8 answers
whay
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I really know this is for me?
I graduated high school but didn't go straight into college for what I wanted then, I worked as a caregiver until I decided it wasn't for me. I do love the healthcare and taking care of elderly ones but it wasn't enough for me. I'm looking into CMA or MMA which one will make me happy?
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1328
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Whay!
Figuring out if CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or MMA (Medical Administrative Assistant) is right for you can feel like a big decision—but don’t stress yourself out because you’re already on the right track by exploring your options! One small step leads to removing other worries in your head! 👀
So I am just gonna keep it thorough and see which you would want.
✨ Love working with patients? Go for CMA!
If you enjoy hands-on care—taking vitals, assisting doctors, and interacting with patients—this path is perfect. You’ll be in the heart of the action, working in clinics or hospitals. Bonus? It’s a great stepping stone if you ever want to become a nurse or physician assistant.
✔️ Pros:
You get to help patients directly.
More career growth—could lead to nursing or advanced medical roles.
Jobs are always in demand by the way.
❌ Cons:
It’s more physically demanding (lots of moving around).
Requires clinical training (takes about 9-12 months). 😏
📊 Prefer organization & behind-the-scenes work? Choose MMA! 😎
If you like keeping things organized—managing patient records, scheduling, and handling medical billing—MMA is your jam. You’ll be the go-to person keeping the office running smoothly.
✔️ Pros:
Less physical work—you’re mostly at a desk.
Quicker training (6-9 months).
Ideal if you like admin tasks and working behind the scenes.
❌ Cons:
Less patient interaction.
Slightly lower starting pay than CMAs.
🧐 Still unsure? 😅 Well here is a little check list. So,
Love patient care? → CMA
Prefer office work? → MMA
Want career growth in healthcare? → CMA
Want a quicker path to a stable job? → MMA
💡 And remember—you’re not locked in forever! You can always start with one, and if you feel like leveling up or switching later, that’s totally okay. You got this!🤗
If you need anything I would totally say Check out CareerVillage for tons of advice and support! Oh wait you are already here!😅😉. And The advices you’ve got is great! Not to say!
It’s smart to reflect on what you liked (or didn’t) as a caregiver. If you enjoy hands-on care, CMA is a good fit but if you prefer admin work, MMA might be better. Take your time, explore, and trust yourself—you’re on the right track just stay dedicated and passionate.
Shadow both CMAs and MMAs—don't just see but feel what their day looks like
List what you enjoyed (and didn’t) about being a caregiver—it’ll help you spot which role fits better.
Check out local programs—some offer part-time or online options to make training easier.
Figuring out if CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or MMA (Medical Administrative Assistant) is right for you can feel like a big decision—but don’t stress yourself out because you’re already on the right track by exploring your options! One small step leads to removing other worries in your head! 👀
So I am just gonna keep it thorough and see which you would want.
✨ Love working with patients? Go for CMA!
If you enjoy hands-on care—taking vitals, assisting doctors, and interacting with patients—this path is perfect. You’ll be in the heart of the action, working in clinics or hospitals. Bonus? It’s a great stepping stone if you ever want to become a nurse or physician assistant.
✔️ Pros:
You get to help patients directly.
More career growth—could lead to nursing or advanced medical roles.
Jobs are always in demand by the way.
❌ Cons:
It’s more physically demanding (lots of moving around).
Requires clinical training (takes about 9-12 months). 😏
📊 Prefer organization & behind-the-scenes work? Choose MMA! 😎
If you like keeping things organized—managing patient records, scheduling, and handling medical billing—MMA is your jam. You’ll be the go-to person keeping the office running smoothly.
✔️ Pros:
Less physical work—you’re mostly at a desk.
Quicker training (6-9 months).
Ideal if you like admin tasks and working behind the scenes.
❌ Cons:
Less patient interaction.
Slightly lower starting pay than CMAs.
🧐 Still unsure? 😅 Well here is a little check list. So,
Love patient care? → CMA
Prefer office work? → MMA
Want career growth in healthcare? → CMA
Want a quicker path to a stable job? → MMA
💡 And remember—you’re not locked in forever! You can always start with one, and if you feel like leveling up or switching later, that’s totally okay. You got this!🤗
If you need anything I would totally say Check out CareerVillage for tons of advice and support! Oh wait you are already here!😅😉. And The advices you’ve got is great! Not to say!
