At ACI Medical & Dental School, we train our students for in-demand careers in the healthcare field. With jobs in the medical and dental fields growing at a much faster rate than other professions and more positions than employers can fill, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in healthcare.
With so many possible career paths to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. In our Career Comparison blog series, we’ll look at some different healthcare positions so you can make an informed choice. In this post, we’ll compare the Medical Assistant role vs. that of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
What is the Difference Between Medical Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)?
While these careers may seem similar and have some responsibilities in common, they are very different jobs.
Work Environment
A key difference between a Medical Assistant and an LPN lies in their workplace and schedule.
- A Medical Assistant can work in a variety of healthcare facilities including doctor’s offices, clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals. While their schedule will vary depending on their workplace, they can have the opportunity for a more standard 9 to 5 work week.
- Licensed Practical Nurse positions primarily exist in nursing care facilities, and home health care. LPNs tend to work long hours and must sometimes be on call any time of the day or night depending on their workplace.
Medical Assistants can work almost anywhere patient care is taking place, giving them significantly more job opportunities than an LPN.
Job Outlook
While both of these healthcare jobs have a promising outlook over the next decade, MA roles are growing significantly faster than other positions:
- Medical Assistant jobs are projected to grow 14% by 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Licensed Practical Nurse jobs are projected to grow 5% by 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Descriptions and Responsibilities
A Medical Assistant assists healthcare teams with both clinical and administrative tasks. Responsibilities include:
- Performing EKGs and Phlebotomy
- Assisting in exams and minor surgeries
- Taking vital signs
- Dressing wounds and administering medications
- Updating electronic health records (EHR)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides hands-on patient care alongside physicians and Registered Nurses (RN). Responsibilities include:
- Providing bedside care
- Performing checkups
- Observing and reporting patient health
- Conducting diagnostic tests
- Administering injections, dressing wounds, and giving medication
- Inserting catheters and starting IV drips
Education Requirements
Both of these positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), but from there they differ in the amount of education required.
- At ACI Medical & Dental School, students can be certified to become a Medical Assistant in just four months, with both day and evening classes available.
- Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse requires one or two years of full time nursing education depending on the program and institution.
Medical Assistant vs. LPN: Other Factors to Consider
When deciding between a career as a Medical Assistant (MA) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), consider the following factors:
Career Advancement:
- Medical Assistant: May advance to roles such as office manager, clinical supervisor, or specialize in areas like ophthalmology, OB/GYN, or podiatry. Further education can lead to becoming an RN or pursuing other healthcare roles.
- LPN: Can advance by gaining additional certifications or pursuing further education to become an RN, with opportunities for increased responsibilities and higher pay.
Certification and Licensing:
- Medical Assistant: Certification is optional but recommended for better job prospects, and required by some employers. Certifications include Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association.
- LPN: Licensing is mandatory, requiring passing the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses).
Personal Interest and Strengths:
- Medical Assistant: Ideal for those who enjoy both patient interaction and clinical as well as administrative tasks.
- LPN: Suited for those who prefer a more direct role in patient care and enjoy the clinical aspects of nursing.
Job Satisfaction:
- Medical Assistant: Often finds satisfaction in the variety of tasks and the ability to work in different medical specialties.
- LPN: May find fulfillment in providing direct patient care and making a significant impact on patient health and well-being.
Considering these factors will help you determine which career aligns best with your interests, strengths, and career goals.
Learn More About NJ Medical Assistant Certification
If you feel that the Medical Assistant career is right for you, contact ACI Medical & Dental School today. By completing our Medical Assistant Certification Program with EKG, Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician certifications, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to take on the responsibilities of a Clinical Medical Assistant in just four months.
Classes are starting soon! To learn more about this exciting new career opportunity and take the next step towards an in demand job in a growing industry, contact us today.
