Licensed Practical Nurse or Medical Assistant? Which One is Better Career Option?

These jobs sometimes need to be corrected because of modest overlaps in their job descriptions. Medical assistants and licensed practical nurses follow the direction of registered nurses (RNs). Most medical assistants perform their duties at hospitals or clinics. Practical nurses are allowed to work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Both are accessible in hospitals, but each has different duties.

Medical assistants carry out both administrative and clinical tasks. They can book patient visits, fill out insurance applications, and record patient data in an office. They assist doctors with patient examinations, vital sign-taking, injection administration, and dressing changes.

Practical nurses are more in charge of the component of medicine that involves providing care. They are to give patients fundamental medical care, such as taking blood pressure and ensuring their comfort. In some states, LPNs are authorized to initiate IV drips and deliver medication.

MAs are typically seen as specialists because they work with patients in their rooms, keep track of their medical information, and monitor their vital signs during outpatient appointments. LPNs are the health care providers who carry out daily checkups for patient visits and deliver medication.

LPN vs. MA: Education and Training

Suppose you are thinking about a career in one of these sectors. You might be interested in learning more about LPN classes and the education and training needed to get started. If you want to access healthcare as quickly as possible, choose a profession as a medical assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many states don’t require formal education for this career. Potential MAs might benefit from enrolling in a Medical Assisting post-secondary program. These courses can be completed in one to two years. They contain laboratory work as well as anatomy and medical terminology lessons.

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LPNs need to meet more exciting requirements. Candidates must finish a practical nursing program from top licensed practical nursing schools that have received state approval. It may take 14-15 months to complete this. After graduating, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to be qualified to work as an LPN.

What are the Career Differences Between an LPN and a Medical Assistant?

Understanding the differences between an LPN and a medical assistant is important before making a career decision.

A license is Not Required for Medical Assistants –

A medical assistant has the option to get registered or certified after finishing a program in medical assisting. A license differs from registration and certification; they cannot be used interchangeably. Practical nurses may take the license examination after completing their nursing education. Although licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are permitted to practice their abilities, most states demand that LPNs be supervised by registered nurses when carrying out specific tasks or assessments.

Medical assistants are unable to practice independently. A physician’s medical license governs them. A licensed physician must first approve a medical assistant’s ability to practice before allowing the MA to use their medical license.

Medical assistants are not allowed to possess licenses. They are not allowed to work in nursing homes supported by the government or long-term care institutions. LPNs, though, might.

LPNs can Learn More About Clinical Skills –

There are variances between MAs and LPNs, even though some of their classes may be similar. Due to state restrictions that govern how LPNs perform their jobs, MAs and LPNs may have different skill sets. While they study nursing, LPNs receive some clinical competence training. In medical assistant schools, these abilities are not included.

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Conclusion

In a hospital or doctor’s office, most medical assistant jobs entail clinical and administrative tasks. Among the clerical duties are scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and finishing billing codes. Blood is drawn, vital signs are checked, and a patient’s medical history is taken.

LPNs frequently offer patient care while supervised by a doctor or licensed nurse. This includes feeding patients through tubes, caring for patients who need ventilators, and assisting with wound care. LPNs frequently provide long-term or chronic care for patients. State laws often regulate LPN responsibilities. Verve College of Nursing offers nursing assistant programs in Illinois that prepare students both theoretically and practically in the field of nursing.