It’s smart to reflect on what you liked (or didn’t) as a caregiver. If you enjoy hands-on care, CMA is a good fit but if you prefer admin work, MMA might be better. Take your time, explore, and trust yourself—you’re on the right track just stay dedicated and passionate.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
It’s totally normal to wonder if a career path is really for you, especially when you’ve already tried one thing and discovered it wasn’t quite the right fit. When it comes to choosing between something like a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) and an MMA, it really comes down to what parts of healthcare make you feel fulfilled.
For example, if you loved the direct patient interaction in your caregiver role but want a bit more structure and variety in your tasks, a CMA might be a great choice. CMAs often handle a mix of clinical duties—like taking vital signs and assisting with procedures—along with some administrative tasks. On the other hand, if you find that you’re more drawn to the organizational, behind-the-scenes side of healthcare—like scheduling, managing patient records, and coordinating care—then an MMA might align more with what you enjoy.
One way to get a better feel for what’s right for you is to talk to people who are already in these roles or even shadow them if you can. Sometimes, hearing firsthand experiences or even getting a taste of the daily routine can help clarify your own interests and what environment you’d thrive in.
Ultimately, only you can determine which path will make you truly happy, but taking the time to reflect on what aspects of your past work felt rewarding—and doing a bit of research or hands-on exploration—can guide you in the right direction. Remember, it’s okay to experiment and change course if you find that your initial choice doesn’t fit as well as you hoped. Your career journey is all about finding the right match for your skills, interests, and the way you want to impact the world. I hope this helps
For example, if you loved the direct patient interaction in your caregiver role but want a bit more structure and variety in your tasks, a CMA might be a great choice. CMAs often handle a mix of clinical duties—like taking vital signs and assisting with procedures—along with some administrative tasks. On the other hand, if you find that you’re more drawn to the organizational, behind-the-scenes side of healthcare—like scheduling, managing patient records, and coordinating care—then an MMA might align more with what you enjoy.
One way to get a better feel for what’s right for you is to talk to people who are already in these roles or even shadow them if you can. Sometimes, hearing firsthand experiences or even getting a taste of the daily routine can help clarify your own interests and what environment you’d thrive in.
Ultimately, only you can determine which path will make you truly happy, but taking the time to reflect on what aspects of your past work felt rewarding—and doing a bit of research or hands-on exploration—can guide you in the right direction. Remember, it’s okay to experiment and change course if you find that your initial choice doesn’t fit as well as you hoped. Your career journey is all about finding the right match for your skills, interests, and the way you want to impact the world. I hope this helps
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
162
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
Based on your location I am assuming you are in the Job Corps. If so congrats on your scholarship. It is hard to know what will make you happy. But you know what doesnt make you happy. What part of your past job do you not want to do anymore and what part of the nursing career field is what drives you? The great part is that you are in the right spot to get basic vocational training and continue on into advanced trainings (LVN/LPN) or college training (many other health care options) if that is something offered at your Job Corps. If the advanced level of training is not offered at your current campus, you can request a transfer to continue your training to a campus that does offer it. It is important to maintain excellent conduct and attendance to be considered for those opportunities. You have 3yrs to complete as much training as possible while at the Job Corps. The more training you get, the higher level of pay you should be able to earn once you graduate. Avoid negative influences and stay focused on your goals and work hard. You will do well.
Based on your location I am assuming you are in the Job Corps. If so congrats on your scholarship. It is hard to know what will make you happy. But you know what doesnt make you happy. What part of your past job do you not want to do anymore and what part of the nursing career field is what drives you? The great part is that you are in the right spot to get basic vocational training and continue on into advanced trainings (LVN/LPN) or college training (many other health care options) if that is something offered at your Job Corps. If the advanced level of training is not offered at your current campus, you can request a transfer to continue your training to a campus that does offer it. It is important to maintain excellent conduct and attendance to be considered for those opportunities. You have 3yrs to complete as much training as possible while at the Job Corps. The more training you get, the higher level of pay you should be able to earn once you graduate. Avoid negative influences and stay focused on your goals and work hard. You will do well.
