What is the difference between a certified nursing assistant and a medical assistant (back office)?

CNAs do the dirty work and have completed a 4 week program. They do a lot of cleaning, hygine and running around the nurses don't want to do. A Medical Assistant is very similar to an LPN. They get vital signs, can give shots, start IVs and take blood. The assist the doctors and nurses without getting into the dirty work. MAs make about $14-15 starting out and don't have the physical demands a CNA does and MAs get much more respect. Most MAs (and now they are getting stricter) have Assocaties Degrees. I have my Associates in Applied Science - Medical Assisting and don't necessarly use it (I work in Respiratory Therapy) as an MA, but hey, I've got a college degree, make good money, love my job and never have I had to clean a floor or wipe a bottom. Good luck!