Question about going from MA to LPN

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This may be a silly/stupid issue to bring up, but I heard from an MA at a doctors office that an MA (in the state of Florida) can take some type of exam so that an MA can get their LPN license (without going to LPN school). Is that true or is that option just a fantasy?

Just wondering.......are there any other ways (besides going to an LPN school) such as an online course/courses that an MA can become an LPN?

Already thinking of the RN career field down the road but I do not want to take 18 or 24 months out of the workplace while studying for my RN degree.

Thank you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

I am in Canada and couldn't say for certain that this can't happen, but I'm pretty sure it would be HIGHLY UNLIKELY that an MA could write an exam and become an LPN.

First of all, the scopes between the 2 are very different. An MA is taught technical skills and some of those skills would overlap nursing. However, an LPN is taught ASSESSMENT, PHARMACOLOGY, CRITICAL THINKING, Bedside nursing skills, patient/resident care etc.

The other roadblock to that theory is that you have to write the NCLEX exam and at least in Canada you MUST have NURSING EDUCATION from an accredited school be even qualify to write the certifcation exam.

You would have to research if there are any accredited online schools in your area, but even if there are, you still must do in person clinicals.

You can't practice skills and communication online.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

I actually read on an medical assistant message board that apparently MA's are going to replace LPNs everywhere to "save money" and this poster actually believed that.

No way, no how. The two jobs have similarities, but many more differences and and MA could not just walk into an LPN position.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Just wondering.......are there any other ways (besides going to an LPN school) such as an online course/courses that an MA can become an LPN?
People who were medics in the military can challenge certain state boards to become LPNs, but this option does not exist anywhere for MAs. A medical assistant who wishes to become an LPN must attend an approved school of practical nursing and pass state boards. There's no way around this.
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Specializes in Critical Care.

In California I believe there is like a 80 hour program for cna- lpn.

SO maybe your state has something like this

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Probably not. Medical assistant training does not involve the deeper anatomy and physiology requirements, English, or many other credits that would be transferred to an RN program.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

Here is your answer from the Florida BON website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_licensure-RN-LPN.pdf :

"Eligibility Requirements :

- Graduate of a practical nursing program or a registered nursing program. A degree from a

generic MSN or higher program may be acceptable if the education is deemed equivalent.

- Successfully complete courses, equivalent to practical nursing education in a registered

nursing program. Practical Nurse examination based on practical nursing equivalency

(PNEQ).

- Military nursing programs must be recognized by the National Council of State Boards of

Nursing (NCSBN) to qualify to sit for the examination. Other military health related programs

are not equivalent to professional nursing programs in Florida.

- Programs completed to qualify as a hospital corpsman, technician, physician or a physician's

assistant are not classified as registered or practical nursing programs and are not equivalent.

Applicants Applying for the Practical Nurse Exam (NCLEX-PN) Based on Practical Nursing

Education Equivalency (PNEQ): Applicants who have successfully completed courses, equivalent

to practical nursing education in a registered nursing program, may qualify for NCLEX-PN based on

practical nursing equivalency. All professional courses taken must have been successfully completed

with a grade of "C" or better and must have included theory and clinical instruction. Courses required

to meet the education equivalency include: Fundamentals of Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, Medical and

Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Obstetric Nursing, Pharmacology and Nutrition.

PNEQ Applicants must have the Practical Nurse Equivalency (PNEQ) Application Letter (form found

in forms section of application) submitted directly from the director of your program stating that you

have met all necessary requirements to sit for the LPN exam, an official current transcript and course

descriptions for all nursing courses in the curriculum must be submitted directly to the Florida Board

of Nursing by the school(s) attended. Documentation must include demonstration that the applicant

has been educated on the difference between the scope of practice of a Licensed Practical Nurse

and a Registered Nurse."

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