If you were to choose a healthcare career, would you prefer providing direct patient care or managing administrative tasks? The healthcare field offers a myriad of opportunities for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives. Two popular career choices are medical assistant and licensed practical nurse (LPN). Understanding the key differences between these two professions, or in other words, the “medical assistant vs lpn” debate, can help you make an informed decision about your future career path.
In this blog post, we will compare the roles and responsibilities, tasks, work environments, education and training requirements, salary, and job outlook for medical assistants and LPNs in the context of medical assistant vs lpn. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of which healthcare career path might be the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways
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Medical assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have distinct roles, qualifications, and responsibilities in the healthcare industry.
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The job outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow 18%, significantly higher than the 9% growth projected for LPNs over the same period.
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Carefully consider interests, strengths and long term career goals when deciding between a Medical Assistant or LPN role.
Defining Medical Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional providing support in clinical settings. Operating under the guidance of healthcare providers, they contribute significantly to the smooth operation of medical offices and clinics.
On the other hand, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nursing professional responsible for providing direct patient care and clinical support in various settings such as acute care hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
While medical assistants and licensed practical nurses may share some similar responsibilities, there are potential points of differentiation according to labor statistics. LPNs attain their skills through condensed vocational programs, learning to provide basic medical care. In contrast, registered nurses (RNs) undergo comprehensive college and bachelor’s degree programs spanning several years to qualify.
Tasks and Responsibilities Comparison
Unveiling the specific tasks and responsibilities of medical assistants and LPNs will clarify their differences. Keep in mind that both professions involve providing patient care under the supervision of an RN and/or physician, but the level of care and additional duties may vary.
Medical assistants typically perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing medical records, and answering phones
Medical Assistant Tasks
Medical assistants acquire expertise to thrive in a healthcare environment. They have a thorough understanding of both clinical and administrative tasks. This enables them to work under the guidance of physicians or other healthcare professionals. In terms of patient care, they may be responsible for:
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taking vital signs
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collecting patient measurements
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administering immunizations
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collecting lab specimens
It is customary for medical assistants to undertake a combination of patient care and administrative responsibilities in their daily work.
Medical assistants undertake a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. These can include:
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Answering telephones
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Scheduling appointments
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Coordinating appointments and laboratory services
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Updating patient records
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Coding and completing insurance forms
These tasks ensure the efficient and smooth operation of the physician’s office or clinic, in addition to the basic patient care tasks mentioned above.
LPN Tasks
Licensed Practical Nurses primarily gain training to offer basic patient care and clinical support under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. LPNs manage many of the same clinical duties as medical assistants but regularly carry out more intricate procedures. Their responsibilities include:
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Altering bandages and wound dressings
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Catheterization
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Aiding patients with personal hygiene care
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Administering medications
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Initiating IVs (in accordance with local policies and regulations)
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Executing other tasks assigned within patient care plans.
Beyond the above-mentioned tasks, LPNs handle:
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Wound dressing
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Patient medical history documentation
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Intravenous therapy insertion
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Patient education about treatments
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Catheter and tube changes
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Patient personal care
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Report creation for the primary care provider
This highlights the more extensive patient care responsibilities of LPNs compared to medical assistants.
Work Environments and Settings
Medical assistants and LPNs can be found working in a range of healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. In the realm of lpns and medical assistants, medical assistants are most likely to be employed in the offices of physicians, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and chiropractic offices. Their job duties may vary depending on the specific healthcare facility and the needs of the supervising physician.
On the other hand, LPNs typically work in the following settings:
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Nursing and residential care facilities
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State, local, and private hospitals
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Physician’s offices
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Home healthcare services
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Government roles
They may work on shifted schedules, covering a few days of long shifts each week. They may also be kept on-call for emergency shifts.
This highlights the potential differences in work environments and schedules between medical assistants and LPNs.
Education and Training Requirements
Having grasped the tasks and work environments of medical assistants and LPNs, we will now investigate the education and training requirements for both professions.
The path to becoming a medical assistant or LPN involves different educational and training programs, as well as varying requirements for certification and licensure.
Medical Assistant Education
Most employers require medical assistants to possess either an associate degree in medical assisting or a medical assistant certification. Those aspiring to become medical assistants may choose to complete either a diploma program or an associate degree program, which can take anywhere from 9 months to 2 years to complete.
While there are no licensing requirements for most medical assistants, enrolling in medical assistant programs and obtaining a certification such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT) can lead to better employment and earning opportunities as a certified medical assistant.
Note that medical assistants don’t need to secure any licensing before starting their work. Certain states require licensing for medical assistants if they perform specific clinical tasks. Licensing mandates generally vary from state to state. In these cases, obtaining a certification can be essential and beneficial for career growth.
LPN Education
Becoming an LPN necessitates the completion of an accredited educational program, such as a certificate or diploma. These types of programs usually take one year to complete. Community colleges, technical schools, high schools and hospitals all offer these programs. They can be found in such places. After completing their education, aspiring LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam to become licensed. It is important for LPNs to renew their license every two years through the completion of continuing education credits.
