I am often asked, “What is the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Certified Medical Assistant?”
Great Question. Both deal with direct patient contact. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work in long-term patient care facilities such as extended living centers or nursing homes while Medical Assistants (MA) often work in a short-term environment. An LPN must successfully pass a nursing board exam and become licensed in the state where they plan to work. An MA usually completes a certification exam and operates under the license of the physician.
Medical Assistants work primarily in a doctor’s office assisting the doctor. They assist with the examination process, preparing the patient for tests performed in the office, collecting specimens, etc. The Medical Assistant may also perform various office procedures such as insurance form completion and patient scheduling.
I have been training students to become Medical Assistants for the past 15 years and I am delighted when one of my former students writes or calls to inform me of an interesting case in which they have been involved or that they are now teaching in a medical assisting program.
Both career opportunities afford direct patient care contact that is coveted by those wishing to be caregivers. Usually nursing programs have a waiting list for student entry which is typically not the case with medical assisting programs.
Becoming a Medical Assistant gives you a strong academic foundation which is beneficial if one wishes to later become a Registered Nurse. To learn more about the Medical Assistant profession, visit the U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Please let me know if you have questions regarding how to become a Medical Assistant.