LPN versus CMA

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2008

After completing a medical assisting program 8 years ago, I was never able to find a job with my MA certificate. The job market was simply too flooded with MAs to even have a chance.

mamasulli · Sep 24, 2008

Tothepointe...I think you must have skipped part of what I said. I said in the school i attend that is how it is. I'm not saying it because I don't know, I do, my aunt went through the LPN program, and I can easily look up the courses for both programs. I also already mentioned the fact that CMAs are cheaper. However, in looking up the pay rate, its only by about $1000 a year and that depends on where you are working.

Practicalone, LPN · Sep 24, 2008

In Idaho, CMA's are glorified pill pushers. They can do everything a CNA can do plus give meds thats it. Remeber the whole ladder thing, CNA, CMA, LPN, ADRN, BSRN and so on.

Thornbird · Sep 24, 2008

I am currently in a CMA program(Medical ASSISTANT) and the classes I take include, Medical Office Management, Coding, Law and Ethics, 6 months of clinicals(including injections, removing sutures, blood draws, vital signs, etc...), pharmacology, human diseases, 6 months of anatomy, as well as basic classes. I do not want to work in LTC that's why I chose the program. I get to work 8-5 and have my weekends off. I have 2 young children, and one on the way so I don't need to work the crazy hours. This program, compared to LPN is much more extensive in the school I attend and when finished I will have a wider range of things I can do in the office compared to and LPN. As well, someone mentioned CMAs don't work in the hospital...but you can, not as likely, but it is possible. In Nebraska currently CMAs are hired before LPNs in some cases because a)they are cheaper and b) can do more.

I can't imagine what clinical skills you think you can perform that the LPN can't. More things to do in the office........billing, coding, filing......LPN's don't usually do that stuff but I suppose they could. CMA's are CHEAPER, that's it. Better double check what your program is telling you because under the Nebraska law only LICENSED PRACTITIONERS and CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDES can give meds of any kind and only Medication Aides with more advanced training can give injections. Nebraska does not certify, license or regulate MA's in any way. Your program is preparing you for what MA's do in the most liberal states not where you live. Don't believe me - look it up. You will find job opportunities. You may find an employer who lets you do things that are not legal and if you get caught you can be arrested and fined. So be careful and don't put nurses down, we have the license that says we can do what we do.

OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN · Sep 25, 2008

Tothepointe...I think you must have skipped part of what I said. I said in the school i attend that is how it is. I'm not saying it because I don't know, I do, my aunt went through the LPN program, and I can easily look up the courses for both programs. I also already mentioned the fact that CMAs are cheaper. However, in looking up the pay rate, its only by about $1000 a year and that depends on where you are working.

Regarding duties, I've stated before on this thread that LPN's have more assessment and clinical skills than CMA's do. LPN's can work on med/surg hospital wards and also have the autonomy of doing home health care, which a CMA could not as you have to work under the direct supervision of a doctor. There are many, many duties that a CMA SHOULD NOT do (but some probably do) that LPN's can do under their scope.

Regarding wages, I was a medical office assistant before I became an LPN. I was making $17/hour as an MOA (which is even high for my city) and am now making $23.75/hour base plus diffs as an LPN. Considerably higher than my MOA wage.

mamasulli · Sep 25, 2008

I can't imagine what clinical skills you think you can perform that the LPN can't. More things to do in the office........billing, coding, filing......LPN's don't usually do that stuff but I suppose they could. CMA's are CHEAPER, that's it. Better double check what your program is telling you because under the Nebraska law only LICENSED PRACTITIONERS and CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDES can give meds of any kind and only Medication Aides with more advanced training can give injections. Nebraska does not certify, license or regulate MA's in any way. Your program is preparing you for what MA's do in the most liberal states not where you live. Don't believe me - look it up. You will find job opportunities. You may find an employer who lets you do things that are not legal and if you get caught you can be arrested and fined. So be careful and don't put nurses down, we have the license that says we can do what we do.

