Medical Assistant vs. Pharmacy Technician: Explaining the Difference in 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Choosing a healthcare career can be exciting, but with so many entry-level options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which path is right for you. Two of the most popular roles, medical assistant and pharmacy technician, may sound similar, but they offer very different responsibilities, work environments, and career trajectories. If you’re unsure which role better suits your interests and goals, you’re not alone.

This guide breaks down the key differences between medical assistants and pharmacy technicians, including their job duties, training requirements, salaries, and work settings. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of each role and be better equipped to choose the path that aligns with your strengths, lifestyle, and long-term aspirations.

Key things you should know about medical assistants vs. pharmacy technicians

Medical assistants are expected to see a 15% increase in demand from 2023 to 2033, while pharmacy technicians will experience a 7% growth over the same period.
Medical assistants often work in physicians' offices, outpatient care centers, and hospitals, while pharmacy technicians are primarily employed in pharmacies, hospitals, and outpatient healthcare services.
Medical assistants typically perform both administrative and clinical tasks, while pharmacy technicians focus on medication preparation, prescription filling, and assisting pharmacists in various healthcare settings.

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a pharmacy technician?
What are the responsibilities of a medical assistant?
How much do medical assistants earn on average?
What are the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician?
How much do pharmacy technicians earn on average?
What education is required to become a pharmacy technician vs. a medical assistant?
Which certification is more valuable: CMA or CPhT?
How do accredited programs and continuous education shape long-term career success?
What are the long-term career advancement opportunities beyond entry-level roles?
What is the return on investment for pharmacy technician and medical assistant careers?
What is the job growth rate for pharmacy techs vs. medical assistants?
What skills are needed to be a successful pharmacy tech or medical assistant?
Where do pharmacy technicians usually work compared to medical assistants?
Will Technological Advancements Reshape Pharmacy Technician and Medical Assistant Careers?
Other things you should know about medical assistants vs. pharmacy technicians

What is the difference between a medical assistant and a pharmacy technician?

The difference between a medical assistant and a pharmacy technician lies primarily in their roles, training, and work environments. Here are some examples:

Job Role: A medical assistant performs both clinical and administrative tasks. These include taking patient vitals, assisting with exams, scheduling appointments, and handling medical records and billing. A pharmacy technician focuses on pharmaceutical duties, including preparing medications, assisting pharmacists with prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring proper medication safety.
Work Environment: Medical assistants usually work in physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, and hospitals, where they have direct interaction with patients and support a wide range of medical procedures. Pharmacy technicians are typically employed in pharmacies, hospitals, outpatient healthcare services, or retail pharmacies, where they work closely with pharmacists and help manage medications and customer prescriptions.
Training & Education: Medical assistants generally need a diploma or associate degree in medical assisting, which can take about 1-2 years to complete, and they may pursue certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Pharmacy technicians typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a certificate program in pharmacy technology, which usually takes 6 months to a year, with certification options like the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

What are the responsibilities of a medical assistant?

So, what does a medical assistant do? Here's a breakdown of the individual responsibilities of a medical assistant with descriptions in the format you're asking for:

Taking Patient Vitals: Medical assistants are responsible for measuring and recording vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. These vitals are crucial for healthcare providers to assess a patient's condition and determine appropriate treatments.
Assisting with Medical Examinations: Medical assistants help prepare patients for examinations by positioning them properly and ensuring that the examination room is stocked with the necessary supplies. They may also assist physicians during procedures by handing instruments and offering support to patients.
Administering Medications and Injections: Under a physician’s direction, medical assistants may administer medications, injections, and vaccines. They ensure that the right dose is given and that the patient’s safety is prioritized during the process.
Drawing Blood and Collecting Samples: The clinical medical assistant job description also includes assisting drawing blood from patients for lab testing or collecting other types of samples like urine or sputum. They ensure proper technique and safety protocols to avoid complications.
Managing Patient Records: One of the key responsibilities of medical assistants is maintaining accurate patient records. This includes documenting patient medical histories, recording information about appointments and treatments, and updating patient charts during visits.
Scheduling Appointments: Medical assistants are responsible for scheduling patient appointments, confirming upcoming visits, and ensuring that the physician’s schedule is properly managed. This role helps maintain an organized workflow and ensures that patients receive timely care.
Answering Phones and Responding to Patient Inquiries: Medical assistants are often the first point of contact for patients, answering phone calls, responding to inquiries, and managing patient concerns. They relay messages between patients and healthcare providers and help coordinate the next steps for care.
Sterilizing Medical Equipment: It is crucial for medical assistants to ensure all medical instruments and equipment are properly cleaned and sterilized between uses. This helps prevent infections and ensures the safety of patients during procedures.

