Can You Change from a CMA Job to an LPN Position?

The healthcare sector offers a wide variety of employment options. Not all call for years of school and expertise. Examples of these jobs are licensed vocational nurses and medical assistants. Both vocations can be finished in one year or less and have a high job potential. Although medical assistants can obtain vocational nursing licenses, doing so necessitates additional coursework and passing a state licensing examination.

Certified Medical Assistants

Statistics show that medical assistants are in charge of administrative and clinical duties in healthcare facilities. Scheduling, maintaining records, filing, making appointments, managing insurance information, and coordinating the collection of laboratory specimens are all administrative duties. In addition to preparing patients for their surgeries, many clinical jobs involve:

• Gathering patient histories.
• Taking vital signs.
• Changing dressings.
• Setting up treatment rooms.
• Educating patients about their medications, diets, and aftercare.

Related Article:- 7 Effective Reasons to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

Even though medical assistants are not required to hold a license, individuals may do so and become certified medical assistants (CMAs). While some opt to train through community or vocational colleges, others choose to receive their training on the job. These courses typically last less than a year when taken full-time. However, some institutions offer associate degrees in medical assistance that can take up to two years to complete.

Licensed Vocational (Practical Nurses)

In some states, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are another name for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). They deliver patient care while being supervised by doctors and licensed nurses. According to the report, each state has regulations regarding the LVNs’ field of practice. However, it frequently involves gathering samples for lab testing, helping with medical or nursing operations, recording patient histories, updating patient charts, taking vital signs, and updating patient records. Additionally, they can start IV lines and administer medicine in some areas. Some states allow LVNs to hold supervisory positions.

To become a licensed vocational nurse, you must finish a training course at a community college or vocational school. After completing the LPN classes, which take 12-14 months of full-time study, students receive a diploma. After finishing the curriculum, individuals must pass the National Council’s Licensure Examination-PN.

Get Your Nursing Career Training Readiness Score Now!

Medical Assistants Who want to Become LPN

In addition to making more money than medical assistants, licensed practical nurses have a more comprehensive range of practice and career options. Some medical assistants decide to train to be vocationally licensed nurses.

A medical assistant might apply to a licensed vocational nursing diploma program to transition from a CMA to an LVN or LPN. If the medical assistant has completed LPN weekend classes at the college level, these credits may be applied toward the requirements for the vocational nursing diploma. Each school must decide how to handle this.