What is the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Asked by HappyDiva
Hi I was wondering if anyone knows the difference between a medical assistant and a LPN. I mean they both basically do the same thing, just that a LPN is "required" to take additional classes where as a ma only takes the Medical Assistant class. Thanks in advance!

Best Answer:
a medical assistant has very limited capacity and it is not a licensed healthcare professional whereas an LPN means Licensed Practical Nurse and is licenced. Although an LPN must work under an RN it is step in the career ladder which can ultimately lead to Nurse Practitioner - and a lot of independent practice capacity. It depends how far up the ladder you want to go.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and have a PHD. Have degrees from YALE and COLUMBIA U>
Answered by Eric M

here is a big difference in education although they may share some duties in a doctors office. Medical Assistants generally take a several month course to get a M.A. certificate, some even may be trained by a docor in office and both practice under the physicans license. Nurses both LPN and RN's practice are licensed as well by the state to practice. It boils down to education nurses have in depth training, both clinical and didiatic a Medical assistant has procedure training and some basic information and what may be learned in practice (nurses continue to learn too). For example, a injection may be given by both in a doctors office ( nurses can work in a variety of facilities M.A. are restricted in where they can work, nurses have more flexability) but when that injection is given, the nurse and patient benefits from understanding the rationale behind the procedure. Not that M.A.'s don't know what they are doing, some are great but nurses have deeper knowledge and make a heck of alot more money ($10,000-$40,000 more a year)and have much more oppurtunity.
Answered by taylor v