No, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is not the same as a Registered Nurse (RN). They are distinct healthcare professions with different education requirements, scopes of practice, responsibilities, and salary levels.
Education & Training
- CMA (AAMA): Typically completes a 9–12 month postsecondary medical assisting program (diploma or certificate) and passes the CMA (AAMA) certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Some programs award an associate degree (2 years).
- RN: Completes either a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), then passes the NCLEX-RN national licensing exam. RNs must be licensed by their state board of nursing.
Scope of Practice
- CMA: Works under the direct supervision of a physician, NP, or PA. Performs clinical tasks (vital signs, EKGs, phlebotomy, injections, basic lab tests) and administrative duties (scheduling, billing, medical records). CMAs cannot independently assess patients, create care plans, administer IV medications, or perform most nursing procedures.
- RN: Has a much broader scope. RNs independently assess patients, develop nursing care plans, administer medications (including IVs), perform complex procedures, supervise LPNs and medical assistants, educate patients, and coordinate care. RNs are licensed to practice nursing autonomously within state guidelines.
Work Settings & Salary (U.S. averages, 2024–2025)
- CMAs most often work in outpatient clinics and physician offices. Median pay ≈ $42,000–$46,000/year.
- RNs work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, schools, etc. Median pay ≈ $81,000–$90,000/year (higher with BSN, experience, or specialty).
In short: A CMA is an important allied health professional who supports physicians in office-based settings, while an RN is a licensed nursing professional with significantly more education, responsibility, and authority. The roles complement each other but are not interchangeable.