Choosing between becoming a clinical medical assistant vs. a medical administrative assistant? It helps to look at what each role actually involves.
Clinical medical assistants tend to put you right in the action, working directly with colleagues and patients.
Medical administrative assistants, on the other hand, spend most of their time on paperwork and computer-related tasks.
That said, there are pros and cons to each role. Let’s compare.
Clinical medical assistants enjoy a variety of roles and work with patients.
The focus here is on direct patient care. Clinical medical assistants offer support to doctors, nurses, and medical staff in a variety of functions, including (but definitely not limited to):
- Taking vital signs
- Drawing blood
- Collecting specimens
- Assisting with exams
- Prepping patients
Some clinical medical assistants split their day between office duties and clinical work, but in certain facilities, they focus primarily on clinical tasks. For example, the work that CMAs do in hospitals is primarily clinical, which means assisting physicians and nurses and directly working with patients. Still, CMAs will spend time on administration, but the administration is more closely related to patient outcomes. Does that make sense?
If you like variety and patient interaction, you’ll thrive with the day-to-day of a clinical medical assistant.
Clinical Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant on Flexibility and Job Diversity
Winner: Clinical Medical Assistants (CMAs)
Medical administrative assistants help patients from behind the desk.
The work performed by medical administrative assistants is important, too. They specialize in administrative and office-related tasks, helping to keep doctors’ offices and clinics run smoothly and stay organized.
Medical administrative assistants will
- help patients schedule appointments,
- keep supplies in stock,
- take care of patient billing, and
- answer phones
Note that all of these tasks involve the computer or phone. This role is a good match for someone who prefers a more solitary job at an organization, but it offers less variety and less patient interaction.
Clinical Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant on Self-Direction and Autonomy
Winner: Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA)
Both roles benefit from certification. Neither requires it.
In terms of training requirements, clinical medical assistants and medical administrative assistants are similar. Neither role requires certification in Texas, but it’s still a smart move if you’re planning to build a career in the field.
Those who complete an accredited training program and earn certification are more likely to get hired and earn higher wages throughout their careers.
Studies show that personal interaction leads to better job satisfaction.
People tend to feel better about their work when they know it matters and feel connected to others.
According to a 2022 workplace study from Qualtrics, “People who feel like they belong are almost three times as likely to have a greater sense of well-being.”¹
Similarly, a 2019 study from the Journal of Behavior Studies in Organizations specifically focused on healthcare workers and found that social support helps them handle stress and stay engaged, making their work feel more manageable.²
With those studies in mind, clinical medical assistants tend to have greater job satisfaction. The fact is, the work offers more social support and a stronger sense of purpose.
Choose the job that fits your goals and personality.
If you like the idea of staying behind a desk in a more paperwork-oriented capacity, a medical administrative assistant role could be better for you.
If you prefer working with patients and other medical professionals and want a job that’s more hands-on, clinical medical assisting may be a better fit.
Choose NTX for clinical medical assistant training.
Our sixteen-week training course is accredited and affordable, with preparation for in-class NHA certification testing at its conclusion, so you’ll be able to hit the ground running with your new career.
Click here to enroll today.
References
- Herbert, C. (2022). “Belonging at work: The top driver of employee engagement.” Qualtrics. Available from: https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/belonging-at-work/
- de Almeida, M.H. (2019). “Role Stress, Social Support, Job Satisfaction.” Journal of Behavior Studies in Organizations. JBSO, 2019 (1); 25‐36. http://dx.doi.org/10.32038/JBSO.2019.01.03
