Updated
CAREER PATHS · SIDE BY SIDE
Medical Assistant vs CNA
Compare qualifications and actual funding examples. Named programme costs are specific to that provider; occupational median pay covers all experience levels.
| Compare | Medical Assistant | Certified Nursing Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Reviewed sponsored example | Greater Cincinnati Medical Assistant Apprenticeship As of Oct 16, 2026 · The Health Collaborative ↗ | Providence Alaska paid Nurse Aide Training As of Oct 16, 2026 · Providence Alaska Medical Center ↗ |
| Featured route training time | Greater Cincinnati: the published first six months combine mentored work, online modules and an in-person class day. Confirm the full programme/testing timetable. As of Oct 16, 2026 · The Health Collaborative ↗ | Confirm Providence Alaska’s actual classroom, clinical and exam schedule. The reviewed provider page does not establish a course length; a federal minimum is not this course’s duration. As of Oct 16, 2026 · Providence Alaska Medical Center ↗ |
| Education / credential | Postsecondary training or an employer training pathway As of Oct 15, 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗ | A state-approved program and competency exam As of Oct 15, 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗ |
| Reviewed sponsored costs | Apprentices are paid employees and employers pay programme tuition. The April-2026 document lists $7,500 programme tuition, an employer cost rather than a promised cash award to the apprentice. As of Oct 16, 2026 · The Health Collaborative ↗ | Providence Alaska pays the training/materials, nursing-assistant application and CNA exam fees while trainees earn wages. Confirm the actual offer and personal costs. As of Oct 16, 2026 · Providence Alaska Medical Center ↗ |
| U.S. occupational median pay | $45,690 / year · U.S. median, May 2025 As of Oct 15, 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗ | $42,260 / year · U.S. median, May 2025 As of Oct 15, 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗ |
| Self-pay example or quote | Provider quote required; no national price assumed As of Oct 15, 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ↗ | Providence Spokane evening CNA course Published course total: $1,200 ($1,000 tuition, $150 lab, $50 book). Includes the Washington skills exam; the state written exam is extra. This is a self-pay course, not promised employer-paid admission.As of Oct 16, 2026 · Providence Health Training ↗ |
The CNA training figure is a federal minimum, not a typical course length. The medical-assistant example describes an initial phase; confirm the full programme and testing timetable. State rules, provider approval, actual admission and remaining costs still need checking.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.
Nursing assistants
Checked Oct 15, 2026U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical assistants
Checked Oct 15, 2026U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Paid Nurse Aide Training Program in Anchorage
Checked Oct 16, 2026Providence Alaska Medical Center
Spokane CNA evening course tuition and requirements
Checked Oct 16, 2026Providence Health Training
April 2026 Medical Assistant Apprenticeship requirements costs and employers
Checked Oct 16, 2026The Health Collaborative