Dental Assisting is an oral healthcare professional trained to provide supportive procedures for the dentist and for patients. Stellar Career College’s Dental Assistant program is designed to introduce dental assisting students to the field of dentistry and dental assisting skills. Students are trained to provide quality dental services under the direction of a licensed dentist. The course covers the basics of dental anatomy, tooth morphology, dental radiography, teeth and gum diseases, infection control management, chairside assisting procedures, dental hygiene and patient education.

Upon completion of the Dental Assisting program graduates will be able to:

• Prepare education sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Assist dentist in management of medical or dental emergencies.
• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients 
• Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms, and maintain records, manually or using computer.

A certificate of completion will be awarded to those students who will successfully complete all required courses as per college’s satisfactory academic requirements and fulfill their financial obligation to the college. Graduates will be eligible to challenge national certification exam to become certified by passing the credentialing examination.

 

• Program duration is 36 weeks in length and current class hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• Hands-on training includes performing diagnostic testing, taking x-rays, creating laboratory molds, recording preliminary vital signs and symptoms.
• 200 hours of clinical externship

Our Dental Assisting courses include:

• DA101 Medical Terminology

• DA102 Anatomy and Physiology

• DA103 Dental Assisting Technology I

• DA104 Dental Assisting I Lab

• DA105 Dental Assisting Technology II

• DA106 Dental Assisting II Lab

• DA107 Dental Assisting Externship

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

O*NET 31-9091.00 – Dental Assistants

 

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

Dental Assistant Duties:

Many dental assistants will tell you that there is no typical day because every day brings something different. Depending on where you work, you may perform many tasks including providing care to patients, setting up for dental procedures and running the front office. The dentist you work for will determine which responsibilities to assign you. In addition to your duties as a dental assistant, you will also treat and work with many people in your practice.

Is there room to move up in the field?

Being a valued dental assistant can lead to promotions. You may decide to get additional training or become a registered dental assistant by passing the State exam. A dental assisting job can also lead you to other careers in the dental office. Once you have experienced working in a dental office you may want to pursue a career in dentistry with more responsibilities such as a registered dental assistant, registered dental assistant in extended functions, dental hygienist or dentist.

Is there job security as a Dental Assistant?

The dental field is growing at a rapid pace. U.S. News and World Report ranked Orthodontist and Dentist in the top 5 of the 100 Best Jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for dental assistants will include 19% between 2016 and 2026. With more demand for orthodontists and dentists, there are more opportunities for dental assistants and other careers in the dental office.

What are the major differences between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?

Dental assistants check-in the patient and prepare them for their appointment, while a dental hygienist will work with the patient by cleaning their teeth and checking the mouth for any dental hygiene issues.

As an office clerk, you will be expected to perform a variety of administrative tasks such as answering telephones, typing or word processing, making copies of documents, and maintaining records. Through our seven-week Office Clerk program, you will learn the necessary skills and knowledge needed to work in virtually any office environment. Rather than performing a single specialized task, general office clerks have responsibilities that often change daily with the needs of the specific job and the employer.

• Program duration is just 7 weeks full-time
• Classes offered in person and on campus
• Offered from 8:00am to 5:20pm
• Hands-on training includes Microsoft Word, Excel
• Data entry skills with 10-Key, Keyboarding
• Unlimited tutoring 
• You may qualify for a voucher, career education loan, or interest-free payment plan
• Check out our job placement rates here Office Clerk Placement Rates

Introduction to Personal Computers & Windows
Word Processing – Microsoft Word
Spreadsheet Basics – Microsoft Excel
Keyboarding I
Customer Service & Modern Office Skills
10-Key by Touch

Does working in an entry-level accounting environment interest you? As a growing industry, the need for accounting clerks is higher than ever before.

With Stellar Career College, you can learn the necessary skills and knowledge needed to work in virtually any customer service, office, or entry-level accounting environment. Focusing on accounting and computer applications, these administrative and bookkeeping courses are designed to help you find the accounting clerk position of your dreams.

Enabling students to focus on the task at hand, we offer individualized assistance to help you accomplish your administrative and bookkeeping courses, establishing a foundation for a successful accounting profession and stable, in-demand career choice.