How much do medical assistants earn on average?

Medical assistants earn an average salary of $42,000 per year, or about $20.19 per hour, according to recent labor statistics. This makes the role an attractive option for those seeking a stable, entry-level healthcare job with a relatively short training period. Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, such as physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices, which may also influence their earning potential.

Salaries can vary based on factors like location, experience, certification, and the type of facility. The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $33,500 annually, while the top 10 percent earn more than $56,480. Those with specialized skills or working in high-demand urban areas often fall into the higher earning bracket. Earning a certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), can also improve salary prospects and job opportunities. This is also helpful when comparing roles like medical assistant vs certified nursing assistant, where certifications can significantly impact career advancement and pay.

Medical assistants earn $42,000 on average per year..png

What are the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician?

These responsibilities showcase the variety of tasks that pharmacy technicians perform to ensure medications are dispensed safely, efficiently, and accurately. They are crucial in supporting pharmacists and providing excellent service to patients.

Preparing Medications: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for accurately preparing medications as healthcare providers prescribe. This includes counting pills, measuring liquids, and labeling prescriptions to ensure that patients receive the correct dosage and medication.
Assisting with Prescription Orders: Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists to process and verify prescription orders. They ensure that prescriptions are filled correctly, check for potential drug interactions, and make sure all relevant patient information is included.
Managing Medication Inventory: A key responsibility of pharmacy technicians is managing and maintaining the inventory of medications. This includes ordering new stock, ensuring medications are properly stored, and conducting regular inventory checks to ensure no medication is expired or missing.
Providing Customer Service: Pharmacy technicians assist patients by answering questions about prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and general health inquiries. They provide excellent customer service by explaining medication usage and potential side effects and helping customers with refills.
Dispensing Medications: Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists by dispensing medications to patients. This includes verifying the prescription details, ensuring correct packaging, and providing proper labeling instructions for the medications.
Ensuring Medication Safety: Pharmacy technicians play an important role in ensuring medication safety by checking for drug interactions, verifying prescriptions, and monitoring medication expiry dates. They also help prevent errors in medication dispensing by double-checking their work.
Processing Insurance Claims: Pharmacy technicians assist in processing insurance claims for prescriptions, ensuring that patients' insurance details are accurate and updated. They also verify coverage and resolve issues related to insurance approvals or denials—skills that can also serve as a stepping stone for those exploring how to become a pharmaceutical sales rep, where knowledge of insurance processes and medication handling is highly valued.
Compounding Medications: In some settings, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for compounding medications, which involves mixing or preparing custom medications according to a doctor’s specific orders. This could include preparing creams, ointments, or specialized dosage forms.
Maintaining Records: Pharmacy technicians help manage and maintain detailed records of prescriptions, patient profiles, and medication refills. Accurate record-keeping ensures proper medication tracking and helps comply with state and federal regulations.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn on average?

On average, pharmacy technicians make around $40,300 per year, or approximately $19.37 an hour. This role offers a solid entry point into the healthcare industry, especially for those interested in medication and patient safety. While not the highest-paying healthcare position, it provides a reliable income with relatively low barriers to entry and opportunities for advancement through certification and specialization.