The process of becoming an LPN involves more specific formal training compared to medical assistants, as they are responsible for more complex clinical tasks. Thus, it is essential for aspiring LPNs to complete a state-approved and accredited practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed.
Salary and Job Outlook Comparison
Grasping the salary and job outlook for both medical assistants and LPNs will guide you in making an informed career decision in healthcare.
We will examine the average salary, earnings influencers, and projected job growth for both professions.
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Earn?
The compensation package in the medical assistant profession is appealing. On average, a medical assistant can earn $42,375 per year. Salary can vary greatly depending on multiple factors, including:
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Experience
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Education
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Certification
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Industry
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Location
The lowest-paid 10 percent earned approximately $29,000, while the highest 10 percent earned in excess of $48,000.
Medical assistants working in outpatient care centers tend to earn a higher average salary of $44,680 per annum. Additionally, certain states and cities offer higher remuneration for medical assistants. Obtaining a certification, such as the CCMA or RMA, can also lead to better employment and earning opportunities.
How Much Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Earn?
LPNs have a median annual wage of $48,070, with the bottom 10 percent earning less than $37,000 per year and the top 10 percent earning over $63,700 annually. The mean annual salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse is $59,576 per annum. Factors that influence the earnings of LPNs include:
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Education
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Experience
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Employer
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Location
Some industries, states, and cities provide LPNs with higher compensation. Notably, LPNs typically earn more than medical assistants, a significant consideration when comparing the two professions.
Medical Assistant vs. LPN: Job Outlook
The future job prospects for medical assistants and LPNs are promising. Medical assistants are projected to have a 19% job growth from 2020-30, whereas LPNs are projected to have a 9% job growth during the same period. This suggests that medical assistants may have a greater demand than LPNs in the coming years.
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, significantly faster than the average for all other occupations. This is an exciting prospect for those looking to work in this field. On the other hand, LPN employment is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 60,700 yearly job openings over the decade. This information can be helpful when considering the long-term job outlook and stability for both professions.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
The time it takes to become a medical assistant varies across different programs. Some programs can be completed in a minimum period of 9 months, while others may take up to two years. It is important to consider the time commitment and program duration when deciding to pursue a career as a medical assistant.
In summary, the time required to become a medical assistant varies with the program, with most taking between 4 months and 2 years. This relatively short time frame can be an attractive feature for those seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Typically, it takes 12-18 months to meet the educational and training requirements to become an LPN. This involves completing an approved educational certificate or diploma program, which can be found in:
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Community colleges
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Technical schools
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High schools
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Hospitals
After completing their education, aspiring LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam to become licensed.
While the time commitment to become an LPN is relatively short compared to other nursing professions, such as registered nurses, it is essential to consider the duration of the necessary education and training when deciding to pursue a career as an LPN.
Choosing Your Healthcare Career Path: Medical Assistant or LPN?
Having examined the tasks, work environments, education, salary, and job outlook for medical assistants and LPNs, you might be contemplating which healthcare career path suits you best. Your decision will ultimately depend on your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals.
If you prefer a balance of administrative tasks and direct patient care, a medical assistant role may be the right choice for you. Medical assisting can provide a strong basis for pursuing other healthcare-related opportunities in medical institutions or physicians’ offices. On the other hand, if you are passionate about providing more extensive patient care and are willing to invest in the necessary education and training, becoming an LPN could be an ideal choice.
For a well-informed decision, consider observing medical assistants and LPNs in their clinical setting to understand their typical workdays better. This firsthand experience can help you determine which job is more compatible with your interests and long-term career goals.
Summary
In conclusion, both medical assistants and licensed practical nurses play essential roles in the healthcare field. Medical assistants typically provide a mix of administrative and basic patient care tasks, while LPNs focus more on direct patient care and slightly more complex clinical duties. The work environments for both professions may vary, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, as well as the education, salary, and job outlook.
Choosing between a career as a medical assistant or LPN will depend on your personal preferences, strengths, and long-term career aspirations. By considering the information presented in this blog post and observing these professionals in a clinical setting, you can make a well-informed decision about which healthcare career path is the best fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LPN higher than MA?
It is clear that an LPN has more clinical training and licensure than a Medical Assistant, making it the higher qualification of the two.
What position is higher than a medical assistant?
Experience and further education can lead medical assistants into leadership roles such as healthcare managers, healthcare administrators and nurses, each of which is higher than a medical assistant.
Can you go from a MA to a LPN?
There are few direct programs to transition from MA to LPN, but there may be online programs and regular LPN programs available. Clinical experience may still be necessary.
What can a nurse do that a medical assistant can t?
Nurses can independently assess their patients and provide more medications, including IV medications, perform advanced wound care and place invasive lines; all tasks that medical assistants are not trained to do. Furthermore, nurses are also trained to write patient care plans, a task which medical assistants cannot do.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
Becoming a medical assistant typically requires 9 months to 2 years of education and training.