While in our Administrative Accounting Clerk I program, you learn both manual and computerized general accounting principles through an exclusive hands-on approach in small groups.

Administrative Accounting Clerk II courses focus on putting your new skills to work by expanding your knowledge of bookkeeping, payroll, accounting, and auditing.

 

Program duration is 18 weeks  for full time and 36 weeks for part time students

Hands-on training includes accounting principles, Bookkeeping, QuickBooks , Accounts Receivable/Payable, Payroll, balancing checkbooks, preparing depreciation schedules, preparation of income statements and balance sheet.

Program also includes: Microsoft Word, Excel, 10-Key, Keyboarding, Skills Bank, Business Simulations

Check out our job placement rates here

Administrative Accounting Clerk I Placement Rates

Administrative Accounting Clerk II Placement Rates

• QuickBooks
• Bookkeeping & Payroll
• Accounting Principles
• Advanced Microsoft Word & Excel
• Accounts Receivable/Payable
• Business Education & Communication Skills
• Business Simulations

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

• Accounting Clerk O*NET (43-3031.00) Bookkeeping,
  Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Accounts Receivable Clerk O*NET (43-3031.00) Bookkeeping,
  Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Full Charge Bookkeeper  O*NET (43-3031.00) Bookkeeping,
  Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Audit Clerks O*NET (43-3031.00) Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
• Production Clerk O*NET (43-5061.00) Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
• Shipping/Receiving Clerks O*NET(43-5071.00) Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
• Office Clerk O*NET (43-9061.00)Office Clerks, General
• Accounts Payable Clerk O*NET (43-3031.00) Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Accounting Clerk II 18 Week
52.0302-GedtPrint – AAC 18

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Accounting Clerk II 36 Week
52.0302-GedtPrint – AAC 36

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Accounting Clerk II 18 Week 2019
2019 GE Disclosure AACII 18 weeks

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Accounting Clerk II 36 Week 2019

2019 GE Disclosure AACII 36 weeks

You may be well-suited for a career in accounting if you:

Desire a job with a good starting salary and potential for advancement.

Like working with people in an office setting.

Can effectively follow instructions and assume responsibility.

Enjoy working with numbers and are detail-oriented and organized.

Would like to combine your accounting skills with state-of-the-art computer technology.

Employment prospects for entry-level jobs are competitive. Because of this, you should be prepared academically and you must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong computer skills.

To advance in the accounting field, you should plan to continue your education after completing your initial program of study.

The need for administrative assistants is growing faster than any other occupation. The demands for advanced computer skills in the workplace is absolutely necessary. Stellar Career College Administrative Assistant programs provide students with the hands-on training and knowledge needed to compete for entry-level administrative assistant positions through our administrative courses. Focusing on the development of Microsoft computer applications knowledge, you will learn necessary office administration skills, and customer service skills, giving you the upper-hand while searching for a job.

Preparing you with the skills and administrative assistant training necessary to work in virtually any type of administrative environment, you can find success if you prepare for your future in office administration with Stellar Career College.

• Program duration is 4.5 months for full time and 9 months for part time students
• Math & English refresher
• Hands-on training includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Desktop Publisher
• 10-Key, Keyboarding
• Business Simulations, Advanced Keyboarding, Modern Office, Internet, Customer Service.
• You may qualify for Financial Aid, a voucher, career education loan, or interest-free payment plan
• Check out our job placement rates here
• Administrative Assistant I Placement Rates
• Administrative Assistant II Placement Rates

Administrative Assistant I

Administrative Assistant II

Call us to find out the differences between the I and II Administrative Assistant programs and which may be right for you. 

