LPN VS MA Please help!!!

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:banghead:I have recently started in an MA program. I am toying with the idea of LPN, (I took all the tests and did everything, I'm waiting to see if I get accepted into the program). The instructors at my MA school say it's ok to be called a nurse as an MA, (I disagree). Also the instructors are telling me that they will be phasing out LPN's and just using MA's and RN's. How true might this be. And can somebody please tell me other than money what the difference is between the MA and LPN. Please outline this for me. I have this one shot at going to school and getting it done. I don't want to make the wrong choice and blow it. Pleas help!!!!:banghead:

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:banghead:I have recently started in an MA program. I am toying with the idea of LPN, (I took all the tests and did everything, I'm waiting to see if I get accepted into the program). The instructors at my MA school say it's ok to be called a nurse as an MA, (I disagree). Also the instructors are telling me that they will be phasing out LPN's and just using MA's and RN's. How true might this be. And can somebody please tell me other than money what the difference is between the MA and LPN. Please outline this for me. I have this one shot at going to school and getting it done. I don't want to make the wrong choice and blow it. Pleas help!!!!:banghead:

If you go for LPN, you'll be halfway to RN, even if the LPNS were/are being phased out..................

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I fully understand, but I have no intentions of going further with school. I don't want to become an RN. I just want to make the right choice or any choice for that fact and go with it.

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i started out as an ma and have since gone on to lpn school. it isn't that i regret ma school.. just the $10k :cry: i spent in going when my lpn was only 1/3 of that ($3500 @ a local comm. college)!!!!!! i can do much more as an lpn. we are not being phased out as they have told you. i was told the same exact thing when i went through ma school back in 2003. it's just a ploy to get you into ma school. i have made anywhere from $15-19.50/hr as an lpn here in fl and made $9-9.50 as an ma. now, you tell me what the better deal was?

:up:go nurse!!! :nurse: :heartbeat it's a great job and your potential to move forward is only limited by your imagination!!!!!

best of luck to you and god-speed!!!!!!

bonni

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Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

Go the nurse route...more pay, better job outlook...nuff said.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

You MA instructors are way wrong on both points. Being an MA is not bad, but I would not go to any school that tells you the lies they are feeding you. Go for your LVN and turn in those instructors on your way!

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I agree with Hearts - they are feeding you a line. I was a Certified Medical Assistant before I went back to school for my RN. I wanted to make money while I did pre-reqs. If you have the choice and do not want to be an RN go for your LPN/LVN. I liked being an MA (and no I NEVER once said I was a "nurse"), I learned a lot, and it helped prep me for where I am now. LPNs where I am definitely make more than I did, but here I was making 15-17 an hour which was just fine with me. All wages are local - my experience may not be yours. Oh, and never believe the school recruiters. When I got done with MA school they were telling me that I would be making 15 right out of school which was BS. They want your money, not your education. I was very lucky to have a good school (like I didn't have to get an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting ?!!), and I had good instructors. But again this is not everyone's experience. Health career schools are big business. At one point we had a "RN" school in Las Vegas that turned out not to be accredited and a bunch of people lost money. Research, research, research and don't let anyone talk you into something you are not comfortable with.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I was told LPN's were being phased out in 1978 They are still around and MA's will never be used as LPNS. You are being fed a bunch of crap by some really ignorant people

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I heard that LPNs were being phased out in 1970...in Miami, FL...and it's yet to happen! IMHO>>>do not waste your precious school time on either one...go and get your RN. You will end up redoing a lot of what you have already done ESP IF you let 5 yrs lapse...colleges want $$$. They will tell you anything to sell you. You know, I bet that is how I am seeing advertisements now for Vet RNs on classifieds...pardon moi....but I take offense, even as an animal lover and owner, that MOAs, Vet Techs etc call themselves "NURSES" when they aren't. If you want to be called one, go and do the work to BE one...it's really that simple. Hope this helps and you change your direction fast!!!!:redpinkhe:D

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First let me say a "GREAT THANK YOU", to all of you with your help. I am going to go in the direction of the LPN. I just have to wait till the committee meets on the 28th to see, if I get accepted into the program. I turned all my paperwork in and I got my score for the TEAS, so we wait now. I will keep you all posted. Thank you once again :nurse: :yeah:

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Specializes in LTC, AL, Corrections, Home health.

My cousin also did the MA thing and went on to become an LPN... I think if you are have any slight aspiration of furthering your education definitely the LPN direction would be best. Having talked to her and working with both MAs and LPNs, from my vantage point MA training is much more task oriented where as LPN training is more holistic and scientific, plus the advancement opportunies and increased variety of work environments open to LPNs are definitely a plus.

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