What is the difference between an LPN and getting your AS in Medical Assistant. Aren't you licensed for both?!
Question: What is the difference between an LPN and getting your AS in Medical Assistant. Aren't you licensed for both.?
My goal is to get a job working with the elderly who have diabetes. Going to their homes, taking vitals, etc...I am just very confused on what route to take. I already have an AA in Liberal Arts, so if I decide to go the AS Medical Assistant route, all I have to take is the Core Classes to become Certified. This will take be about 1 year. If I decide to become an LPN, it will also take me one year. Since the time-frame is the same, I want to know which one is considered "higher" in the medical field, and which one has more opportunities.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
No.
LPNs are considered higher.
"As medical assistants are not licensed professionals they are always required by law to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner or physician assistant whenever they provide direct (hands-on) patient care procedures."
"LPNs can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures, but must operate under the supervision of either a registered nurse (RN) or a physician. They can administer some medications, in some states may start IV's and administer IV push medications, monitor patient response to medications, implement wound care, perform vital sign measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, pain management, temperature, rehabilitation, oxygen saturation, etc), maintain patient records, collect samples for lab testing."
Hope this helps.Health Question & Answer
LPNs are considered higher.
"As medical assistants are not licensed professionals they are always required by law to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner or physician assistant whenever they provide direct (hands-on) patient care procedures."
"LPNs can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures, but must operate under the supervision of either a registered nurse (RN) or a physician. They can administer some medications, in some states may start IV's and administer IV push medications, monitor patient response to medications, implement wound care, perform vital sign measurements (blood pressure, heart rate, pain management, temperature, rehabilitation, oxygen saturation, etc), maintain patient records, collect samples for lab testing."
Hope this helps.Health Question & Answer
LPN and MA are 2 different things and licenses. LPN are considered higher, you you have more opportunities, and the pay is high. You do earn alot of the same skills in both fields, but is you are looking for more opportunities and better pay go the LPN route. It;s a huge amount of work, but worth it. Health Question & Answer
LPN are "higher" you get paid more and it wouldn't take as long if you wanted to become an RN which is even better pay.Health Question & Answer
Get LPN. I work in the area you are interested in, Home Care. We don't and most people don't allow for MAs to work in a home care setting since it is considered Nursing services. This all has to do with the payment the agency receives. At the agency I work for in Colorado most of our clients are Medicaid clients so we are paid by Medicaid. Medicaid won't pay for MAs. Call a home care agency where you live and ask if they hire MAs. also, if become an LPN and really love what you are doing and want to get more education you can always become an RN. LPN to RN is much more efficient than MA to RN. Health Question & Answer