Evidence LPN's may be "phased" out

[Miwila]

I know this is a redundant debate but a friend of mine is insisting the future trend in healthcare favors MA's over LPN's. My question is are there any signs on the horizon's that MA's will even replace LPN's in LTC (I personally don't see how this is possible), or that colleges will start having MA-LPN programs? Because to me those would be the true indicators that the title of this thread is accurate. So does my friend know something I don't?

[carolc64]

Where I am, I don't see any indication of this. I work in a pediatric hospital outpatient clinic in a teaching hospital.

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

your friend is mistaken. :)

[navdoc1]

Thats a laugh. RNs and patients alike would be in a world of hurt then.

[Miwila]

I meant to ask about the possibility of MA-RN bridge programs.

[carolc64]

Miwila,

I have not seen any MA-RN bridge programs in accredited schools in my state. I'm fairly familiar with the available programs as I have researched LPN-RN programs (those are plentiful).

Carol

[caliotter3]

Think it through, MAs work under the license of an MD. So it is highly unlikely that very many MDs are going to get involved with LTC facilities just so they can be responsible for the work of MAs. LPNs work in LTC facilities under their own license, so they are more useful in that respect.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

There are no MAs working in NYC LTCs.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The medical model is distinct and separate from the nursing model.

MAs fall under the medical model. LPNs and RNs work under the nursing model. MA-to-RN bridge programs cannot exist at the present time because the school would be attempting to create a bridge from the medical model to the nursing model.

However, LPN-to-RN bridge programs flourish because both designations (LPN and RN) are a part of the nursing model.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I think that your friend is wrong. If you compare the education between Medical Assistants and Practical Nurses, it is like comparing apples to watermelons. Yes, you learn some similar things, but the Medical Assistant is basically taught to run an office, while a nurse is taught in 4 major domains in their nursing program- Med/Surg, Pediatrics, Maternal Health and Psych. In addition, LPNs and RNs alike have to be licensed, while there is no regulation of whether or not Medical Assistants have to be either certified or registered. I don't even remember the MA being taught on bedside care...this is not to say that they cannot learn or are incapable...I am saying that this is not their role or the focus of their education.

I don't want anyone to believe that I or anyone here is trying to disrespect or flame Medical Assistants. I have seen many good ones, similar to many good RNs and LPNs. But, again, the scope can't be compared in the same way.