[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants and nurses share some overlapping duties, but nurses undergo additional education and training, earn higher salaries, and have opportunities to specialize and advance their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants provide basic patient care and perform administrative tasks, which can build a solid foundation for nursing school and future practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the similarities between medical assistant vs. nurse roles, responsibilities, employment prospects, and salaries. Discover which path might be the best fit for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similarities between medical assistants and RNs include knowledge and execution of entry-level patient care: taking vital signs, performing basic first aid, and assisting during exams.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants’ responsibilities tend to include more administrative tasks. RNs function more autonomously and serve as patient educators and advocates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants can qualify for certification after completing a training program lasting 9-12 months. RNs, on the other hand, spend 2-4 years earning a nursing degree, and must hold a license through their state’s nursing board. RNs earn significantly higher salaries than medical assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse Comparison[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Diploma or certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Assistant”]Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]1-2 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Assistant”]2-4 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Basic clinical and administrative tasks[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Assistant”]Coordinate and provide patient care; education and advocacy for patients and families[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]$44,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Medical Assistant”]$93,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”text-align:right” class=”text-sm”]Source: BLS[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Duties and Responsibilities.[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section describes the typical duties and responsibilities of each role, offering a comparison of medical assistant vs. nurse tasks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering the medical assistant vs. nurse roles, the education, licensing, and certification processes are very different:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both medical assistants and RNs are in demand, and job seekers should encounter numerous opportunities. But salary potential between medical assistants vs. nurses varies widely.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Assistant vs. Registered Nurse: Which Career is Right For Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in entering the medical field in a relatively short time frame, becoming a medical assistant offers opportunities to help patients and explore whether healthcare work suits you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re considering a nursing career, medical assistant training and experience can provide a solid background for nursing school and practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an entry-level RN can take two years or less, and give you a preview into the healthcare field. Career advancement and increased pay, however, come with earning a BSN or [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-to-choose-between-getting-your-bsn-or-msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) and specializing in a focus area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN license can qualify you to complete your [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) in three years (or two years with a BSN) and apply for positions as a highly trained and in-demand [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34233,52698,38827″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed January 11, 2023[/hen-ui-text]