What is the difference between medical assistants and Lpn's?

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Hello fellow students! I am currently enrolled in an LPN program in my area. I also work at a school ( It is called Penn Foster if you've heard of it ) and we offer a medical assistant program. I was wondering just for my own knowledge what exactly is the difference between a medical assistant and a LPN. I was also wondering what exactly a medical assistant does as well as why they do not need to be licensed. Thanks guys and girls!

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I was just reading some information about this a few days ago. Here are some links that should answer your question.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

LPN/LVN

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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A medical assistant is a healthcare worker that work in clinics and doctor offices. They basicaly do height/weight, give injections, do vital signs, ask you certain questions, charts, etc. An LPN is a nurse, the same difference as an Registered Nurse only LPN's can't push IV drugs, do critical care, or the initial assessment for a patient and they assist the RN to do the planning of care and carry out certain care plans.

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That is an incorrect statement. Depending on FURTHER TRAINING and education and what you do LPN's in a long term care setting can do the initial assessment. The difference between a MA AND LPN is the one word NURSE. A MA is not a nurse.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Usually a Medical Assistant is not licensed by the state and an LPN/LVN is. What an LPN can and cannot do is up to each state to decide and codified in each state's scope of practice. There are significant differences there as well as differences in practice settings so a blanket statement isn't really accurate.

A Medical Assistant is usually governed by the State Medical Board, not the Board of Nursing. Some MAs are certified, but in my state no prior training is needed if the RN or MD is willing to train and supervise their practice.

Earning an LPN makes it easier to bridge to an RN program should you want to continue your education. Hope that helps some!

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That is an incorrect statement. Depending on FURTHER TRAINING and education and what you do LPN's in a long term care setting can do the initial assessment. The difference between a MA AND LPN is the one word NURSE. A MA is not a nurse.

Oh I knew that I was just speaking in general :) and then every state is different as well

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