Medical Assistant vs. CNA: Training, Skills & Job Opportunities
Oct 30, 2025
Choosing between becoming a medical assistant or a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can shape the direction of your healthcare career, especially here in Florida, where demand for both roles continues to rise.
At Florida Health Care Academy (FHCA) Orlando, we help you understand the key differences in training, daily tasks, salary, and advancement opportunities so you can make the smartest move for your goals.
Table of content
- What is a medical assistant?
- What is a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
- Medical assistant vs CNA: Comparing duties and training
- Medical assistant vs CNA: Salary and job outlook in Florida
- Medical assistant vs CNA: Which career path is right for you?
- Medical assistant vs CNA FAQs
- Ready to start your medical career the right way?
What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a versatile healthcare professional trained to manage both administrative and clinical tasks in outpatient settings. From checking vital signs and preparing patients for exams to scheduling appointments and maintaining electronic health records, they keep operations efficient and patient-centered.
At FHCA Orlando, we provide students with the knowledge and hands-on training outlined in our Medical Assistant Education Requirements guide to help them confidently enter this rewarding field.
What is a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide hands-on patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. They assist with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, repositioning, and monitoring vital health signs. The CNA role is physically active and emotionally rewarding, a perfect fit for individuals who value consistent patient interaction and meaningful, compassionate care.
Medical assistant vs CNA: Comparing duties and training
While both careers focus on patient care and team collaboration, the medical assistant and CNA roles differ in their responsibilities, training, and daily environments. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide which path best matches your goals.
What each role covers
- Medical assistant: Performs both clinical and administrative tasks, including taking patient histories, preparing exam rooms, assisting with procedures, managing charts, and coordinating appointments.
- CNA: Focuses exclusively on direct patient care such as bathing, feeding, repositioning, and ensuring basic comfort and hygiene in long-term care or hospital settings.
Education and certification requirements
- Medical assistant: Completes a structured program that combines classroom lessons with hands-on clinical practice. At Florida Health Care Academy, we prepare students for national certifications such as CCMA or RMA, which validate both administrative and clinical skills. You can explore our steps to become a medical assistant to understand the full training and certification process.
- CNA: Finishes a shorter, state-approved CNA program (often under 2 months), focused on patient care basics. To work legally in Florida, candidates must pass the Florida Board of Nursing’s CNA certification exam, which includes both a written and a skills test.
Work settings and patient interaction
- Medical assistant: Typically works in outpatient clinics, urgent care, or specialty offices. Responsibilities include a mix of patient interaction and administrative duties in structured daytime schedules.
- CNA: Commonly employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, providing hands-on care in more physically demanding, shift-based environments.
Career advancement and growth paths
- Medical assistant: Career growth can lead to specialized roles such as EKG technician, phlebotomist, or medical billing specialist. With experience, MAs may move into leadership positions like lead MA, clinical supervisor, or office manager. Some continue into nursing or healthcare administration. FHCA offers guidance through its medical assistant career advancement resources, helping students explore pathways and additional certifications.
- CNA: Most CNAs who want to advance pursue licensure as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). This requires enrolling in a nursing program, completing clinical hours, and passing the NCLEX exam. Others may transition into medical assisting, patient care technician roles, or specialize in areas like home health or hospice with additional CEUs and credentials.
Medical assistant vs CNA: Salary and job outlook in Florida
- Medical assistant: Medical Assistant: In Florida, medical assistants typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on certification, experience, and work setting. The demand continues to grow across outpatient clinics, specialty practices, and primary care offices.
At Florida Health Care Academy, we help students prepare for stable and in-demand careers as more healthcare services shift toward ambulatory care.
- CNA: Certified nursing assistants in Florida usually earn between $28,000 to $34,000 per year. They are highly needed in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, especially as the state’s senior population grows. However, salary growth is limited unless CNAs pursue further education or transition into new roles.
Medical assistant vs CNA: Which career path is right for you?
- Medical assistant: This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy variety, structure, and the balance between clinical and administrative duties. It offers more regular hours, exposure to different specialties, and a pathway to advance into roles like phlebotomist or healthcare manager. Many students choose this career for its flexibility and long-term potential. Read more in is medical assistant a good career to understand its full potential.
- CNA: A great option for those who thrive in direct, hands-on patient care and prefer to be deeply involved in daily support tasks. It’s also the fastest way to enter the healthcare field. While it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as medical assisting, many CNAs use it as a stepping stone toward nursing careers like LPN or RN.
Both roles allow students to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. The right choice depends on the setting, schedule, and growth path each student envisions.
Medical assistant vs CNA FAQs
What are the main differences between a medical assistant vs CNA?
Medical assistants manage both clinical and administrative tasks, while CNAs focus entirely on patient care and basic health support.
Which job pays more: medical assistant vs CNA in Florida?
Medical assistants usually earn more than CNAs in Florida due to their dual responsibilities and outpatient setting opportunities.
Can a CNA become a medical assistant?
Yes. CNAs can transition by completing a medical assistant program and earning certification to expand their skills and job options.
How long does training take for a medical assistant and CNA?
At FHCA, CNA training takes a few weeks, while the medical assistant program lasts 12 weeks (weekday) or 24 weeks (weekend-only).
How does FHCA Orlando support medical assistant students?
FHCA Orlando offers in-person training, expert instructors, and job readiness preparation. From enrollment to employment, students receive personalized guidance and industry-relevant experience.
Ready to start your medical career the right way?
At Florida Health Care Academy (FHCA) Orlando, we help you build a strong foundation in healthcare, whether you’re just beginning or ready to advance your skills.
Through expert-led instruction and real-world clinical training, our Medical Assistant Program in Orlando opens the door to a rewarding, flexible career.