• Introduction to Personal Computers & Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Publisher
• Customer Service & Modern Office Skills`
• Business Education & Communication Skills
• Business Simulations
• Keyboarding

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

• Administrative Assistant O*NET (43-6014.00) Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, Executive 
• Customer Service O*NET (43-4051.00) Customer Service Representatives
• General Clerical O*NET (43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General 
• Secretary O*NET (43-6014.00)Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 
• Data Entry Specialist O*NET (43-9021.00) Data Entry Keyers
• Receptionist O*NET (43-4171.00) Receptionists and Information Clerks
• Clerk Typist/Assistant O*NET (43-9022.00) Word Processors and Typists
• Data Processing Clerks O*NET(43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General
  

   

  ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Assistant II 18 Week
  52.0401-GedtPrint – AA18

  ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Assistant II 36 Week
  52.0401-GedtPrint – AA 36

  ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Assistant II 18 Week 2019

  2019 GE Disclosure AAII 18 weeks

  ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Assistant II 36 Week 2019
  2019 GE Disclosure AAII 36 weeks

Veterinary assistants are the ‘jack of all trades’ in the veterinary profession. Their job touches every different part of a busy veterinary hospital or clinic. As a veterinary assistant you will perform reception functions, fill prescriptions, keep exam rooms and kennels cleaned and prepped, set up lab work, assist with inventory, update medical records, assist with nursing care, assist with surgical preparation and procedure, and perform radio-graphic procedures. Your assistance provides invaluable help to veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.

You’ll learn how to:

• Administer common medications.
• Handle animals.
• Assist in filling prescriptions.
• Set up lab work.
• Assist with nursing care and surgical preparation.

 

• Program duration is 36 weeks in length and current class hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Class sizes typically 15 students or less
• Hands-on training includes administering common medications, handling animals, assisting in filling prescriptions & set up lab work, & assisting with nursing care and surgical preparation.
• Program also includes 166 hours of externship at our affiliated veterinary sites.
• You will learn about pet nutrition and a variety of health and safety issues. You will understand how to treat and prevent parasites, including roundworms and heartworms. You will even learn the facts of life, as it pertains to dogs and cats. You will explore current thoughts on spaying and neutering, how to deal with the very emotional issues of euthanasia, pet loss, and how best to assist clients in a time of need.
• Unlimited tutoring

After completing the Veterinary Assisting program, students will be able to:

• Describe the interpersonal skills and professional characteristics of an effective veterinary assistant, explain where employment opportunities can be found for those with training in animal care, and outline typical daily responsibilities.
• Use appropriate veterinary terminology to describe basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, pathology and disease, pharmacology, dentistry, and nutrition, as they apply to animals.
• Describe how to determine the difference between emergency medical conditions and less critical medical ailments by identifying symptoms, signs, and clinical signs, and by reading animal body language.
• Explain the fundamental quality control processes used to safely handle and treat both healthy and sick/injured animals, such as when conducting physical examinations, collecting samples, conducting tests, performing procedures, and making observations.
• Identify standard procedures used in the animal care laboratory and surgical center and describe the functions, use, and maintenance of the specialized equipment and instruments found there.
• Interact with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, clients, and animals, displaying professional skills, appearance, and ethics in a work-experience setting.

Veterinary assistants are qualified to assist veterinarians who treat animals. Graduates are also qualified to work in animal shelters, zoos, and research facilities, and prepared to perform the following job duties:

• Monitor animals under anesthesia
• Perform radiology procedures
• Assist in surgical procedures
• Bathe, comfort & feed sick animals
• Perform laboratory tests

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

Veterinary Assistant O*NET (31-9096.00) Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Job Outlook:

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are in demand: The job outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is expected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations¹. Pet owners are projected to spend more on their animals, which is driving the growing demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.

And if you are or want to train to become a veterinary assistant in California, check out this stat: California has the highest level of employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers out of all the states in the U.S., coming in at 13,040 employed vet assistants from a May 2020 report².

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm (visited October 05, 2021). Data reflects a national projected percentage change in employment from 2020-2030 and may not reflect local economic conditions.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319096.htm#st

State Requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.

Find out how to get enrolled, give us a call (209) 545-5200

ED GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE 2017-2018

VETERINARY ASSISTANT 36 WEEK

ED GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE 2019

VETERINARY ASSISTANT 36 WEEK 2019

How long does it take to become a vet assistant?

Stellar Career College's Veterinary Assistant program can be completed in as few as nine months. 

What does a veterinary assistant do?

Veterinary assistants work with animals under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. As a veterinary assistant, duties may include:

• Administering medication and immunizations
• Collect samples such as blood, tissues and urine samples
• Bathing and exercising animals
• Cleaning and disinfecting veterinary facilities, including cages, examination and kennels
• Communicating with veterinarians regarding animal progress
• Sterilizing instruments for surgery
• Performing Aseptic assistance in surgery, such as passing instruments or opening surgical packs

Is it better to be a vet tech or vet assistant?

