MA verses LPN

[Gidget88]

Was trying to get some advice on finishing classes as MA or start classes on LPN..,,dont see alot of jobs for LPN and if pays much more..anyone have advice for me? Thank you

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You will need to carefully research your local job market before arriving at a decision.

I can only tell you about my personal experience within the MA vortex. I earned my certificate in medical assisting 10 years ago and was never able to land a job as an MA. For me, it was tuition money that went down the drain. It was tuition money that could have been much better spent pursuing something else.

If your goal is to become a nurse, then the typical working hours of a medical assistant may interfere with your schooling hours. The majority of nursing programs are offered during daytime hours, and the overwhelming majority of MAs also work during daytime office hours (Monday through Friday from 8 to 5pm, or some variation of banker's hours).

If I were you, I would complete an LPN program, because the pay tends to be greater, the job opportunities are dependent upon where you live, and the transition to an RN license is made one step easier. The LPN practices under the nursing model of care delivery. The MA designation, on the other hand, is a part of the medical model of care delivery. The nursing model differs from the medical model in multiple ways.

By the way, I completed an LPN program nearly 5 years ago and have not regretted it. My income is good and I have not been without a job since I have had this LPN license. My transition to completing an RN program was also simplified by having the LPN license since none of my MA credits transferred.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

simple...lpn is a licensed nurse with more opportunities.....ma is not.....

[Gidget88]

Thank You

[prowlingMA]

Advice from a CMA. If you want to be a RN eventually I would say go for the LPN. If you want to stay as an MA then go the MA route. It really depends on what your eventual goal is.

Having been a CMA for 5 years now.I am happy with my choice. School for only 9 months.I work Monday-Friday 9-5. Weekends off. No holidays. But little room for advancement later on. Pay in my area is a little less that an LPN would make but not much.

A LPN often start on swing or night shift. Newbies often have to work weekends and holidays. But room to advance to RN if that is your goal.

[nursel56]

An LPN/LVN can work in a doctor's office, a clinic, a hospital, a Long-term Care Facility, Corrections, and Private Duty (in Home Health). His or her education is counted toward an RN through numerous bridge programs.

An MA can work in a doctor's office.

For a few more months of education (my program was 1 year long, no breaks) imo, you can do much more with it. Best wishes. :)