What’s the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and an LPN?

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare but are unsure of which route to take, you may be wondering what the difference is between a medical assistant and an LPN.

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Job duties

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) both work under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse in ambulatory care settings, such as clinics and doctor’s offices. They perform many of the same duties, such as taking medical histories, preparing patients for examination, measuring vital signs, giving injections and removing sutures. Both Medical Assistants and LPNs may also take X-rays, collect lab specimens and provide patient education.

Training and education

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) both work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses to provide care to patients, but there are some key differences in their training and education.

Medical assistants generally have completed a formal medical assisting program, which typically lasts one year. These programs include both classroom and clinical instruction in various medical procedures and skills, such as taking medical histories and measuring vital signs. In contrast, LPNs complete a formal educational program that lasts between nine months and two years. These programs focus on more comprehensive medical training, including instruction in nursing skills, such as how to give injections and start intravenous fluids. both roles may also require passing a certification exam.

While medical assistants and LPNs both play an important role in providing patient care, their duties do differ somewhat. Medical assistants generally provide more administrative support, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. In contrast, LPNs focuses more on direct patient care activities, such as dressings wounds and checking patients’ vital signs. Ultimately, the specific duties of each role will depend on the needs of the individual healthcare facility.

Salary and job outlook

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) both work in healthcare, but their duties, responsibilities, and salaries differ. Here’s a look at the key ways these two roles are different.

Medical assistants generally have less responsibility than LPNs. Their duties might include taking patients’ vital signs, giving injections, scheduling appointments, and preparing patients for exams. LPNs generally have more responsibility than medical assistants. In addition to the duties medical assistants perform, LPNs might also administer medications, change dressings, collect specimens, and monitor patients’ progress.

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for LPNs was $43,170 during the same time period.

The job outlook for medical assistants is much better than the job outlook for LPNs. The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29% from 2016 to 2026, whereas employment of LPNs is only projected to grow 9% during that time period.

Licensure

There are quite a few differences between medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Let’s start with the biggest one: licensure. In order to work as an LPN, you must have a license from your state’s board of nursing. In order to get this license, you must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Skills

The skills necessary to be a successful medical assistant are wide-ranging, and the best candidates are those with a diverse skillset. However, there are some skills that are essential for all medical assistants, regardless of their specific duties. These essential skills include:

– Communication: Medical assistants must be able to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team. They need to be able to explain procedures and provide instructions to patients.
– Organizational: Medical assistants must be able to keep track of patients’ medical records schedule appointments, and manage other office tasks.
– Interpersonal: Medical assistants must be able to work well with others and build rapport with patients.
– Technical: Medical assistants must be comfortable using computers and other office equipment. They may also need to perform basic medical procedures, such as taking vital signs or drawing blood.

Work environment

Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) both work in the healthcare field, but their job duties, responsibilities, and educational requirements are different.

Medical assistants typically work in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. They perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and updating Medical records They also perform clinical duties, such as taking patient histories and vital signs. Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary medical assisting program. Some states require medical assistants to be certified.

LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices. They provide basic nursing care. They take patient vital signs, give injections, change dressings, bathe patients, and provide other personal care services. LPNs must have a license to practice. Most states require LPNs to complete an accredited practical nursing program.

Career growth

The demand for both medical assistants and licensed practical nurses is expected to grow at a rate of about 20% through the year 2026, much faster than the growth rate for most other occupations.

Medical assistants perform many administrative and clinical tasks in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They typically work full time and do not usually work evenings or weekends.

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, although some have completed formal medical assisting programs. Others have completed on-the-job training lasting several months to a year. Most states do not regulate medical assistants, although a few states require them to take an exam or complete a formal education program to be eligible to work.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Most LPNs/LVNs work full time, although about 1 out of 5 worked part time in 2016. Many LPNs/LVNs work evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts. Some LPNs/LVNs are on call.

LPNs/LVNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass a national licensing exam to become licensed. To maintain their license, they must complete continuing education courses throughout their career.

Job satisfaction

While there are some similarities between medical assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), there are also some important differences. The most obvious difference is the amount of education and training each profession requires. Medical assistants typically have less schooling and on-the-job training than LPNs. LPNs must pass a state licensing exam, whereas medical assistants are not required to be licensed in most states.

Another important difference is the scope of practice for each profession. Medical assistants generally have less responsibility and Autonomy than LPNs. LPNs can administer certain medications, start IVs, and provide basic patient care, whereas medical assistants typically do not have these responsibilities.

The third major difference between these two professions is job satisfaction. A recent survey found that 86% of LPNs were satisfied with their jobs, compared to just 66% of medical assistants. This may be due to the increased responsibility and autonomy that LPNs have, as well as the higher level of patient contact they typically enjoy.

Pros and cons

There are many different types of healthcare providers, each with their own unique set of responsibilities. Medical assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are two such roles, and while they both provide important patient care, there are some key differences between the two. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each profession to help you decide which one is right for you.

Medical Assistant
Pros:
-Can perform a wide variety of duties, including taking vitals, drawing blood, and administering injections
-Work under the supervision of a physician
-Can work in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals

Cons:
-May have less opportunity for patient interaction than an LPN
-May have less opportunity for advancement than an LPN

Takeaway

You may be wondering what the difference is between a medical assistant and an LPN. Both professions are in the healthcare field and work with patients, but there are some key differences.

Medical assistants are lower on the totem pole than LPNs. They generally have less training and are not licensed. Medical assistants can perform basic clinical tasks like taking vital signs and drawing blood, but they cannot administer medications or start IVs.

LPNs, on the other hand, are licensed nurses who have gone through an accredited nursing program. They have more training than medical assistants and can perform more complex tasks, such as starting IVs, administering medications, and changing dressings.