There are pros and cons to both careers. A vet assistant requires less schooling than a vet technician, meaning you could begin working sooner. A veterinary technician may earn more than a veterinary assistant. The decision between the two careers depends on your individual goals and priorities. 

Can I go from a veterinary assistant to a veterinary technician?

Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.

Is a vet assistant a good career?

Ultimately, deciding if vet assisting is a good career choice is an individual decision. If you enjoy working with animals, talking with their owners and collaborating with others like veterinarians and vet techs, you may enjoy working as a vet assistant.

Have you been searching for Medical Office Administration programs near you? Your search ends at Stellar, where you can start training to earn your certificate and help you achieve your exciting future in health care.

Employment in the medical administrative industry is on the rise. Continuously growing year after year, the demand for qualified professionals with the right training is necessary. Medical administrative professionals are a crucial factor in a functioning workplace, helping to ensure that the workplace is running efficiently. 

Providing students with the administrative and medical training necessary to work in front office positions, Stellar Career College offers an Administrative Medical Clerk program, aiding in the placement of positions in medical practices, health insurance offices, and medical billing companies.

Our Administrative Medical Clerk program is designed to enhance your skill set and to allow you to find stable, long-term positions after graduation. It is our goal to provide you with everything you need to be successful in the administrative medical field by teaching you the ins and outs of healthcare as well as administrative skills. To find out if Stellar Career College’s training is a good match for your future goals,  contact us today and let us educate you about what we can do for your professional achievements.

 

 

• Program duration is 4.5 months for full-time and 9 months for part-time students.
• Hands-on training includes ICD-10 , CPT-4, Medical front office procedures, HIPAA, Medical Terminology, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Coding, Medical Law and Ethics. 
• Career training also includes Word, Excel, 10-Key, Keyboarding, Skills Bank, Business Simulations.
• Class sizes typically less that 15 students.
• Unlimited tutoring.
• You may qualify for Financial Aid, Voucher, career education loans, or interest-free payment plans
• Check out our job placement rates here Administrative Medical Clerk Placement Rates

• Medical Front Office Procedures
• Medical Office Communication
• Medical Billing & Terminology
• ICD-10 & CPT-4 Coding
• Insurance Claims, Processing and Adjudication
• Microsoft Word & Excel
• Medical Law & Ethics
• Health Insurance Claims
• HIPAA Regulations
• Patient Relations
• Business Education & Communication Skills I
• Business Simulations I

Students enroll in this program to seek post-graduation employment in positions typically including:

• Medical Office Clerk O*NET (43-6013.00) Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Medial Office Receptionist O*NET (43-6013.00) Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Medical Billing O*NET (43-4051.00) Customer Service Representatives
• Medical Front Office O*NET (43-6013.00) Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Office Clerk O*NET (43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General 
• Customer Service Representative O*NET (43-4051.00) Customer Service Representatives
  

   

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Medical Clerk 18 Week
51.0716-GedtPrint – AMC 18

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Medical Clerk 36 Week
51.0716-GedtPrint – AMC 36

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Medical Clerk 18 Week 2019
2019 GE Disclosure AMC 18 weeks

ED Gainful Employment Disclosure Administrative Medical Clerk 36 Week 2019

2019 GE Disclosure AMC 36 weeks

If working in the medical field is a dream of yours, the Medical Assisting training program at Stellar Career College is a great place to get started. In this program, you can prepare to work along side physicians and other healthcare professionals in a challenging and fast-paced clinical environment.

Professional Medical Assistants assist the physicians and nurses with examining and treating patients. The objective of this program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to work at an entry-level position at a medical facility. Our medical assistant diploma program provides the knowledge and skills in the structure and systems of the human body, procedures to assist the nurses and physicians, injections, vein-punctures, and emergency procedures, including EKG rhythm recognition. In addition to clinical skills, the medical assisting training course also trains medical assistants to be able to perform the administrative as well as patient support services functions that keep a medical practice operating, including such skills as telephone techniques, written communications, scheduling, referrals, ordering supplies, controlling inventory, and maintaining records. 

