whats the diffrence ???

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Hi i am new to this site. i am going to school for my MA but I like to know the diffrence between MA and nurses assistant. and if anyone else knows the diffrence between MA and LPN ? what can a LPN do that a MA cant do ? Thanks so much,

beachbound1023:redbeathe

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is a huge difference between an MA and an LPN. LPNs are nurses so they are much more than just assistants.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

LPNs are actually nurses. MAs are not.

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As far as I know there is no standardized testing and licensing for MAs. In fact, I really have no knowledge of the parameters of an MA. You know what you are being taught so you are in a better place to compare this to:

CNAs have a standardized curriculum basically as a result of Medicare and the need for better care. While there may be additional education for CNAs, they must all have the same basics. They have a scope of practice that is state mandated. Some states allow administration of medications after more education and under very strict guidelines.

LPNs must pass a standardized test after completing a fairly standardized education, and maintain license every 2 years in our state (not sure if all states are 2 years). This demands cont. ed. They have a specific scope of practice that is state mandated. Most states have similar basic SOP and may allow LPNs to do additional things with additional education.

Hope this helps. Go to your state's website and check Board of Nursing for specifics for your state.

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so ... i have been going to ma school for 9 months and i take my test 6 weeks after i graduate so I will be a certified ma... so then can i take the LPN test or do I have to go to more schooling ? the lady who signed me up at school said we are the same as LPNs...now i am a little mad.....

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.
so ... i have been going to ma school for 9 months and i take my test 6 weeks after i graduate so I will be a certified ma... so then can i take the LPN test or do I have to go to more schooling ? the lady who signed me up at school said we are the same as LPNs...now i am a little mad.....

Oh my, did they ever lie to you!!!

MA's are not the same as LPNs and certainly cannot take the LPN test!!!! You would need to take the full LPN course (12months- 2 years) depending on where you live to be eligble to write the LPN exam (NCLEX-PN in the USA and CPNRE in Canada.)

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Specializes in ICU, OR.
so ... i have been going to ma school for 9 months and i take my test 6 weeks after i graduate so I will be a certified ma... so then can i take the LPN test or do I have to go to more schooling ? the lady who signed me up at school said we are the same as LPNs...now i am a little mad.....

It sounds like you have been lied to! No, you must do an LPN program to be able to take the nclex(nursing licensure test) and then be licensed in your state as a nurse. I'm so sorry for you.

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so ... i have been going to ma school for 9 months and i take my test 6 weeks after i graduate so I will be a certified ma... so then can i take the LPN test or do I have to go to more schooling ? the lady who signed me up at school said we are the same as LPNs...now i am a little mad.....

This is so frustrating!!! This is exactly why people go around and call themselves "nurses" when they are clearly a medical assistant or technician etc. (The lady who signed you up needs to be set straight and reported) We work our butts off to be called nurses! I was once a medical assistant and think it gives great experience into the field of nursing. Although as mentioned, you have to be accepted into a LPN program to sit for the exam. I'm 2 months away from LPN eligibility then 2 more semesters for my RN. Good Luck!!!

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well thanks... I am MAD but its not going to do me any good.... i will look in to LPN classes and work as a Ma and go do some more school... just disapointed thank you !!!!!!!!:imbar

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