Can a Medical Assistant be a Home Health Nurse?

Are you interested in working in the medical field, but are confused by the job titles? If so, you aren’t alone. It’s not uncommon to encounter a medical assistant in a healthcare facility and refer to them as a nurse. 

While they do share some commonalities, like both working directly with patients and being instrumental to the smooth running of a healthcare facility, they are not the same. Medical assistants are not licensed nurses and therefore cannot work as a home health nurse, but don’t let that stop you from considering a career in medical assisting. The decision to become a medical assistant is full of advantages.

Jumpstart Career Quickly 

One of the greatest advantages of becoming a medical assistant is being able to jumpstart your new career quickly. Athena Career Academy’s Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program is taught over a period of 7 ½ months plus an additional 6-week externship. The ability to start working and earning an income quickly is essential for full-time working students and those with families. 

Excellent Job Outlook 

The demand for medical assistants remains high, with a growth rate of 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many healthcare facilities are realizing how useful MAs are because of their vast skill set, making the decision to become an MA an excellent investment in your future. 

Multiple Work Settings 

Some healthcare jobs are limited to one type of facility, like hospitals, but that isn’t the case for medical assistants. MAs can work in physician offices, hospitals, urgent care clinics, hospices, nursing homes, chiropractic clinics, prisons, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and more. 

Reliable Schedule 

Unlike other medical careers which require varying shifts, medical assistants often work a standard 40-hour work week. While this isn’t always the case depending on the type of healthcare facility, many MAs work in physicians’ offices which operate during standard business hours. Having a reliable schedule is a significant benefit for MAs with families, as it’s easier to arrange for childcare and other family obligations. A reliable schedule helps maintain a better work/life balance. 

What If I Want to Pursue Nursing? 

If a career in nursing is calling you, Athena Career Academy specializes in the field of nursing. You can train to become a Practical Nurse in just one year. Practical Nurses (PNs) provide patient care to the sick, injured, disabled and convalescent, under the direction of physicians and registered nurses (RNs).  

There are many benefits to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), including an excellent job outlook and compensation. Jobs for LPNs are expected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LPNs also enjoy good pay and benefits. The median annual wage for LPNs was $48,070 in May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $63,790. 

Another benefit of becoming an LPN is performing advanced job duties. PNs administer medications, perform IV therapies, monitor, and evaluate care needs, check vital signs, and perform procedures like bathing, dressing, and wound care. They also supervise the care delivered by nursing assistants, home health aides, and medical assistants. 

Which Career Path is Right for You? 

Whether you decide to become a medical assistant or gravitate towards a nursing career, Athena Career Academy can help you reach your healthcare career goals fast. The best way to get to know Athena Career Academy is to see what we offer. Contact us today to learn more.