What is the difference between a LPN, and a medical assistant?
Asked by Jannel H
Ok now I know that a RN is a lot harder then a LPN and a medical assistant what i'm confused on is what the big difference is between those two are?

Best Answer:
For general career info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'licensed practical nurses', 'medical assistants' or such. The lpn course is supposed to be less intense than rn, however, it's still supposed to be quite challenging, just fyi :) As for MA, there aren't supposed to be too many jobs (or for medical biller or coder) despite what those private $$ schools proclaim. With medical billing too, a lot of companies are outsourcing to Asia/India which is the very reason that my cousin got laid off from her medical billing job of five years. I'm not sure about job opportunities for lpn though. Perhaps volunteer and/or find out about job shadowning/observing a lpn at a local medical facility (hospital and/or nursing home) albeit it's never the same as actual hands-on, clinical experience ;)

In response to Treys answer WTF???? LPN is Licensed Practical Nurse and can work in hospitals and care facilities and other facilities whereas a Medical Assistant Can only work in a Dr's office or medical office working in the back office with patients and are not really a licensed profession.
Answered by John S

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Most LPNs provide basic bedside care. They take vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Among their duties are: treating bedsores, preparing and giving injections and enemas, applying dressings, giving alcohol rubs and massages, applying ice packs and hot water bottles, monitoring catheters. LPNs are observing patients and reporting adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They have to collect samples for testing; perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. They help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, keep them comfortable, and care for their emotional needs. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Some LPNs help deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides. A Medical Assistant (MA) is a multi-competent health care professional involving administrative and clinical task to keep the offices, clinics, and laboratories of physicians running smoothly. The duties vary from on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, Medical Assistants usually are "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, or physician. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.
Answered by Julia Anna

A LPN is a nurse just like an RN. Here in Florida where I live there are LPN and LPN II which start and hang IV's like the RN,s. An LPN can not be a charge nurse in a hospital but can in a nursing home. My daughter is a medical assistant. They usually work in doctor's offices or clinic. They do vital signs, give shots, run EKG's and general office work.
Answered by Craig M