practical nurse vs medical assistant

A career in health care is a rewarding way to help people. If you are just starting your career, it can be difficult to decide the best job or position to begin. While almost any position is beneficial because of the work that is done to improve the health and safety of patients, some positions are better for those just starting out. Two examples of good beginning positions are medical assistants and licensed practical nurses. Both of these positions are valuable in every health care setting. But for those looking to start a long-term career in health care, especially if they want to advance and move up in the facility, an LPN diploma may be a better choice.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Though a medical assistant works in the health care field, the position is an assistant position. The responsibilities of a medical assistant include distributing patient medication, taking vital signs, collecting insurance information, and answering phones. There may also be clerical or administrative tasks, depending on where you work.

What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?

An LPN is a nurse who works under registered nurses or other health care professionals. Because of their education and training, LPNs must be supervised by medical personnel. Though they may share some tasks with a medical assistant, like taking vital signs or giving medications, LPNs are able to provide more care to patients due to their training and licensing. Depending on state restrictions, LPNs may be able to start IVs and draw blood, among other tasks.

What Are the Advantages of Becoming an LPN?

For those who want a long-term career in the health care field, working as an LPN is an excellent starting place. An LPN is a "starter" position for many nurses. The position provides beginning nursing information and LPNs work directly with patients and under registered nurses. This gives LPNs a lot of hands-on experience they can use as they move up through the health care field into more advanced nursing roles.

Another advantage of becoming an LPN is that the position is much closer to what a registered nurse does than a medical assistant is. Though medical assistants do work with patients, their tasks are much more limited. By working as an LPN, you can get a better understanding of what the nursing field is like and what it takes to be a successful nurse. In other words, earning a degree as an LPN can be a good preview of what it would be like to be a registered nurse.

LPNs also have more room for upward mobility than medical assistants do. Though moving up as an LPN may require additional training, LPNs can climb the corporate ladder in health care facilities. However, medical assistants have less upward mobility, making it harder for them to advance their long-term careers.

How Do I Become an LPN?

Once you decide to become an LPN, you should look at licensing and degree programs that offer courses for LPNs. For those who want to use an LPN degree as a starting place for a long career in health care, a degree program may be the best option. The degree program gives LPN students a more comprehensive education. If they decide to take their education further, LPN students already have a strong foundation for building to the next level.

After you have completed the degree program, you are permitted to sit for the licensing exam. Regulations for licensing vary from state to state, but all LPNs are required to have an active license to practice. In addition, the license must be renewed on a regular basis, which requires continuing education courses to stay updated with the latest evidence-based practice techniques, policies, and procedures in health care.

Any health care career is a great way to help people and feel good about your work. However, if you are planning a long career in health care, starting as a licensed practical nurse may be a better path. Not only will you have more responsibilities and be able to work directly with patients, but the knowledge you gather in education and practice will be an effective starting place for more advanced nursing programs.

Get On Your Path to Becoming a Practical Nurse!

A successful career as an LPN starts with a strong education and skills training program from an accredited institution. ECPI University offers high-quality education and training to get you ready to help patients as an LPN. When you are ready to take your health care career to the next level with your Diploma in Practical Nursing, contact ECPI University today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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