous rules and regulations

Previously, drivers were allowed to use any doctor they wanted to perform their exam. It didn’t matter what kind of doctor signed off on the exam, and it wasn’t a matter of concern for the FMCSA. Their only concern was that a driver could provide proof that they passed the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam. This meant that a doctor, a dentist, or even a podiatrist could issue the exam.  

There were also no limitations on how frequently an exam could be administered. That meant that if a driver failed an exam, they could just go to a different doctor the next day for a passing grade. Some doctors even allowed drivers to retake the exam multiple times before giving the final grade. So, drivers with borderline medical conditions like high blood-pressure could fail and then pass on the same day or very soon after.

New rules and regulations

With the new rules, the process of giving and receiving a physical exam has gotten more difficult. The FMCSA is taking more control over who can perform the exam. They’ve created the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This is a list of licensed doctors who have been certified to administer the test. Drivers who need to find a licensed doctor can find a complete list here:

Since doctors need to be registered, drivers also have to register their certificates with the state that issued their license. Failure to register could result in suspension or revocation of the license. Drivers must also report to the state whether they’re operating in interstate or intrastate commerce. They also have to indicate if they’re an exception to the exam. Exceptions usually include individuals who drive fire trucks, school busses, etc.  

If a driver fails the physical exam the FMCSA requires that the problem be corrected before they can drive again. The driver may have to report to their personal physician for help correcting the issue.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’m a 36 year old mother of 4 teenagers. Being a young mother i never really thought about going to college. My first priority was providing for my family and making sure we had everything we need to survive.

I have worked many jobs, some I liked others not so much. As my kids got older I started thinking about getting a career started. I wanted them to know that no matter what you can always accomplish your dreams, no matter how old you are. So in March of 2015 I started looking into different colleges, but not just any college. I needed something that was going to fit into my busy schedule.

You see, I work full time as a CNA and also have to be mom and a wife to my family. My husband first went to Â鶹AV to get information about a class he was interested in. While at his appointment I asked if they provided any medical classes. They did so I made an appointment as well and meet with some of the staff to see if this was something I could do. The day of my appointment I meet with admissions and had a whole list of questions ready to be answered. Â鶹AV provided me with everything I needed about going to school with no obligations of signing up with them.

I started to believe in myself once again and got my courage back. Â鶹AV was the best decision I  could have made.

They have flexible hours Monday – Friday from 8 am to 9pm and also Saturday 8am to Noon. I could pick any day and anytime to attend classes there, which worked well with my busy life. I did a lot of thinking and decided Â鶹AV was the best school for me. I applied and started classes July 7, 2015. My first day I was very nervous and was not sure if I could make it through to the end. But here I am almost a year later and I am working on my last class to graduate with my Medical Lab Assistant. It was hard work and I  got discouraged along the way and didn’t want to finish. But with a great support team at home encouraging me on and a great support team at school helping me get through the rough times.

I started to believe in myself once again and got my courage back. Â鶹AV was the best decision I  could have made.  Not only is the staff amazing, but they also are caring and understanding. I choose to continue my education and signed up today to get my Medical Assistant career diploma at Â鶹AV.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story and I  hope you can make your dreams come true at Â鶹AV like I have.

Sincerely,

One happy student!