Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse
Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse
Demand for support staff in the healthcare industry is high as the sector grows to meet the needs of an aging population and an increased emphasis on preventative care. Employment opportunities for nurses are expected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034. At the same time, medical assisting careers are expected to increase by 12%. Which one is the right path for you? Becoming a medical assistant is one of the most accessible ways to join the healthcare field. Becoming a nurse, on the other hand, requires a degree, but can mean better compensation and career advancement opportunities. In this article, we’ll compare the requirements for both occupations and discuss how gaining experience as a medical assistant can help you join the nursing field.
What Is the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Nurse?
Most medical assistants work in outpatient facilities like doctor’s offices. They record patient health information, take vital signs, help with exams, conduct basic lab tests, and may perform some other basic medical procedures under the supervision of a doctor or nurse. They may also help with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments.
Nurses typically work in inpatient healthcare facilities like hospitals. Although the exact job duties of a nurse vary depending on the credential they’ve earned, they have a much greater scope of practice. Nurses start IVs, administer medications, develop patient care plans, perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, and educate patients about the care they’re receiving.
How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?
To become a medical assistant, you can enroll in a training program at a healthcare-focused vocational institution like PCI. The length of a medical assistant training program varies, but the program at PCI can be completed in as little as nine months.
The training includes classroom instruction by experienced instructors. You’ll learn topics such as front office skills, electronic health records, anatomy, first aid and CPR. In practical lab sessions, you’ll learn how to give injections, take blood and perform other clinical tests. You’ll also spend 200 hours doing a practical externship with a medical health partner.
PCI offers medical assistant training in both a traditional full-time classroom format and a hybrid online format. In the hybrid course, you’ll be able to study online while working to support your studies. You must be on campus two days per week for lectures and lab work and complete the 200-hour externship training.
How Do You Become a Nurse?
Qualification Requirements
Before being accepted into a nursing school, you’ll need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Prerequisite subjects include biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, math and reading. Experience as a nursing assistant will help your application.
Studying to Become a Registered Nurse
There are two choices when it comes to studies. You can choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN) that takes 2 to 3 years or a 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). If you have completed your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, you may earn credits against your nursing course.
Sitting for the NCLEX-RN Examination
At the end of the studies, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This is an online computerized adaptive test. Once you’ve passed, you can apply to the state nursing board to be licensed as an RN.
Is It Possible to Go from Being a Medical Assistant to Being a Nurse?
Yes, a medical assistant can become a nurse. Working as a medical assistant gives you valuable practical experience in healthcare settings. You’ll be familiar with a great deal of medical terminology and basic procedures. This can give you more confidence as you begin your nursing school studies. Some nursing students continue to work part-time as medical assistants to fund their studies. If you’ve passed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam, you may be able to get college credits toward your nursing degree.
Taking the First Step
If you’re looking for employment in a growth industry, and you want the job satisfaction of helping people through your work, then a medical assisting career may be for you. Take the first step to a career in healthcare. Enroll in the PCI Hybrid Medical Assistant program today!
EN 
ES