With promising job security and fulfilling work, thousands flock to the healthcare field each year. Of them, several enter into medical assistant and practical nursing (PN) positions, fueled by the prospect of making a difference in the lives of patients. But while these jobs are similar, they have distinct differences that prospective students should consider before enrolling in school. Here, Prism Career Institute compares medical assistants and PNs so you can better decide which of our programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are right for you.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians. As a medical assistant, you can choose between am administrative role or a more clinically based one. In an administrative setting, you might be in charge of incoming phone calls, patient intake forms, and other similar responsibilities. As a clinical medical assistant, on the other hand, you might check patients’ vital signs, collect samples, and even assist your attending physician during some minor surgeries.
What Is a PN?
PNs are professionals who work under the leadership of either a registered nurse (RN) or another healthcare provider. They focus mainly on providing physical care for patients, such as checking vital signs, assisting with personal care, and administering certain medications. They are also responsible for documenting their patients’ medications and other administrative tasks.
What Are the Main Differences?
As you can see, there is considerable overlap between the duties performed by medical assistants and PNs. But by taking a closer look at them, we can make their key distinctions more apparent. The three main differences between these positions include:
- Their supervisors: As we mentioned, medical assistants work under the supervision of physicians, whereas PNs can work under RNs or other healthcare professionals.
- Their work setting: Because medical assistants and PNs work under different professionals, they often, but not always, work in different settings. On average, more medical assistants work in ambulatory settings and more PNs work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
- Their clinical and administrative workloads: Although medical assistants and PNs perform duties on both sides of the healthcare spectrum, PNs typically focus more on caregiving. Meanwhile, medical assistants take charge of patient records, insurance information, appointment scheduling, and some clinical duties.
To put these three differences into perspective, it can be helpful to picture these professionals during a day at work. For example, medical assistants often walk patients to their exam rooms, check vital signs, and keep accurate medical records. PNs are often the ones who administer medications and assist patients with personal care. For inpatient settings, they also perform daily patient checkups that inform senior practitioners’ care plans.
Jumpstart Your Career Hunt Today
By gaining a clearer understanding of their differences, you can make a more informed decision about whether to become a medical assistant or a PN. No matter which career you choose, Prism Career Institute makes it possible to earn your education in a fast-paced, supportive environment. If you need further help choosing your dream job, you can take our Prism Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz to help you decide.