Start Your Medical Career Now – Enroll in Stellar Career College's Medical Assisting/Patient Services Technician program! Learn clinical, administrative and patient support skills to become a successful Medical Assistant.

 

 

Program duration is 36 weeks for part time students. Currently offered from 8:00am to 12:35pm, Monday through Thursday on campus.

Gain real-world experience through hands-on training and clinical externship.

Hands-on, instructor-led clinical training in the college medical lab including 200 hours of clinical externship in a healthcare environment.

Class sizes are typically less that 15 students.

Unlimited tutoring available 

As a graduate from our program you will have learned medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, disease processes,  customer service skills, as well as a variety routine clinical medical procedures. You will also be prepared for the National Certified Medical Assistant certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) certifying agency.

Graduates of  our Medical Assisting/Patient Services Technician program are qualified and encouraged to take the national certification examination. Tuition includes a prep course and one exam attempt fee for the National Certified   Electrocardiograph (EKG Technician)  Technician (NCET) certificate and National Certified Medical Assisting certificate (NCMA).

For more information, please visit the National Center for Competency Testing at www.ncctinc.com/certifications.

Upon completion of the program, Medical Assistant graduates will be able to:

• List professional qualities of a medical assistant and their scope of practice
• Describe components of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Identify the components that create the structure of medical terminology.
• Explain the process of screening patients to their level of care.
• List average vital sign ranges and recognize abnormalities related to all vital signs.
• List CLIA-waived tests that are associated with common diseases.
• Describe the process of capillary puncture.
• Identify common sites and different methods for venipuncture.
• Explain the proper order of draw using blood collection tubes also referred to as phlebotomy.
• Explain what wave patterns are on the EKG and recognize basic rhythms.
• Describe how a normal vs. an abnormal EKG would appear.
• Describe equations and conversions used to calculate medication dosages.
• Identify symbols and abbreviations used in the medical profession.
• Compare prescription and nonprescription drugs.
• Identify common routes and methods of drug administration and related safety precautions.
• Identify and explain professional skills related to the workplace.
• Describe why critical thinking skills are important for patient care.
• Explain why teamwork is important in a healthcare environment.
• Explain how lifelong learning is a component of  healthcare professionalism.

As a graduate from Stellar Career College's Medical Assistant program, you will be qualified to work in a variety of healthcare environments, including private medical offices, physician offices, and health clinics.

As a graduate from our program you will be prepared for entry-level employment as a(n):

• Patient Services Specialist O*NET (29-2099.08) Patient Representatives
• Medical Assistant O*NET (31-9092.00) Medical Assistants
• EKG Tech/ EKG Telemetry Tech 29-2031.00 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Medical Administrative Assistant O*NET (43-6013.00) Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Medical Office Receptionist O*NET (29-2072.00) Medical Records Specialists
• Clinical Assistant O*NET (31-9092.00) Medical Assistants
• Medical Clerk O*NET (43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General
• Admission’s Clerk O*NET (43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General
• Unit Clerk O*NET (43-9061.00) Office Clerks, General

ED GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE 2017-2018

MEDICAL ASSISTING/PATIENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN 36 WEEK

ED GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE 2019

MEDICAL ASSISTING/PATIENT SERVICES TECHNICIAN 36 WEEK 2019

                                                                                         

CNA vs. CMA: Typical Job Duties

In this section, we will take an in-depth look at the difference between CNA and CMA (certified nursing assistant and certified medical assistant) job duties.

Certified Medical Assistants:

The job duties of certified medical assistants vary, depending on each medical facility's guidelines, job description, and the specialty area of the health care professional that presides over patient care in that facility. clinical medical assistant job duties may include both clinical and administrative tasks.

Some administrative responsibilities that certified medical assistants may perform include scheduling appointments, updating and maintaining medical records, and billing. Clinical and patient care duties may involve performing venipunctures to obtain blood specimens for laboratory testing, measuring and recording vital signs, performing EKGs, and assisting doctors or nurse practitioners with examinations.

Certified Nursing Assistants:

CNAs work under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing professionals, such as licensed practical/vocational nurses and registered nurses. Certified nursing assistants typically provide hands-on direct patient care that is focused on basic care and comfort.

