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Nurses General Nursing

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I'm new to all this so, here goes. Can someone tell me the difference btw medical assistant and lpn. I would like to become a RN in the future. I was just accepted into a medical assistant program but am willing to switch if getting a lpn would be the logical step. Both programs are offer in the eveing the medical assistant program is 12 months long and the lpn program is 15 months long. Thanks in advance.

Alicia:cool:

pittsburghRN

40 Posts

SWITCH IF YOU WANT TO BE A RN IN FUTURE THEN GO FOR LPN NOW NOT MA.

:)

Todd SPN

319 Posts

Without going into the specific duties of a MA versus an LPN, I will say if you want to be an RN at some point, go for LPN training. The two programs I am familiar with for MA in my state, none of the classes you take for MA will transfer to an LPN or RN program. In my area, MAs work in dr offices or phlebotamy (sp?). No hospital or LTC. Pay is also much less than for nursing.

pittsburghRN

40 Posts

exactly what todd said:)

Alicia4065

5 Posts

Thanks for the replys.

Alicia

sjoe

2,099 Posts

Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

For just an extra 3 months, definitely go for the LPN.

Alicia4065

5 Posts

Well, I going to go for the RN, I decided to go to a community college then eventually go further in nursing. I figure I could do the 2 plus years being I can go only at due to work. I love my job that I have right now but lately I've been thinking about going into nursing. I'm 37 years old so I figure it's never to late to start.

Thanks,

Alicia:D

BadBird, BSN, RN

1,126 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

I believe MA's have a shorter program and are not licensed but you could get certified. I suggest you go for the LPN program if you plan on going for RN later on. LPN is licensed, you will have more work options available to you and will make more money too. Most of your credits from the LPN program should transfer to the RN program where none from the MA program would.

Alicia4065

5 Posts

Thanks, for the information. I really didn't want to waste my money.

Alicia:cool:

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