What is the difference between a LPN,LVN, and a medical assistant?
Asked by Jannel H
Ok I'm really thinking about going back to school for something in the medical filed but I'm a little confused what the difference is on a few thing I'm interested in like what is the main difference between a LPN,LVN,medical assistant and a nurses aid?

Best Answer:
LPN/LVN are the same thing--just called different depending on the state. That is the first tier in a licensed nurse (licensed through the state after passing a standardized test & an accredited program of 1 year). They are a nurse. A nurses aid (or CNA) is unlicensed although certified to do some tasks & assist the nurses with acute care daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, walking, clean up, beds, etc. It is an entry level & the lowest paid. Training is a few weeks. A medical assistant (MA), also unlicensed, does not work in a hospital at all & does not learn really any nursing. Their training is several months to 2 years at a community college. They assist the medical practitioner in a clinic or office with front office & back office workings. It is essentially somewhat entry & they earn $9-15 /hr depending on where they work. IN some areas it can be very hard to find a job as so many are graduated every few months.
ER PA/MA instructor
Answered by Diane A