Compare Medical Assisting to Other Healthcare Careers

• Overview
• Medical assistant vs. dental assistant
• Medical assistant vs. EMT
• Medical assistant vs. LPN
• Medical assistant vs. CNA
• Medical assistant vs. medical office administrator
• Medical assistant vs. patient care technician
• Medical assistant vs. pharmacy technician
• Medical assistant vs. phlebotomist
• Medical assistant vs. radiologic technologist
• Medical assistant vs. surgical technologist

MEDICAL ASSISTANT VS. EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

Medical assistants and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are two rewarding entry-level occupations that work on the front line of the healthcare industry. While each position deals with different aspects of patient care, medical assistants and EMTs both contribute to the well-being of others in professions that do not specifically require a college degree.

Deciding between a career as a medical assistant or EMT requires understanding how these positions vary in educational requirements, responsibilities, work environments and career opportunities. Learn how these professions compare so you decide which option fits your personal and professional goals.

Key differences between medical assistants and EMTs

While both medical assistants and EMTs provide direct patient care, there is a significant difference between the types of duties they perform.

Medical assistants ensure the smooth delivery of healthcare services. Their responsibilities focus on a combination of administrative and clinical tasks that coordinate the needs of patients and physicians. They typically work with controlled medical situations under the direction and supervision of a physician in an office setting.

A patient is likely to interact with a medical assistant throughout their visit. “Unlike the health professionals who work, for example, in hospitals, medical assistants work directly with patients to a greater extent than certified nursing assistants, for example, who work in hospitals,” said Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, CEO and Legal Counsel of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

In contrast, EMTs focus on the delivery of immediate and urgent medical care in many types of settings. Their scope of practice centers on emergency care that often involves high-stress situations. They may deliver care on the street, in homes and at accident scenes.

Since they provide life-saving interventions, EMTs provide a more advanced level of medical care than medical assistants. EMTs work in fast-paced and stressful situations that may extend through an entire shift, though their day may also include occasional downtime.

The tasks you perform as a medical assistant or EMT can vary based on the scope of practice in your state and the needs of your workplace. Common responsibilities in these roles include:

Work environment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 56% of medical assistants work in physicians’ offices. Other work environments include hospitals and outpatient care centers. Medical assistants spend a large portion of their day standing as they assist patients, move equipment and travel around the office.

Medical assistants typically work regular business hours though they may occasionally work nights or weekends. The workday of a medical assistant is based on an office schedule with a somewhat predictable workflow and some repetitive tasks.

About 46% of EMTs work for ambulance services, according to data from the BLS. Others are employed by local governments, hospitals and outpatient care centers. The role can be physically demanding since it can require bending, lifting and kneeling for long periods.

EMTs may work in 8-hour shifts that rotate among daytime, evening and overnight hours. They may also work 12-hour or 24-hour shifts, with extended periods of work and time off.

Educational requirements

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency to pursue a career as a medical assistant or EMT. Beyond these initial criteria, education requirements vary between the two professions and can differ by state.

Some employers provide their own training for medical assistants. To earn a credential recognized by all employers, you can complete a certificate or diploma medical assisting training program in about nine months to a year. While online and hybrid options exist, all programs typically require an in-person externship. You can also earn an associate degree in medical assisting from an accredited college with college credits you can apply toward an advanced degree later.

Having a formal education in clinical and administrative practices may help you qualify for the positions you desire. “Some employers, in fact, an increasing number of employers, prefer to hire, or even insist on hiring, medical assistants who have some sort of medical assisting education and a credential. However, there are very few states that require that to work as a medical assistant,” said Balasa.

EMTs have fewer education options. They must complete an EMT education program approved by the state in which they intend to work. Most EMT programs require applicants to have current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

You can find an EMT certificate program at a community college, technical school or emergency services provider. EMT programs can be completed in about 12 to 15 weeks, though accelerated programs also exist. While you can earn an associate degree in emergency medical services, it is usually reserved for paramedics, an advanced type of EMT.

Licensure and certification

No state requires that medical assistants have a license for entry-level positions. However, some states require that medical assistants earn certification to perform certain medical tasks such as giving injections or drawing blood. Certification is a professional credential that shows you have met an established set of professional criteria and passed a related exam.

Results from the National Healthcareer Association’s 2024 Industry Outlook show that 78% of healthcare institutions surveyed require certification as a condition of employment for medical assistants. The most common medical assistant certifications include Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT).

In contrast to medical assistants, EMTs must be licensed in every state. Requirements for education, testing and license renewal are state-specific. Most states require passing an exam and obtaining EMT or advanced EMT (AEMT) certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)  to qualify for a license. However, some states use their own licensure exams.

How salaries and job outlook compare

Both medical assistants and EMTs have excellent employment prospects, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, your employment options and pay may be impacted by your location, experience, workplace culture, area of expertise and other factors unique to your situation.

According to the BLS, the median national annual salary for medical assistants is $42,000, with  medical assistants who work in outpatient care centers and hospitals earning the highest salaries. Through 2034, the employment of medical assistants is expected to increase at an average rate of 15%, which is more than three times faster than the average expected growth for all other occupations.

Data from the BLS indicate that EMTs earn an annual median salary of $38,930. Based on BLS data, EMTs employed by outpatient care centers earn the highest salaries. Through 2034, the employment of EMTs is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6%, which is slightly faster than the average growth projected for all occupations.

Weighing your options

The education and experience you gain as a medical assistant can serve as a foundation for a career in medical records, health information technology, healthcare administration, nursing or other healthcare provider roles with additional training.

As an EMT, you can pursue a role as a paramedic and provide a more advanced level of life-saving care. You can also work toward a career as a forensic scientist, radiology technician, health information specialist, physician assistant or other advanced provider roles. EMTs can transition to medical assisting without additional education.

While they are involved in different types of patient care, both medical assistants and EMTs can have fulfilling careers in healthcare.

You may be better suited for a career as a medical assistant if you prefer a combination of clinical and administrative responsibilities in a structured office environment. Becoming an EMT may be a better option if you enjoy working in a variety of environments and are motivated by the possibility of providing life-saving services in critical situations.