Side by side
| CNA | Medical assistant (CCMA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training minimum | 75 hours incl. 16 supervised practical (federal); states may require more | No federal minimum; NHA requires a training program or 1 year of supervised work |
| Required to work? | Yes - state competency exam + registry listing to work in certified nursing homes | Certification is usually voluntary but widely required by employers |
| Exam | State exam: written/oral + skills (Credentia, Prometric, Headmaster, others) | NHA CCMA: 150 scored + 30 pretest questions, 3 hours |
| Renewal | Keep working: 24 months without paid nursing work means retrain/retest | Every 2 years with 10 CE credits |
| Typical setting | Nursing homes, hospitals, home health | Physician offices, outpatient clinics |
| Core duties | Bathing, feeding, mobility, vital signs, reporting changes | Vitals, injections, phlebotomy, EKGs, scheduling, records |
- 1,297 original questions: CNA, PTCB, CCMA
- Timed full-length exams + domain score reports
- 90 days, one-time - emailed to you after purchase
Your course access is emailed to you after purchase. 14-day money-back guarantee. Refund policy
Who should pick which
- Pick CNA if you want the fastest route to paid patient care, or you plan to become an LPN/RN and want bedside experience.
- Pick medical assistant if you prefer daytime clinic hours and want a mix of clinical and administrative skills.
- Can you do both? Yes - they are separate credentials. Some CCMA topics (vital signs, infection control) overlap with CNA training.
Go deeper
CNA, PTCB and CCMA prep course - $19
1,297 original practice questions for CNA, PTCB and CCMA, with explanations, timed exams and domain score reports. One-time $19 for 90 days, emailed to you after purchase - no subscription.
Your course access is emailed to you after purchase. 14-day money-back guarantee. Refund policy
Frequently asked questions
Is CNA or medical assistant training longer?
CNA training can be as short as 75 hours; medical assistant programs are typically longer - AMT’s RMA education route, for example, calls for 720 hours including a 160-hour externship.
Can a CNA work as a medical assistant?
Not automatically. Medical assistant duties like injections depend on state law and employer training; most employers want an MA credential.
Which exam is harder, CNA or CCMA?
The CCMA written exam is longer (180 questions in 3 hours) and broader; the CNA adds a hands-on skills test.
Sources
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 nurse aide training and competency evaluation (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.35 Nursing services (registry verification, 24-month rule) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NHA - CCMA test plan (2022 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NHA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (accessed 2026-09-23)
- AMT - Registered Medical Assistant eligibility (accessed 2026-09-23)