Earnings can differ based on your location, workplace setting, and level of experience. For example, the lowest 10 percent of pharmacy techs earn less than $32,720, while those in the top 10 percent bring in over $57,130 annually. Technicians working in hospitals or specialized outpatient centers often earn more than those in retail environments. Choosing to pursue advanced roles or certifications can also make a noticeable difference in your paycheck.

You may also want to compare the difference between patient care technician salary and pharmacy technician salary to help you make more informed decisions regarding the best healthcare career for you.

Pharmacy technicians earn around $40,300 per year..png

What education is required to become a pharmacy technician vs. a medical assistant?

Both pharmacy technicians and medical assistants play vital roles in the healthcare system, but their educational paths differ in certain aspects. Understanding the education and training requirements for each profession can help you make an informed decision if you're considering a career in healthcare. Below are the educational requirements needed to pursue each career and the necessary steps to get started.

Education Required to Become a Pharmacy Technician:

High School Diploma or Equivalent: The minimum education requirement for becoming a pharmacy technician is a high school diploma or its equivalent. This is the essential starting point before entering any training programs.
Pharmacy Technician Training Program: While not always mandatory, many pharmacy technicians complete formal training programs, which typically last 6 months to 1 year. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions—some of which are affiliated with online pharmacy school platforms—and they cover subjects like pharmacology, medication dispensing, pharmacy law, and drug safety.
Certification (Optional but Preferred): While certification is not always a requirement, many employers prefer pharmacy technicians to be certified. To earn certification, technicians usually take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Certification is especially helpful for career advancement.
Continuing Education: Certified pharmacy technicians are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits every two years. This helps technicians stay current on new pharmaceutical technologies, medication safety, and updated pharmacy laws.

Education Required to Become a Medical Assistant:

High School Diploma or Equivalent: Like pharmacy technicians, medical assistants are required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent before pursuing further training. Many students choose to enroll in programs offered by top medical assistant trade schools, which provide hands-on instruction and fast-track pathways into the healthcare field.
Medical Assistant Training Program: Medical assistants typically complete a formal training program that lasts 1 year for a certificate or 2 years for an associate degree. These programs are available through community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions, and they focus on both clinical skills (e.g., taking vitals, administering injections) and administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling, billing).
Certification (Optional but Preferred): While certification is not legally required, many employers prefer medical assistants to be certified. Certifications like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) are earned by passing exams after completing an accredited medical assistant program. Certification enhances employability and opportunities for advancement.
Continuing Education: Medical assistants with certifications may need to participate in continuing education to keep their skills and knowledge up to date, especially with changes in healthcare practices and technology.

Which certification is more valuable: CMA or CPhT?

When deciding between the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certifications, it’s essential to consider the specific career path, responsibilities, and potential job market demand for each role. Both certifications hold significant value in their respective fields, but the choice ultimately depends on your career goals and interests within healthcare.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): The CMA certification, awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), is highly recognized for medical assistants working in clinical, administrative, or both environments. The role includes tasks like taking patient histories, assisting with exams, administering medications, and performing laboratory tests. Many healthcare employers, especially physician offices and outpatient centers, prefer CMAs as they are seen as proficient in both clinical and administrative duties.
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT): The CPhT certification, offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), is highly valued in the pharmacy field. Certified pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, and ensuring medication safety. This certification is especially important in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and retail pharmacies where accuracy and medication knowledge are critical.

Overall, the CMA certification may be more valuable if you are interested in working in a variety of healthcare settings, as medical assistants have a broader range of duties. However, if you are more interested in working in pharmaceutical settings and developing expertise in medications, the CPhT certification offers specialized skills and knowledge. It may be more valuable if you want to work directly in the pharmacy field.

How do accredited programs and continuous education shape long-term career success?

Accredited programs and continuous education are pivotal in driving career advancement for both pharmacy technicians and medical assistants. Certified training from recognized institutions validates skill sets and enhances professional credibility, while specialized courses enable practitioners to adapt to evolving healthcare standards. Additionally, integrating advanced tools such as medical billing and coding software programs can streamline administrative tasks and improve operational efficiency. These targeted educational investments not only bolster immediate job prospects but also contribute to sustained salary growth and leadership opportunities over time.

