LVN vs. MA, is MA preferred choice

Bala Shark · Jul 25, 2006

A LVN is like a RN but a LVN has some duties that they cannot do..A MA is not like a RN in anyway except they do more check in stuff like take the person's vital signs and do lab work..

suzanne4, RN · Jul 25, 2006

The PA programs require at least a Bachelor's degree to get into a program.

There are no duties that an LPN does that an RN cannot do. Anything an LPN can do, an RN can do. Anything that a CNA can do, an RN can do.

MAs are normally found in doctor's offices, that is what there training is geared for. And they are very different from the LPN. The MA functions under the license of the physician, the LPN functions under their own license.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2006

I have been both and a LVN is way more in depth than a MA . MA's are limited in what they can do and where they can work . LVN's get paid better and carry a license in nursing. In order to be a PA you need a 4 year degree or some schools allow the student to have 90 hours of college course work. However, in this 90 hours you have certin classes you must take such as chem , A&P and upper math courses. When I went to nursing school all my MA classes didnt count for squat (even the core classes, like A&P) and I had to start over. Im other words the classes didnt transfer. I think your friend has some misunderstandings of how things work in the ladder of things....

bcskittlez · Jul 25, 2006

Obviously she does, thats what I thought.. Thanks alot!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 28, 2006

I have been both and a LVN is way more in depth than a MA . MA's are limited in what they can do and where they can work . LVN's get paid better and carry a license in nursing. In order to be a PA you need a 4 year degree or some schools allow the student to have 90 hours of college course work. However, in this 90 hours you have certin classes you must take such as chem , A&P and upper math courses. When I went to nursing school all my MA classes didnt count for squat (even the core classes, like A&P) and I had to start over. Im other words the classes didnt transfer. I think your friend has some misunderstandings of how things work in the ladder of things....

I agree with you. She is misinformed. A PA has a strong background in science, and it does not compare to what a medical assistant would have. Medical assistants work in the physicians office and work under the license of that physician, the LPN has an independent license, although (at least in New York State) are not independent of the RN...they contribute to the care, and they do basic nursing care with predictable outcomes. Also, from what I remember, medical assistants have clerical functions added to their jobs such as scheduling appointments, etc... which are not really how LPNs are trained.

WahooRN08 · Jul 28, 2006

LPN!!!!!! MA's in this state can only work at a physican office. They only make $10 an hour.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2006

I earned a certificate in medical assisting 6 years ago, and the highest job offer was for $7 per hour at a sports medicine clinic. I made a mistake by attending MA school because I never got to use the education. It was merely time and money that went down the drain.

I completed LVN school toward the end of last year and earn $18.50 hourly.

MAs are preferred at doctors' offices and clinics. LPNs/LVNs are preferred at LTCFs and certain other facilities.