How Does LPN Salary Compare to Medical Assistant Salary?

LPNs and Medical assistants both provide vital services in the healthcare industry. But what are the key differences between the two positions? And how does LPN salary compare to medical assistant salary?

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Job descriptions

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) hold two of the most popular positions in the medical field. Though their job descriptions and duties are similar, there are important differences between these two roles. Medical assistants typically have more clinical responsibilities, while LPNs have more nursing responsibilities. As a result, LPN salary is usually higher than medical assistant salary.

Duties

The duties of an LPN are much different than those of a medical assistant. An LPN is responsible for providing basic nursing care to patients. This may include taking vital signs, monitoring patients’ health, and providing basic patient care. Medical assistants, on the other hand, are responsible for more administrative and clerical tasks. They may schedule appointments, file medical records and process insurance claims.

Education

LPN Salary vs. Medical Assistant Salary: Which is better for you?

The average LPN salary is $42,480, while the average medical assistant salary is $30,590. That’s a difference of $11,890. But which position is better for you? The answer depends on your goals and interests.

LPNs have more responsibility than medical assistants. They supervise patients and provide bedside care. They also administer medications and injections, start IVs, dress wounds, take vital signs, and more. LPNs also have more opportunity for advancement than medical assistants. Many LPNs eventually become RNs.

Medical assistants, on the other hand, perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling billing and insurance paperwork. They also take patient histories and record vital signs. They may also prepare patients for examination, help with lab work, give injections, and assist with minor surgery.

Training

The main difference between licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and medical assistants (MAs) is the level of training they receive. LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program, which typically takes about 1 year to complete. MAs, on the other hand, can receive on-the-job training or may complete a certificate or diploma program, which typically takes about 9 months to a year to complete.

Certification

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses both provide care to patients, but there are some key differences in their duties and responsibilities. LPNs are licensed health care professionals who have completed a formal education program, while medical assistants typically have on-the-job training. LPNs may provide more direct patient care than medical assistants, but medical assistants typically earn more money. Here’s a closer look at the duties, responsibilities and salaries of these two important health care roles.

Certification
Both medical assistants and LPNs must be licensed in most states. To become an LPN, you must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). To become a certified medical assistant, you must pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will grow by 12% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population will need more long-term care as they age, and LPNs will be needed to provide this care. In addition, as the emphasis on preventive care increases, there will be a greater need for LPNs in outpatient facilities, such as doctors’ offices and clinics.

Salary

In order to best compare the two positions, let’s look at the median salary for each profession. As of May 2018, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for licensed practical nurses was $45,930 during the same time period, the BLS reports.

Pros and cons

There are pros and cons to both becoming an LPN and a medical assistant. It really depends on your goals and what you hope to accomplish in your career. Here is a comparison of the two roles:

LPNs have more responsibility than medical assistants. They must complete a certified nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. In some states, they must also complete a state-approved exam. LPNs are responsible for tasks such as taking patient vital signs, applying dressings, monitoring patients for changes in condition, and giving injections. They also provide emotional support to patients and families.

Medical assistants do not need to complete an accredited program or pass an exam. Their duties are typically less hands-on than those of an LPN, such as scheduling appointments and updating Medical records Medical assistants may also take vitals, but they are not allowed to give injections or apply dressings in most states.

LPNs make slightly more money than medical assistants on average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an LPN was $46,240 in 2018, while the median annual salary for a medical assistant was $33,610. However, keep in mind that salaries vary depending on location and experience.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and physicians’ offices. Most LPNs work full time, although some work part time. Some may work evenings, nights, or weekends.

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of health care professionals. They perform these tasks in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate from an accredited program; however, some states allow them to be licensed without any formal education. Most medical assistants work full time. Some may be required to work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients.

The median annual wage for LPNs was $46,240 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,420. In May 2019, the median annual wages for medical assistants were $33,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,610.

Medical assistants (MAs)

Medical assistants (MAs) work under the supervision of licensed physicians and perform both clinical and administrative tasks. LPNs, on the other hand, are licensed practical nurses who have completed a state-approved educational program and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. Although both positions may require on-the-job training, MAs typically have less responsibility and fewer patient contact hours than LPNs.

In terms of salary, medical assistants earn a median hourly wage of $15.21, or $31,540 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $10.73 per hour, or $22,330 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $21.36 per hour, or $44,410 per year. In comparison, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly wage of $19.97, or $41,480 per year. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $14.57 per hour, or $30,280 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $27.73 per hour, or $57,690 per year.