3 Ways to Go from a Medical Assistant to an RN

Becoming a medical assistant (MA) is a great entry point for a career in healthcare. It’s an effective way to learn about patient care and gain experience that can be used as a first step into a medical career, such as becoming a registered nurse (RN), physician assistant, or even a doctor.  

The U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks medical assistants as one of the best jobs for individuals without a college degree and interested in the medical field. Currently, it ranks #11 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, #8 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, and #77 in 100 Best Jobs. This is a hot and in-demand field!

In this guide, we’ll explain what a medical assistant does, how to transition to become a registered nurse (RN), MA to RN programs, and much more.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is an allied health professional who works with physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses to care for patients in various healthcare settings. MAs perform both administrative duties and clinical healthcare-related duties. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median medical assistant salary in 2022 was $38,270 per year or $18.40 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,710. 

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, with a projected need for an additional 105,900 MAs per year over the next decade.

You aren't likely to find a 4-week medical assistant program. Still, entering this career field can take a relatively short amount of time. Becoming an MA can take one to two years, depending on whether your goal is simply to obtain your medical assistant certification or to combine certification with an associate's degree.

Can a Medical Assistant Become a Registered Nurse?

Yes, medical assistants can become registered nurses! Additional schooling and certifications are required, which take approximately two to four years to complete. 

While MAs might know the basics of nursing care, they do not have the advanced pathophysiology or pharmacology knowledge that nurses possess. 

After attending an accredited nursing program, individuals then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing the examination is required to become licensed by the state's board of nursing.

What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Registered Nurse?

There are some significant differences between being an MA and an RN. Some of the major ones are:

Duties and Responsibilities

Medical assistants primarily assist physicians and other healthcare professionals during tests and procedures, as well as perform office administrative tasks. Furthermore, they perform basic patient care, including taking vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living. 

Additional clinical tasks performed by medical assistants include:

• Preparing patients for exams

• Performing basic laboratory tests

• Collecting patient histories

• Wound care or dressing changes

• Taking EKGs

• Phlebotomy

Additional administrative tasks performed by medical assistants include:

• Answering phone calls

• Welcoming patients into the office

• Managing billing and bookkeeping

• Insurance coding

• Scheduling patient appointments

• Arranging laboratory services for patients

Registered nurses, on the other hand, are focused exclusively on patients and their care. RNs do not perform many administrative duties unless in a managerial role.

In addition to providing basic patient care, nurses can perform procedures, such as starting intravenous lines and administering advanced medications like chemotherapy. Furthermore, nurses can become nationally certified in specific areas of nursing. 

Clinical tasks performed by nurses may include:

• Administer and monitor medications

• Check vital signs and recognize irregularities

• Create and implement nursing care plans

• Perform basic and advanced life support

• Assist with feeding, bathing, and dressing patients

• Perform physical exams 

• Perform palliative care

• Provide emotional support for patients and families

• Coordinate care with physicians and other healthcare providers

• Prepare patients and help with surgeries and other procedures

Scope of Practice

Nurses work under their own licenses, which enables them to perform a wider range of duties than medical assistants. MAs, however, can not perform their duties without the direct supervision of another medical professional. 

Salary

A major difference between MAs and RNs is the salary and income potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a registered nurse in 2022 is $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour.

Meanwhile, the median salary for a medical assistant in 2022, according to the BLS, is $38,270 per year or $18.40 per hour. This is a very stark contrast. 

How Can a Medical Assistant Role Prepare You for a Career as a Registered Nurse?

Becoming a medical assistant is a great first step for individuals who are interested in a healthcare career but are not sure what road to take. It is also ideal for individuals who need to work to pay for school, can’t commit to a nursing program full-time, or are unsure if healthcare is the right field for them. 

>> Related: 3 Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant

Being responsible for a patient’s life can be scary and overwhelming, so becoming a medical assistant first can help ease the transition. 

Medical assistants have the ability to work side by side with other healthcare professionals and see what registered nurses do on a daily basis. It provides them with clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of a nurse and allows individuals to make a fully informed decision which in turn can benefit their patients. 

3 Ways to Go From Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse

There are several different paths you can take to become a registered nurse. Multiple factors should be considered when determining which path is best, including career goals, financial abilities, and personal responsibilities. 

The three main routes an MA can take to become a registered nurse are:

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing  (ADN)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN

There are pros and cons to each path. Discussing your options with a school counselor can help you narrow down the best options for you. Also, speak with the human resources department at your place of employment. Many offer tuition reimbursement and partner with different local and online universities that can offer discounts. 

Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse

Step 1: Decide which type of program is the best fit for your career goals and personality

The amount of time and money you will spend on your education is greatly determined by the level of education you want to achieve. For example, an ADN program will take two years and cost much less than a typical 4-year BSN program.

Step 2: Apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing program

It is essential that your program is accreted by one of the two main accreditation bodies in the United States:

• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Accreditation shows that a nursing program meets specific state and national standards. Students who graduate from non-accredited programs are not allowed to sit for the NCLEX-RN and cannot earn RN licensure.

Step 3: Sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure

Your nursing program will likely help to prepare you to pass the NCLEX throughout your program. Once you pass this exam, you may apply for licensure in your state.

Step 4: Apply for a state-specific license

Every state nursing board acts independently and has its own unique requirements.  Make sure you contact your state board for appropriate steps to take.