I actually had a discussion with my Clinicals teacher tonight about the subject. CMAs are trained in front office and back office duties. LPNs have more externship hours due to the fact that they have to learn bathing etc since it is more geared to LTC facilities. CMAs are trained in blood draws, LPNs are not. LPNs are licensed and CMAs are not, however as an LPN you can get your license revoked, but as a CMA you can not get your certification taken away. Nebraska does Certify otherwise I wouldn't be given the option to do so, nor would my instructors be CMAs already. My understanding we both give injections(misguided before discussions with my instructor tonight on that issue) and there are some offices that allow CMAs to write out prescriptions(NOT SIGN THEM)! My school has contracts with different facilities within the city that do externships for CMAs so why would they not certify in the state of Nebraska, that makes no sense. There are obviously places that higher them and its not illegal or they'd have gotten in trouble already. An advantage however is that LPNs can get trained to do IVs and I can not. And I never put any nurses down, nor would I, I just simply stated in my original post why I chose CMA over LPN. However, I also know that I'm basically screwed in continuing my education because a lot of my classes will not transfer to the nursing programs at a university, and I'll only get the credits for already having an associates degree. Again, I'm not at all degrading or insulting LPNs by any means, just sharing the knowledge I've recieved.

luv_a_nurse · Sep 25, 2008

:twocents: The differences between being a CMA and LPN are like night and day.

I currently hold a certificate in medical assisting (CMA) and am attending school full-time to become a LPN ; I couldn't be happier with my choice.

CMAs are pretty much limited to working in clinics, phlebotomy labs, ect. The work-load was split evenly (at least, for me) between front office (clerical) and back office (clinical.) At times this was frustrating because it felt as though I was being pulled in two completely different directions; everyone basically wanted me to pick up their slack.

A person can become a CMA in a matter of just several months, and take a number of courses including medical terminology, front-office procedures, medical law & ethics, and a very basic anatomy (i'm talking a month or so--not enough time on the human body let me tell you!) Although becoming a LPN doesn't take much longer, a year full-time in length, we have spent a huge chunk of time on human anatomy & physiology (study of body structure and function) as well as nutrition, pharmacology, and nursing practicum, to name a few.

Not to mention that as a CMA, (at least in the state of PA) I was only making like $19,000 (after taxes) a year. That stinks!! Too much aggravation and you're treated like garbage.

I've done alot of market research and by obtaining my LPN, the average starting yearly salary is around $37,00 (after taxes) which is a HUGE difference! I was a CMA for 3 years and couldn't even crack over 20,000.

Don't get me wrong, I think CMAs are important in the function of clinical life, but obtaining your licensure as a practical nurse really opens up your oportunities. You can work in LTC, Home Health, Hospital, School, or Clinic to name a few. Why limit yourself to just one area of medicine?

I wish I would have saved my money spent as a CMA and just got my LPN; I listened to the recruiters for the technical school I went to with promises of a stable income--boy was a I fooled! I guess I was just young and stupid then :/

Take it from someone that knows, alot of times Certified Nurses Aides (after only taking a few classes and passing a test) make more than CMAs!

mamasulli · Sep 25, 2008

The differences between being a CMA and LPN are like night and day.
I currently hold a certificate in medical assisting (CMA) and am attending school full-time to become a LPN ; I couldn't be happier with my choice.
CMAs are pretty much limited to working in clinics, phlebotomy labs, ect. The work-load was split evenly (at least, for me) between front office (clerical) and back office (clinical.) At times this was frustrating because it felt as though I was being pulled in two completely different directions; everyone basically wanted me to pick up their slack.
A person can become a CMA in a matter of just several months, and take a number of courses including medical terminology, front-office procedures, medical law & ethics, and a very basic anatomy (i'm talking a month or so--not enough time on the human body let me tell you!) Although becoming a LPN doesn't take much longer, a year full-time in length, we have spent a huge chunk of time on human anatomy & physiology (study of body structure and function) as well as nutrition, pharmacology, and nursing practicum, to name a few.
Not to mention that as a CMA, (at least in the state of PA) I was only making like $19,000 (after taxes) a year. That stinks!! Too much aggravation and you're treated like garbage.
I've done alot of market research and by obtaining my LPN, the average starting yearly salary is around $37,00 (after taxes) which is a HUGE difference! I was a CMA for 3 years and couldn't even crack over 20,000.
Don't get me wrong, I think CMAs are important in the function of clinical life, but obtaining your licensure as a practical nurse really opens up your oportunities. You can work in LTC, Home Health, Hospital, School, or Clinic to name a few. Why limit yourself to just one area of medicine?
I wish I would have saved my money spent as a CMA and just got my LPN; I listened to the recruiters for the technical school I went to with promises of a stable income--boy was a I fooled! I guess I was just young and stupid then :/
Take it from someone that knows, alot of times Certified Nurses Aides (after only taking a few classes and passing a test) make more than CMAs!

