I received my associates as a certified clinical medical assistant in about 18 months. LVNs are pretty much no longer where I live. Under myself, I actually do the same exact thing everything down IV therapy. The myth of medical assistants mainly working front office is very belittling to some. In fact, there are ladies at the front desk that make more than some of us in the back. However, being a CCMA has allowed me such a broad range of opportunities with such positions as clinic nurse in urgent cares, wellness coach with one of the largest labs in our country and I have also made me on two years from certain specific MD levels. It is true that a lot of medical assistants are not licensed however, I am listed in a national registry. I must recertify my license every two years. I do have a younger brother that iOS an LPN, he paid twice as much for school but makes six dollars less an hour than me