What are the long-term career advancement opportunities beyond entry-level roles?

Healthcare professionals in these roles can progress into specialized or managerial positions through targeted professional development and ongoing education. By leveraging hands-on experience, industry certifications, and mentorship, both pharmacy technicians and medical assistants can transition into leadership or niche areas such as quality assurance, clinical research, or healthcare management. Advanced training and additional credentials can further boost career mobility and earning potential. For those considering an alternative pathway to broaden their managerial skills, exploring options like sports administration master's programs online may provide valuable insights applicable across various management sectors.

What is the return on investment for pharmacy technician and medical assistant careers?

Evaluating the return on investment involves balancing upfront training and certification costs against long‐term career earnings and advancement opportunities. Pharmacy technician programs generally require lower initial expenses and a shorter training period, while medical assistant education covers a broader skill set that can open diverse pathways within clinical and administrative sectors. In both cases, additional certifications and continuing education may further enhance earning potential, positioning each role as a strategic starting point for transitions into more advanced, lucrative positions, including some of the highest paid medical jobs. Choosing the optimal path requires a careful analysis of immediate financial commitments versus expected salary growth over time.

What is the job growth rate for pharmacy techs vs. medical assistants?

Both roles are in demand, but they grow at different rates and offer unique career paths depending on the healthcare setting. Here's how their projected job growth compares over the next decade.

Medical Assistants: The medical assisting field is expected to see a 15% increase in employment from 2023 to 2033, with the number of jobs rising from 783,900 to 901,900. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations and reflects the increasing need for support staff in clinics, outpatient centers, and physicians’ offices. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, especially in areas like preventive care and chronic disease management, medical assistants will play a key role in helping facilities run efficiently. This makes the career both stable and full of opportunity for new entrants to healthcare.
Pharmacy Technicians: Employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, increasing from 463,900 jobs to 497,200. Though slower than the growth for medical assistants, this rate still reflects consistent demand, particularly as pharmacies broaden their roles in patient care through services like vaccinations, medication therapy management, and health screenings. The aging population and increased access to prescription medications also contribute to the need for skilled pharmacy techs, especially those working in hospitals and outpatient care facilities where responsibilities tend to be more advanced.

Whether you are drawn to the hands-on patient care of a medical assistant or the medication-focused responsibilities of a pharmacy technician, both roles offer promising futures in healthcare. However, the growth rate and number of job openings may influence which path is right for you. The chart below clearly illustrates the projected employment trends for each career, helping you make a more informed decision based on long-term stability and demand.

What skills are needed to be a successful pharmacy tech or medical assistant?

Both pharmacy technicians and medical assistants require a unique set of skills to thrive in their respective healthcare roles. While there are some overlaps, each profession also demands specific competencies that contribute to its success. Below is a breakdown of the key skills needed for each role.

Skills Needed to Be a Successful Pharmacy Technician:

Attention to Detail: Pharmacy technicians must be meticulous when handling prescriptions, preparing medications, and maintaining inventory. A small mistake can have serious consequences, so precision is critical in every task.
Pharmaceutical Knowledge: A strong understanding of medications, dosages, drug interactions, and pharmacy laws is essential. This knowledge helps pharmacy technicians ensure proper medication preparation and patient safety.
Communication Skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to effectively communicate with pharmacists, doctors, and patients. Whether explaining medication instructions to a patient or communicating with healthcare providers about prescriptions, clear communication is essential.
Organizational Skills: With responsibilities that include managing medication inventories, handling prescriptions, and ensuring medication safety, pharmacy technicians must have excellent organizational skills to keep track of various tasks.
Customer Service Skills: While technical knowledge is crucial, pharmacy technicians also need to be able to assist customers with their prescriptions, answer questions, and provide support in a friendly and professional manner.