Just wondering if you were a certified Med aide, or a certified Medical Assistant? A friend of mine is a CMA(med aide) and traing for Medical assistant with me. I know the Med aide course at another college is only a few months, whereas my medical assistant courses are 18 months, with a 160hr externship requirement. Just curious, I know some people get them confused...not to say you did.

Thornbird · Sep 25, 2008

Try asking your instructor these questions: What state agency certifies me? Where can I find the rules for practice in Nebraska of a CMA? Why do programs like Excelsior College that only accept those with prior healthcare experience accept paramedics, military corpsmen, respiratory therapists, LPN's, etc but not CMA's? What happens if I move?

There are certainly jobs for MA's, no dispute, but beware because people most certainly will do things that are illegal - until they get caught. Medication administration is restricted to licensed healthcare professionals and in some circumstances to medication aides under supervision of a nurse.

I do know very smart, talented MA's. They are valuable in the office in many ways. But, it's a job with limited potential. Starting pay for a brand new LPN may not be a lot more than for the veteran MA but the LPN will continue to make more with experience. At the very least an LPN makes a lot more than $1000/yr over an MA.

It makes me very angry that recruiter's keep "hoodwinking" people into MA programs that cost thousands of dollars for what is essentially a clerical career with a little patient care and lab work thrown in. The promises are based on what CMA's can do in the most liberal states where the nursing shortage is the worst. Look up for yourself what your limitations are. Do not believe what employers or instructors tell you. They have ulterior motives. If all else fails call the nursing board and they can tell you what activities are restricted to nurses in your state. I wish you the best in your future. I am sure that you will become indispensible in someone's office or clinic.

kat7ap · Sep 25, 2008

I am currently in a CMA program(Medical ASSISTANT) and the classes I take include, Medical Office Management, Coding, Law and Ethics, 6 months of clinicals(including injections, removing sutures, blood draws, vital signs, etc...), pharmacology, human diseases, 6 months of anatomy, as well as basic classes. I do not want to work in LTC that's why I chose the program. I get to work 8-5 and have my weekends off. I have 2 young children, and one on the way so I don't need to work the crazy hours. This program, compared to LPN is much more extensive in the school I attend and when finished I will have a wider range of things I can do in the office compared to and LPN. As well, someone mentioned CMAs don't work in the hospital...but you can, not as likely, but it is possible. In Nebraska currently CMAs are hired before LPNs in some cases because a)they are cheaper and b) can do more.

Looks like another person misinformed by a CMA school...

Please do not believe everything your school or instructors tell you. Of course they give you negative "information" about LPNs because they wanted you to choose the CMA program! Schools make lots of $$$ off of that. I'm not trying to knock the CMA profession because it does have an important place in the medical office, but you cannot come here and think that it is superior to being an LPN.

Where I've lived, LPN/LVNs can work in just about every setting. LTC is not the "only place we work". It's just the most abundant and pays the most money. I personally choose to work in acute care hospitals, but could work in a Drs. office or clinic if I wanted to. The average pay difference between a CMA and LPN is more like $10000+/year, just check any salary website. By the way having a license is a good thing because it = autonomy, something that CMAs do not have.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2008

Just wondering if you were a certified Med aide, or a certified Medical Assistant? A friend of mine is a CMA(med aide) and traing for Medical assistant with me. I know the Med aide course at another college is only a few months, whereas my medical assistant courses are 18 months, with a 160hr externship requirement. Just curious, I know some people get them confused...not to say you did.

She mentioned she currently holds a certificate in medical assisting (CMA).

luv_a_nurse · Sep 26, 2008

Just to be clear, I am a Certified Medical Assistant, not a Certified Medical Aide.

I believe it took me around 7 months to complete the program, plus an externship which I believe lasted 180 hours.

I can't speak for other states, but Pennsylvania does not pay Certified Medical Assistants very well. I think the absolute highest rate of pay for CMAs in our state I ever heard of was like $13.00 an hour, after like 7 years experience in the same health system