For instance, some CNA responsibilities include:

• Bathe, dress, and feed patients as needed
• Monitor and record vital signs and report to the nurse
• Keep the patient’s personal space clean (make beds, empty trash)
• Assist patients with transfers from bed to chair or wheelchair
• Assist with walking, as needed
• Some may provide transportation to and from medical appointments

Differences in Scope of Practice

Some states have statutes that address a certified medical assistant's scope of practice. However, many do not. In states where no regulatory guidance is in place, a medical assistant's scope of practice is typically determined by education, the comfort level of providers who are delegating tasks, and demonstration of clinical competency.

The scope of practice for certified nursing assistants is determined by state boards of nursing where the CNA is licensed to work. Activities that are typically covered in a CNA scope of practice include providing basic daily patient care, assist with movement such as transfers and mobility, monitoring nutritional intake and monitoring, and reporting patient vital signs.

Differences in Certification & Licensure Requirements

After completing a medical assistant program, medical assistants can pursue certification by taking a CMA Certification Examination. After becoming certified, medical assistants must renew their certification every five years. Currently, there are three major certifying agencies that offer medical assistant certification.

1. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA):

 One of the most widely recognized certifications for medical assistants is offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The examination covers material across a broad scope of information, including general, administrative, and clinical skills categories. The AAMA CMA exam includes four 40-minute segments of testing with a total of 200 multiple-choice questions.

3. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)  administers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification.

Neither state licensure nor certification is required for a medical assistant to be employed. However, without certification and licensure, medical assistants may face restrictions on some of the tasks that can perform. For example, some states require medical assistants who take x-rays or who practice venipunctures (drawing blood) to be certified in those skills.

Upon completion of a certified nursing assistant program, nursing assistants must earn state nursing assistant certification before they can practice as a CNA. Candidates for certification must complete a state-approved program and have evidence that clinical hour requirements have been met. CNA competency examinations are designed to test a nursing assistant’s nursing skills and knowledge related to patient care.

 

CNA vs. CMA: How Long Does It Take to Become?

The path to becoming a CMA vs CNA varies. If you wish you to become a certified medical assistant, the two most popular options are:

1. Obtain an associate degree in medical assisting at an accredited school (This takes about two years to complete) or
2. Get a one-year certification through a technical school or community college.

Nursing assistant programs are shorter than certified medical assistant programs. They may last from four to twelve weeks, depending on the school. The training required for CNA certification includes classroom instruction and clinical training supervised by an instructor and/or preceptor at a nursing facility. Each state sets its own minimum practice guidelines and determines the number of classroom and clinical hours a nurse assistant student must complete before being eligible to take the certification examination.

 

CMA vs. CNA: Where Do They Typically Work?

Typically, certified medical assistants work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician's offices, and other healthcare facilities. Because they are trained in both administrative office tasks and clinical patient care, they are an integral part of the healthcare team. Therefore, they may find that securing job placement is not as difficult as some other professions.

Like CMAs, certified nursing assistants can work in any healthcare setting that provides direct patient care, especially if it is focused on basic care and comfort. Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and retirement or assisted living centers, are common places of employment for CNAs. However, they may also be employed in home health facilities, hospitals, and hospices, among other settings.

 

CNA vs. CMA: Job Outlook

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the employment of certified nursing assistant is expected to experience a projected growth of 9 percent from 2018 to 2028. Another report from the BLS suggests that certified medical assistants will see a 23 percent increase within the same time.

The number of the baby-boom population that is aging is believed to be one of the main factors that will influence the increased job growth. As individuals live longer and experience age-related changes or develop chronic conditions such as arthritis and other diseases, the need for more qualified healthcare professionals will increase.

 

The Bottom Line: CNA or CMA which is better?

There are several differences in a career as a CMA vs CNA. Both careers offer an opportunity to provide care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings and to be an essential part of the healthcare delivery team. When deciding which career may be better suited for your long-term personal goals, consider the amount of money and time you want to invest in school, whether you plan to pursue a higher degree later, and the type of work you want to do. Because the healthcare industry is always growing and expanding, a career as either a certified medical assistant or a certified nursing assistant increases the potential of steady, long-term employment opportunities.