Skills Needed to Be a Successful Medical Assistant:

Clinical Skills: Medical assistants need to be proficient in clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, administering injections, performing EKGs, drawing blood, and assisting with exams. These hands-on skills are critical in ensuring patient care and comfort.
Administrative Skills: In addition to clinical duties, medical assistants handle administrative responsibilities like scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and processing insurance claims. Organizational skills and familiarity with medical office software are crucial for this aspect of the role.
Communication Skills: Medical assistants interact with patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Strong communication skills are necessary for explaining procedures to patients, taking medical histories, and ensuring that everyone involved is well-informed.
Multitasking: Medical assistants often juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, from assisting with patient exams to answering phone calls and updating patient charts. Being able to handle various responsibilities without compromising on quality is key to success in this field.
Empathy and Compassion: Medical assistants frequently work with patients who may be anxious or in pain. Having an empathetic and compassionate demeanor helps create a positive and supportive environment for patients.

You may also want to know the difference between EMT and MA, or between other types of medical assistants and entry-level healthcare workers.

Where do pharmacy technicians usually work compared to medical assistants?

Medical assistants and the pharmacy technician career path both play essential roles in healthcare, but they typically work in different environments with varied responsibilities. Below is a breakdown of where each profession commonly works, with average salary data included for pharmacy technicians and medical assistants.

Medical Assistants

Outpatient care centers: Medical assistants working in outpatient care centers earn an average of $46,090 per year. In these settings, they often handle both clinical and administrative tasks, such as preparing patients for exams, taking medical histories, and assisting healthcare providers with minor procedures. The work is more specialized, focusing on preventive and diagnostic care.
Hospitals (state, local, and private): Medical assistants in hospitals earn about $44,350 annually. These professionals assist in patient intake, preparation for procedures, and basic patient care tasks. Hospitals may offer more complex and varied duties, including assisting with surgeries, lab work, or helping patients through post-operative recovery.
Offices of physicians: Working in doctors' offices, medical assistants earn an average of $40,670 per year. These assistants are the backbone of a medical practice, handling everything from administrative work such as scheduling appointments and billing to clinical duties like taking vital signs and preparing exam rooms for patient visits.
Offices of other health practitioners: Medical assistants in specialized practices, such as chiropractors, podiatrists, or physical therapists, typically earn $36,480 per year. These roles focus on supporting niche health practices with patient intake, assisting with treatments, and performing specific office tasks tailored to the specialty.
Specialty clinics (OB-GYN, pediatrics): In specialized medical offices, medical assistants often work directly with specific patient groups, providing targeted care. These settings may require more specialized training and often involve more direct interaction with patients in a focused, one-on-one environment.

Pharmacy Technicians

Ambulatory healthcare services: These include outpatient care centers and clinics, where pharmacy technicians earn an average of $48,270 per year. In these settings, technicians are more likely to be involved in specialized tasks such as compounding medications, preparing sterile products, and working closely with pharmacists in clinical environments.
Hospitals (state, local, and private): Pharmacy technicians in hospitals typically earn about $47,940 annually. These roles often involve working in high-pressure environments with a focus on preparing medications for inpatients, ensuring the correct dosages, and handling critical medications in fast-paced hospital settings.
General merchandise retailers: Pharmacy technicians working for large retail chains, like Walmart or Target, earn approximately $44,500 per year. These positions often require multitasking, as techs manage both customer service and pharmaceutical responsibilities, such as prescription filling and over-the-counter medication assistance.
Grocery and specialty food retailers: In grocery store pharmacies, technicians earn an average of $37,420 annually. Here, pharmacy techs assist with prescription refills, customer inquiries, and managing medications, while also helping maintain the overall pharmacy's stock and organization in a retail setting.
Pharmacies and drug retailers: Traditional retail pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, employ a significant number of pharmacy technicians, who typically earn around $37,370 annually. These roles often involve managing inventory, providing customer service, and ensuring prescriptions are filled accurately and efficiently.

