I can tell you that you don't have to attend college to become a CNA. CNA programs usually run for about 4-5 weeks and are often free if you can find a program funded by the government.

I don't know what CMA is.

CNA's work under the supervision of a nurse.

Certified Medical Assistants are trained to work in doctor's offices. They learn to assist a doctor with simple procedures, set patients up in rooms, take vital signs, use EKG machines, and give simple meds, like vaccinations.

Certified Nursing Assistants are trained to do basic nursing care in places like nursing homes, home health, and hospitals.

Which one you choose depends on where you want to work. I think being a CMA is pretty limited. If you want to become a nurse, becoming a CNA is a better choice, because it puts you closer to what nurses generally do.

in ohio, they call us: STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant)
we go thru a 12 WEEK college class and learn enough to work in a nursing home effectivly. then pay a fee to be tested by the state; monitored by an RN.
and then we also have the PCA; patient care assistant.
that includes EKG's, cath inserts, wound care, vitals, feeding tube maintence, and basic beginning knowledge about blood draws for lab testings. for hospital's RN aides.
then we have the medical assistants for the "in doctors office".
a medical assistant can do all the set up so a doctor can just assess/diagnose/perscribe. she does do vaccinations, lab draws, EKG's, initial entrance stuff, and paperwork.
an aide is someone who makes the RN's job easier, if done correctly.
im not an RN (yet), but an STNA. i have done the schooling to get the PCA certificate. but i said all that to say, from my vantage point, i think an aide is just that. an aide to the RN : to make her/his job easier.
to free up the RN's attention for more skilled matters of nursing.
a good aide can make a huge difference in patient care.
a good aide can take care of alot of details that an RN shouldnt have to worry about.
(i happen to esteem RN's on a higher plane than alot of people.....so excuse me for my opinion there--and i hope someday to measure up so i can also be a RN)
God bless you
thank you nurses (and good aides) for all you do on a daily basis.
even if you do one thing --all shift --to help one individual person, you have done a great job. i am a voice that is cheering you on.
THANK YOU