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Medical Assistant (MA) vs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
There's no single winner — the right pick depends on you. Here's how they actually compare, by the BLS numbers, with the honest tradeoffs of each.
| Metric | Medical Assistant (MA) | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
|---|---|---|
| Median wage | $44,200 | $39,540 |
| Typical pay range (10th–90th pct) | $33,000 – $60,000 | $30,000 – $51,000 |
| Training time | 32–78 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Job growth (BLS) | +14% (projected growth) | +4% (projected growth) |
| Workforce Pell | Structurally eligible | Structurally eligible |
| Licensure | Licensed in 1 states | Licensed in all 50 states + DC |
| Paid apprenticeship route | Yes | Yes |
| Sector | Healthcare | Healthcare |
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Full breakdown: Medical Assistant (MA)Wages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffsFull breakdown: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Wages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffs
Workforce Pell eligibility is structural (does the typical program fit the federal hour cap) — actual funding depends on state approval. Wage figures are BLS-verified medians; individual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.