The work environments for pharmacy technicians and medical assistants are quite distinct, with pharmacy techs mainly employed in retail, hospital, and outpatient pharmacy settings, while medical assistants are found across a range of healthcare practices, from physicians’ offices to specialized clinics. Each role offers unique opportunities depending on the setting you prefer. The chart below provides a clear visual comparison of the average salaries and employment settings for both professions.

Will Technological Advancements Reshape Pharmacy Technician and Medical Assistant Careers?

Emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and digital health platforms are progressively transforming routine responsibilities in both roles. Pharmacy technicians face integration of robotic dispensing systems and AI-driven inventory controls that may shift their focus from manual tasks to oversight and specialized technical support. Similarly, medical assistants are increasingly required to navigate advanced telehealth interfaces and sophisticated electronic health record systems, enhancing patient data management while streamlining administrative tasks. Monitoring these trends and acquiring relevant digital competencies can provide a competitive edge and open pathways to high paying biology jobs and other technology-enhanced healthcare careers.

Here’s what graduates have to say about their medical assistant and pharmacy technician degrees:

Becoming a medical assistant has opened so many doors for me. I get to work directly with patients every day, and there's something incredibly fulfilling about making a real difference in someone's healthcare journey. It’s a rewarding career with a lot of variety, and I love that I’m constantly learning and growing in the field. – Gwen

After I became a pharmacy technician, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the precision and responsibility involved in the job. Working in a fast-paced pharmacy setting requires attention to detail, and it’s incredibly satisfying to know that I’m playing a crucial role in ensuring patient safety through medication management. Plus, the job security and demand are great! – Tom

I chose medical assisting because I wanted to be involved in both administrative and clinical work, and it’s been a perfect fit. I handle everything from patient records to assisting with exams, which keeps me engaged. The best part is knowing that I'm part of a healthcare team that truly helps people, and the career growth potential is fantastic. – Stacey

Key Findings

You can become a certified pharmacy technician or medical assistant in under a year, depending on the program and whether it’s full-time or part-time.
Pharmacy technicians earn an average salary of $40,300 per year, with top earners making over $57,130 annually.
Medical assistants have a slightly higher average salary of $42,000 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $56,480.
Employment for medical assistants is expected to grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033, adding over 118,000 new jobs during that period.
Pharmacy technician jobs are projected to grow by 7% over the same decade, increasing from 463,900 in 2023 to 497,200 in 2033.

Other things you should know about medical assistants vs. pharmacy technicians

Who has a better work-life balance, medical assistants or pharmacy techs?

Medical assistants often enjoy a more predictable schedule, especially those working in outpatient clinics or private practices with standard business hours and weekends off. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, may work evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the pharmacy setting, particularly in hospitals or 24-hour retail chains, which can make their schedules less consistent. Overall, medical assistants tend to have a slightly better work-life balance due to the typical hours in their work environments.

Is it easier to become a medical assistant or a pharmacy technician?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is generally considered more accessible because it often requires less clinical training and can be completed with a short certification program or on-the-job training in some states. Medical assistants, however, usually undergo broader training that covers both clinical and administrative skills, which can take longer and may require an externship. While both paths are achievable, pharmacy tech roles may have a slightly lower entry barrier.

Do you need a degree to be a pharmacy technician or medical assistant?

Neither career path strictly requires a degree, but completing a certificate or diploma program is highly recommended—and sometimes required—for both. Medical assistants often attend accredited programs that take 9–12 months, while pharmacy technicians may complete shorter certification courses or receive on-the-job training. Although an associate's degree can improve job prospects, many professionals in both fields begin working without one.

Is the PTCB exam harder than the CMA exam?

The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam focuses heavily on pharmaceutical knowledge, including medication safety, pharmacy law, and calculations, which can be challenging for those without a strong background in math or science. The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam covers a broader range of topics—clinical procedures, administrative tasks, and general healthcare knowledge—but is considered more manageable for those with a well-rounded training program. The difficulty of each exam often depends on the individual's strengths and the quality of their preparation.

References:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). OOH: Medical Assistants. https://www.bls.gov
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). OOH: Pharmacy Technicians. https://www.bls.gov