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 |
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
One plan covers both CNA and CCMA prep
All-access is $29/month (cancel anytime) or $59 for 90 days with no auto-renew. Full original question banks, timed practice exams and score reports by domain.
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)