Updated Content 03/04/2026
Pursuing a career in healthcare comes with many rewarding opportunities. The field offers a wide range of career paths, continues to grow year after year, and gives you the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
However, with so many different paths available within the medical industry, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing to determine which career may be the best fit for you. Each role comes with its own responsibilities, work environments, and types of patient interaction, which can make the decision process challenging if you are just starting to explore your options.
That’s where Boardman Training Center (BTC) comes in. We’re here to help by breaking down the differences between two common entry-level healthcare roles: medical assistant and certified nurse aide (CNA), so you can better understand which path may be the best fit for you.
Career Outlook
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)^, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow by 12% between 2024 and 2034, which is considered much faster than the average for most occupations. While local job demand may vary from national projections, starting a career as a medical assistant can create opportunities for individuals who want to grow and advance within the healthcare field. As the demand for healthcare services continues to increase, more medical assistant positions are expected to become available, and employers will seek trained, qualified candidates to fill them.
During that same time frame, the BLS estimates that employment for certified nursing aides and similar positions will grow by 2%, which is considered average compared to all occupations in the United States. While CNA roles will still be needed in many healthcare settings, this slower growth rate could mean that new opportunities may not increase as quickly. As a result, individuals exploring entry-level healthcare careers may find more opportunities to expand into medical assisting, depending on their location and career goals.
Skills Required
What does a medical assistant do? Medical assistants perform various direct patient care tasks and administrative duties that keep a medical facility running smoothly. Some of their responsibilities can include assessing patients, helping doctors with treatment plans, taking vital signs, administering injections, preparing lab tests, charting, scheduling, and more. Students enrolled in BTC’s Medical Assisting Specialist program will complete hands-on labs to practice their skills throughout their 12-week training, preparing them for success in their careers.
What does a certified nurse aide do? Certified nurse aides focus more on assisting with activities of daily living and providing direct patient care. Common skills that CNAs perform on the job include bathing and cleaning patients, moving patients between wheelchairs and beds, assisting patients with walking to and from the restroom, helping patients dress, and changing linens.
Training Needed
Specialized training is required to start a career as a medical assistant, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and competently. Most medical assisting training programs are completed in two years or less, combining classroom instruction and hands-on training. Additionally, it can be helpful to choose a medical assisting program that prepares you for nationally recognized healthcare certifications, as many employers prefer candidates who are certified in their industry.
For example, BTC’s medical assisting training program includes hands-on skills training and preparation for certain National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)* and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)*.
Training is also necessary to become a certified nurse aide, and this training is typically completed on an hourly basis. In their training, CNAs will learn and practice direct patient care, documentation, and patient safety. Certified nurse aides must attend a class approved by the state of Ohio and pass a competency exam upon completion of the program. Additionally, completing a set number of clinical hours is required to become certified, and this requirement can vary by state. In Ohio, at least 16 hours of supervised resident care must be completed in a long-term care facility or nursing home to become certified.
Work Environment
The versatile skill set medical assistants gain during training allows them to work in various medical settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, laboratories, family medicine practices, and more. Working in a physician’s office is the most common setting, with 57% of all medical assistants surveyed by the BLS in 2024 employed in this setting. Many of these professionals work full-time; however, their schedules may vary depending on their facility’s typical hours of operation.
The most common employment locations for certified nurse aides are nursing care facilities, which employ 35% of all CNAs in the United States, according to the BLS. Other places a CNA can work include hospitals, assisted living facilities, home healthcare services, and government agencies. Due to the nature of their work, many CNAs must be on their feet and are frequently expected to lift over 50 pounds. This can make the job more strenuous and physically demanding. Many CNAs work full-time, but some also work part-time.
Start Your Medical Assisting Career
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between a medical assistant and a certified nurse aide, you can feel more confident choosing the career path that aligns with your interests and long-term goals. Learning about the responsibilities, work environments, and opportunities associated with each role can help you decide which direction may be the best fit for your future in healthcare.
If you believe a career as a medical assistant is the right choice for you, Boardman Training Center’s accelerated 12-week Medical Assisting Specialist program could be a great option to help you get started.
Take the first step toward your healthcare career today by contacting our admissions team. Request information to begin your journey!
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be considered before making an enrollment decision.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to Boardman Training Center in any manner.