Natasha Rieder
Occupational Health Nurse
28
Answers
Wentzville, Missouri
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
None of us can say which will for sure make you happy, but I do like the checklist from Dr. H. And when all else fails, just pick something different! Whatever choice you make doesn't have to be permanent.
That being said, have you considered nursing as a career? It sounds like you have an interest in the medical field already and a nursing degree gives you countless career options! You can work for the Red Cross, work in manufacturing, work with the elderly, with babies, work at a middle school, do private home health care, the options are endless! As a current nurse, I can tell you that you won't be at a huge disadvantage for going to a state school vs some fancy private nursing school when it comes time to get a job. You of course want to pick the best option you have, but just don't let that stress you out too bad because no matter what school you go to, we all take the same test at the end (that'd be the dreaded NCLEX). And while the school is longer and much more difficult, the money and job opportunities are much better as well.
That being said, have you considered nursing as a career? It sounds like you have an interest in the medical field already and a nursing degree gives you countless career options! You can work for the Red Cross, work in manufacturing, work with the elderly, with babies, work at a middle school, do private home health care, the options are endless! As a current nurse, I can tell you that you won't be at a huge disadvantage for going to a state school vs some fancy private nursing school when it comes time to get a job. You of course want to pick the best option you have, but just don't let that stress you out too bad because no matter what school you go to, we all take the same test at the end (that'd be the dreaded NCLEX). And while the school is longer and much more difficult, the money and job opportunities are much better as well.
Jason Lee
Consulting
27
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Whay,
There's no "one fits it all" answer to your question.
I think you could use the following questions and your opinions to decide which is better for you.
<TLDR>
If you love hands-on patient care → CMA
If you prefer organization, scheduling, and paperwork → MMA
<Long version>
1. Interest in Direct Patient Care vs. Administrative Work
Do you enjoy hands-on patient care (CMA) or prefer working behind the scenes in administration (MMA)?
Are you comfortable performing basic medical procedures like taking vitals, drawing blood, or assisting with minor procedures (CMA)?
Do you prefer managing medical records, scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork (MMA)?
2. Comfort with Medical Procedures
Are you okay with handling bodily fluids, injections, and wound care (CMA)?
Would you rather work at a desk handling patient information and insurance claims (MMA)?
3. Work Environment Preference
Do you want to work in a clinical setting (CMA) or an office-based environment (MMA)?
Do you prefer a fast-paced job with patient interaction throughout the day (CMA) or a structured, paperwork-heavy role (MMA)?
4. Level of Interaction with Patients
Do you enjoy direct patient interactions, educating patients, and assisting with medical procedures (CMA)?
Would you rather help patients indirectly by managing their appointments, billing, and records (MMA)?
5. Career Growth and Advancement
Are you interested in furthering your career into nursing, physician assistant, or another clinical role (CMA is a better stepping stone)?
Do you see yourself advancing into hospital administration, medical billing, or health information management (MMA might be a better fit)?
6. Job Demand & Salary Expectations
CMAs typically earn around $35K - $50K/year, while MMAs earn about $30K - $45K/year depending on location and experience.
Which salary range aligns better with your financial goals?
7. Training & Certification Differences
CMA programs include both clinical and administrative training, taking 9-12 months to complete.
MMA programs focus on administrative tasks only, taking 6-9 months to complete.
Are you willing to go through additional clinical training to become a CMA?
8. Work-Life Balance & Physical Demands
CMAs have more physically demanding jobs (standing, assisting procedures, moving patients).
MMAs work more sedentary roles (sitting at a desk, working on computers).
Which suits your lifestyle better?
Hope this helps
There's no "one fits it all" answer to your question.
I think you could use the following questions and your opinions to decide which is better for you.
<TLDR>
If you love hands-on patient care → CMA
If you prefer organization, scheduling, and paperwork → MMA
<Long version>
1. Interest in Direct Patient Care vs. Administrative Work
Do you enjoy hands-on patient care (CMA) or prefer working behind the scenes in administration (MMA)?
