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Discussion

LPN vs MA

Hi all,

I am new to this board (and site) and I'm sure it has been asked a million times before but here we go again:

Here is my dilemma: I want to go back to school for ASN and my only financial aid will be pell grant which is a limit of 6 semesters. The ASN program would take 8 at least so that leaves 2 semesters with no way to pay, therefore not an option (this school does not participate in the federal student loan program).

That leaves me with the choice of either Medical Assistant (degree or diploma) or LPN.

I know that MA's are more in demand than LPN's and the job outlook is better. But as an LPN I could bridge eventually ( when i have more financial options) to RN.

I also have a prior diploma from roughly 10 years ago in Business Administrative Technology (medical office specialist) but NO experience in the field because of my own ignorance at the time of how to look for a job/resumes/volunteering etc.

I would really like to do the LPN and eventually bridge to RN BUT I don't want to waste my time and pell grant on it if there are poor job prospects.

So my questions are as follows: Would an administrative diploma and LPN look nice side by side on a resume vs competition or does it not matter? Can an LPN function as a CMA?

If it helps I am looking into Chattahoochee Tech in northwest GA.

I've considered GA highlands because they do student loans but I've heard bad things about Highlands.

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    • Featured Replies

    • Experts

    I completed a medical assisting program 15 years ago and could never land a job that paid a living wage. It is the most graduated occupational program in America, which means many local employment markets are flooded with inexperienced MAs competing for the few available jobs.

    I completed an LPN/LVN program 10 years ago and remained gainfully employed while earning good money for the four years I worked as one. I eventually earned my ASN degree, RN licensure, and BSN degree.

    The medical assisting pathway is part of the medical model of care provision. Nursing (CNA, LPN, RN) is part of the nursing model of care provision. Becoming a medical assistant will not help you on your journey to become a nurse.

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    • Author

    Thank you!

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    The red flag for me is they do not participate in student loans. I looked on their site and they are not accredited by the ACEN. They stress they are not accredited by them. Which tells me that yes you can sit for the NCLEX, but they probably do not have high pass rates which is why they are not accredited. Also, finding a job will be difficult. Most places want you to graduate from an accredited college. They probably cannot offer federal student loans anymore because of defaultment rate. Which says to me these graduates are not finding jobs. This school is probably not one to go to.

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    I'm in a family med clinic. The CMAs are actually below me in our "leadership tree" (who reports to who). Our tree is the CMA reports to the LVN who reports to the RN/Charge Nurse who reports to our regional nurse manager. CMAs only work in clinics and LVNs can work clinic, nursing home, some hospitals still hire LVNs for the floor here, schools, public health, etc. the CMA is very limited and is not a licensed caregiver. LVNs are licensed and governed by their states board of nursing and have a legally defined scope of practice. The CMAs in our clinic only make around $10/hr and the LVNs are in the $20/hr range. Clinic LVNs typically make less than nursing home or hospital but the hours are better. Your earning potential and ability to maintain a lifelong career is better with a LVN.

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    If you really cannot pay out of pocket or take out a private loan for the ADN program, then I would choose LPN over MA. Reason being, you have better pay, licensure, and a wider range of places to work than a MA. However, as a PP mentioned, if your school you have your sights on is not accredited, I would look elsewhere. There are plenty of schools with ADN programs. You may have to drive a little further or pay a little more, but it is worth it to have a better education and shot at passing the boards, going to an accredited school.

    My opinion- try to exhaust all options and enter an RN program. If you absolutely cannot, I would choose LPN.

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    • Author

    I thought it was strange also that they didn't offer federal student loans, but I thought maybe it was because they werent a traditional four-year college. I looked into the ACen website and there are two other colleges near me that are accredited by them. One of which I have already received a diploma from. I think I will call the health advisor there and set up an appointment. Thank you for all of your help!

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