The BLS reports there are 591,300 medical assistants currently working nationwideĪccording to the BLS, 328,200 medical lab technicians and technologists are currently employed in the United States Another difference between the two roles involves the organizations responsible for providing certification certified medical assistants must obtain certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants, whereas those hoping to becoming medical lab technicians may receive certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology or another certifying body. If a CMA specializes in a field like podiatry or chiropractic medicine, this may add to or alter his or her list of responsibilities.Ĭontrast this with a medical lab technician, who, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), collects “samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.” Due to the nature of the work, an MLT will generally find employment in a hospital’s laboratory, or an independent one. A CMA generally works either in a clinical environment, wherein he or she assists in the preparation of patients for examinations, the administering of medication, and/or other related tasks, or in an administrative environment, where he or she is tasked with setting appointments, answering the phone, and performing other front-end duties. While both work with physicians and other healthcare staff, professionals in these two roles have very different responsibilities, and for the most part work in different settings as such, anyone who is deciding between these two career options should fully understand them before making a final decision on which one to pursue.Īs mentioned, both CMAs and MLTs support physicians and other healthcare staff, but in different ways. Certification Guides Career Guides Interviews & FeaturesĪnyone who is interested in working in a career in healthcare that provides vital assistance to physicians and patients alike may wish to consider becoming either a certified medical assistant (CMA) or a medical lab technician (MLT).
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