Are you comfortable performing basic medical procedures like taking vitals, drawing blood, or assisting with minor procedures (CMA)?
Do you prefer managing medical records, scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork (MMA)?
2. Comfort with Medical Procedures
Are you okay with handling bodily fluids, injections, and wound care (CMA)?
Would you rather work at a desk handling patient information and insurance claims (MMA)?
3. Work Environment Preference
Do you want to work in a clinical setting (CMA) or an office-based environment (MMA)?
Do you prefer a fast-paced job with patient interaction throughout the day (CMA) or a structured, paperwork-heavy role (MMA)?
4. Level of Interaction with Patients
Do you enjoy direct patient interactions, educating patients, and assisting with medical procedures (CMA)?
Would you rather help patients indirectly by managing their appointments, billing, and records (MMA)?
5. Career Growth and Advancement
Are you interested in furthering your career into nursing, physician assistant, or another clinical role (CMA is a better stepping stone)?
Do you see yourself advancing into hospital administration, medical billing, or health information management (MMA might be a better fit)?
6. Job Demand & Salary Expectations
CMAs typically earn around $35K - $50K/year, while MMAs earn about $30K - $45K/year depending on location and experience.
Which salary range aligns better with your financial goals?
7. Training & Certification Differences
CMA programs include both clinical and administrative training, taking 9-12 months to complete.
MMA programs focus on administrative tasks only, taking 6-9 months to complete.
Are you willing to go through additional clinical training to become a CMA?
8. Work-Life Balance & Physical Demands
CMAs have more physically demanding jobs (standing, assisting procedures, moving patients).
MMAs work more sedentary roles (sitting at a desk, working on computers).
Which suits your lifestyle better?
Hope this helps
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
72
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hello Whay!
You were wise to test out a career before committing to years of school and the cost that comes with it. There are so many opportunities of varied types within Healthcare. What do you really like to do? Do you like research, data gathering and entering, working with your hands, solving puzzles? If you're not excited about person to person interaction there's a lot behind the scenes. Personally, I was never big on people stuff, but loved chemistry and biology and found the clinical lab a perfect fit. Assess your skills and desires, perhaps with the help of a career counselor and then see if you can interview some workers in various areas and get a tour of their departments and duties. Good luck to you!
Kathie Rezek, BS.MT/ASCP
You were wise to test out a career before committing to years of school and the cost that comes with it. There are so many opportunities of varied types within Healthcare. What do you really like to do? Do you like research, data gathering and entering, working with your hands, solving puzzles? If you're not excited about person to person interaction there's a lot behind the scenes. Personally, I was never big on people stuff, but loved chemistry and biology and found the clinical lab a perfect fit. Assess your skills and desires, perhaps with the help of a career counselor and then see if you can interview some workers in various areas and get a tour of their departments and duties. Good luck to you!
Kathie Rezek, BS.MT/ASCP
Tony Roig
Volunteer
67
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Whay,
You have received good answers to your question already so I would just like to further encourage you to do some career assessments on your preferences, personality, abilities, interests, etc to help determine the type of position(s) that best suits you. Your state's job /employment service or community college typically offers these tests free and you can also find many of them free online along with other helpful information. Check out CareerVillages Coach app, which is a free online interactive tool where you can explore and get good career advice on any question you may have.
Good luck!
Tony
You have received good answers to your question already so I would just like to further encourage you to do some career assessments on your preferences, personality, abilities, interests, etc to help determine the type of position(s) that best suits you. Your state's job /employment service or community college typically offers these tests free and you can also find many of them free online along with other helpful information. Check out CareerVillages Coach app, which is a free online interactive tool where you can explore and get good career advice on any question you may have.
Good luck!
Tony
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
26
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
With everything in general always weigh the pros and cons. Make a list of what makes you happy and what you feel comfortable doing. Be honest with yourself. Sometimes and some days you are not always going to be happy at work. Changes to your position, your coworkers, and patients are to happen. Eventually, you’ll consider moving up, or changing careers again. It’s not a bad thing to want more opportunities out of your work life.