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On a daily basis, in the United States physician assistants and nurse practitioners function in similar roles. Both can diagnose, treat, and prescribe, but the training of physician assistants is generalist in nature and modeled on medical school curriculums. All physician assistants learn primary care and rotate through the major specialties while in training. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, have traditionally been trained in one specialty (paediatrics, women's health, etc.). Recently, family practice as a specialty has gained in popularity. Physician assistants are employed more often as house officers within the hospital setting than are nurse practitioners; surgery and its subspecialties are the most popular in-house specialties. Physician assistants are also more involved in emergency care than are nurse practitioners. 

excerpted from http://www.aanp.org

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices.

High quality care
Cost-effective care
A unique approach to health care
Care that results in a high level of patient satisfaction
Nurse practitioners serve as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness. In order to provide complete health care, Nurse Practitioners:

Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations
Diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries
Diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays
Prescribe medications and other treatments
Provide prenatal care and family planning services
Provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations
Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
Promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling
Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals as needed
Nurse Practitioners do more than direct patient care. Many nurse practitioners are also actively involved in education, research, and legislative activities to promote quality health care for all people in the United States.

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Caring for the sick is only one aspect of what a nurse does. Today’s registered nurses (RNs) work to:

 promote health 
 prevent disease 
 help patients and their families cope with illness, emergencies and long-term disease 
 save lives 
 make healthier communities

Who are Certified Medical Assistants and what do they do?

Certified Medical Assistants are multiskilled practitioners who assume a wide range of roles in physicians' offices and other health care settings, and are viewed by physicians as vital partners in increasing medical office productivity. In small practices, CMAs are usually "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, [Physician Assistnat/Nurse Practitioner], or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. The following are typical duties that CMAs perform (clinical duties may vary according to state law): 

Administrative 

Answer telephones 
Greet patients 
Update and file patient medical records 
Fill out insurance forms 
Handle correspondence 
Schedule appointments 
Arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services 
Handle billing and bookkeeping 

Clinical 

Take medical histories and record vital signs 
Explain treatment procedures to patients 
Prepare patients for examination 
Assist the physician during the examination 
Collect and prepare laboratory specimens 
Dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments 
Instruct patients about medication and special diets 
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician
Authorize drug refills as directed and telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy 
Draw blood 
Prepare patients for x-rays and take electrocardiograms 
Remove sutures and change dressings 
Arrange examining room instruments and equipment 
Purchase and maintain supplies and equipment 
Keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean 

How do CMAs keep their credential current?
The designation CMA indicates that the individual is a graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by either CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools); has passed the CMA Certification Examination of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); and maintains currency of the CMA credential.

How do medical assistants become educated for the profession?
Medical assisting programs leading to eligibility for certification are offered in almost 500 programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and 65 programs accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Accredited programs comply with a set of standards that are designed to ensure graduates preparation to enter the medical assisting profession. A list of the CAAHEP accredited programs and the Standards and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Medical Assistant can be found at www.caahep.org. 

What is the AAMA CMA Certification Examination?
The AAMA CMA Certification Examination is a comprehensive test of the knowledge actually needed in today's medical office. The exam is given by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the premier organization dedicated to serving the interests of Certified Medical Assistants. The content is drawn from an in-depth analysis of the numerous general, clinical, and administrative tasks medical assistants perform on a daily basis. The exam tests knowledge in three major areas: 

General medical knowledge, including terminology, anatomy, physiology, behavioral science, and medical law and ethics 
Administrative knowledge, including medical records management, collections and insurance processing 
Clinical knowledge, including examination room techniques, medication preparation and administration, pharmacology and laboratory procedures 

To be eligible for the CMA Examination, an applicant must be a graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. The AAMA administers the examination each January and June at over 200 test sites nationwide. To help applicants prepare for the exam, AAMA offers A Candidate's Guide to the AAMA CMA Certification/Recertification Examination. 

How do CMAs keep their credential current? 
CMAs are required to recertify every 5 years to keep the CMA credential current. All Certified Medical Assistants employed or seeking employment must have current status in order to use the CMA credential in connection with employment. Certification status is a matter of public record and may be verified by calling the AAMA. 

The requirement can be met in either of two ways: 

By earning 60 recertification points through continuing education 
By passing the AAMA CMA Certification/Recertification Exam 

Certified Medical Assistants who elect the continuing education route can choose from hundreds of CEU courses sponsored by local, state and national AAMA groups. Or, they can take advantage of self-study courses available through AAMA's Continuing Education Department. 

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010 due the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant. 

How much money can medical assistants earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $23,000 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $19,460 and $27,460 a year. The lowest 10% earned less than $16,700, and the highest 10% earned more than $32,850 a year. 

Excerpted from Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 edition. US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.