Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse

Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse

Comparing the roles of a medical assistant and a registered nurse (RN) can provide insights into career choices. If you’re a medical assistant considering a career shift for higher income and more autonomy, transitioning to become an RN might be a viable option. This guide outlines the roles of both professions, assists in deciding between medical assistant and RN careers, and offers guidance on transitioning from a medical assistant to an RN.

Medical Assistants: Their Role and Responsibilities

Medical assistants provide support to doctors and nurses in clinics, primary care facilities, and hospitals. Their duties encompass administrative tasks, patient records, scheduling, and clinical responsibilities. Aspiring healthcare professionals seeking quicker entry into the field often opt for medical assistant roles, as they typically require a diploma.

A Glimpse into the Daily Tasks of Medical Assistants

In their daily routine, medical assistants perform a blend of administrative and clinical duties. When patients visit, medical assistants record medical histories, gather personal information, and jot down notes for the attending physician. They might conduct initial assessments like measuring blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. Some medical assistants are also trained to draw blood, administer injections, and dispense medication.

10 Reasons to Get Certified in Medical Assisting

However, the scope of a medical assistant’s responsibilities varies based on their specific job title and employer. Administrative medical assistants manage phones, appointments, and insurance documentation. Clinical medical assistants carry out different tasks contingent on state regulations; they might conduct lab tests, draw blood, or sanitize medical equipment. Subspecialties like ophthalmic, optometric, and podiatric medical assistants support eye doctors, optometrists, and podiatrists respectively. These roles are predominantly found in physicians’ offices, though some professionals work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates the top employers of medical assistants as shown in the table below.

Primary Employers of Medical Assistants

57%
Physician Offices

15%
Hospitals

8%
Outpatient Care

4%
Chiropractors

The Path to Becoming a Medical Assistant

Prospective medical assistants should recognize the distinctions between routes to becoming a medical assistant versus an RN. Aspiring medical assistants usually need to meet educational prerequisites for their field. While most states lack specific educational mandates, individuals can pursue various paths to enter the profession. Medical assistants often earn postsecondary diplomas or certificates following high school graduation or GED completion. Training programs, lasting approximately one year, can be completed at community colleges, vocational or technical schools, or universities. Some students opt for an associate degree in medical assisting, a two-year program that might enhance job prospects compared to a certificate.

While some medical assistants secure positions straight out of high school, employers generally prefer candidates with formal postsecondary training. Diploma and associate programs equip students with knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, and record keeping.

While licensure is not mandatory for medical assistants in most states, certification is valued by employers. Various organizations offer medical assistant certifications. For instance, the American Association of Medical Assistants provides the Certified Medical Assistant credential, and the American Medical Technologists offers Registered Medical Assistant certification. Certification entails passing an exam and fulfilling education and work experience requirements.

Employment and Compensation Outlook for Medical Assistants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% growth in medical assistant positions from 2020 to 2030. In comparison, licensed practical nurse (LPN) and RN roles are expected to grow by 9% during the same period. The median annual salary for medical assistants is $37,190, significantly lower than the reported median annual income for RNs, which stands at $77,600 according to the BLS.

Regional differences can influence salaries for medical professionals, as highlighted in the table below.

Highest-Paying States for MAs

State	Employment	Average Annual Salary
Washington	17,360	$47,320
District of Columbia	1,960	$46,690
Alaska	1,700	$46,390
California	97,640	$44,780
Massachusetts	13,730	$44,200

Source: BLS

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): A Path Beyond Medical Assisting

Some medical assistants opt to pursue a career as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) prior to embarking on the journey toward RN licensure. LPNs play a pivotal role in providing basic medical care, including tasks such as changing dressings, monitoring vital signs, and addressing patient concerns. Below, you can delve into the realm of LPN responsibilities and gain insights into how to become an LPN.

A Glimpse into the Duties of LPNs

Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses operate with more autonomy than medical assistants, yet less than registered nurses (RNs). Their work is performed under the supervision of RNs and physicians, encompassing fundamental healthcare provision, record-keeping, patient education on treatments, and execution of straightforward medical tasks.

Daily tasks of LPNs exhibit variations grounded in the nurse’s specialization and employer. Referencing the table below, which elucidates the largest employers of LPNs according to BLS data, almost 40% of LPNs operate within nursing and residential care facilities. In such settings, LPNs administer medications and assist patients with activities like dressing, bathing, and eating. Additionally, many LPNs contribute to hospital environments, collaborating with RNs, physicians, and surgeons. In hospital settings, LPNs might initiate intravenous drips or monitor blood pressure. Those situated in physicians’ offices often manage patient health records. The nature of responsibilities also hinges on experience; some states permit experienced LPNs to supervise their peers and medical assistants.

Primary Employers of LPNs

38%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

14%
Hospitals

13%
Physician Offices

12%
Home Healthcare Services

7%
Government

Nurturing the Path to LPN Licensure

Aspiring LPNs must navigate a series of steps prior to securing their LPN licensure. The journey begins by understanding educational requisites in their respective state and completing an accredited training program. Candidates can enroll in an LPN diploma or certificate program offered by technical schools, community colleges, high schools, or hospitals. LPN programs typically span around one year and encompass a clinical component. These programs cover subjects like healthcare, pharmacology, biology, and chemistry. For medical assistants contemplating the transition to LPN, additional education is often necessary, given that LPN programs entail coursework and clinical training that extend beyond the scope of most medical assistant programs.

Following the completion of a state-approved LPN training program, students venture toward licensure. This route entails passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a standardized test devised by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The examination evaluates proficiencies in areas such as pharmacology, health promotion, health maintenance, and infection control. Apart from the exam, state licensing boards often stipulate clinical hours, specific coursework, and an application. Prospective LPNs commonly undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensing process. It is imperative to diligently research licensure prerequisites in your state, as these criteria tend to vary.

Employment and Salary Outlook for LPNs

The field of LPN occupations is anticipated to grow at a rate exceeding the average, projected to witness a 9% increase between 2020 and 2030, as per BLS projections. This growth rate aligns with that projected for RN jobs, but trails the 18% forecast for medical assistants. The median annual salary for all LPNs stands at $48,070, with significant variations linked to educational attainment.

Highest-Paying States for LPNs

State	Employment	Average Annual Salary
California	72,180	$65,140
Alaska	480	$63,650
Washington	7,110	$63,250
Massachusetts	15,500	$61,820
Nevada	3,610	$60,490

Source: BLS

Registered Nurses (RNs): Elevating Patient Care

RNs take on the role of directly administering patient care across diverse settings. Armed with proficiency in operating medical equipment and an extensive grasp of medications, health conditions, and treatments, RNs are equipped for a range of responsibilities. Students contemplating career pathways might find the role of an RN more enticing than that of an MA or LPN, as RNs assume heightened responsibilities and enjoy elevated earning potential.

Exploring the Duties of RNs

RNs orchestrate patient care, conduct comprehensive assessments, and make pivotal decisions. Tasks such as wound dressing and collaborating with physicians in surgical preparations may also fall within their purview. Additionally, RNs extend emotional support to patients and their families through communication.

The spectrum of RN responsibilities hinges on specialization and work environment. Nursing students may choose to specialize in areas like neonatal care, mental health nursing, emergency room care, or other domains. These specialized nurses undertake distinct daily tasks compared to their counterparts in community clinics or doctor’s offices. Furthermore, the magnitude of a healthcare facility shapes an RN’s duties. RNs in sizable hospitals and clinics may oversee subordinate staff, while those in smaller establishments might shoulder more administrative functions.

Primary Employers of Registered Nurses

61%
Hospitals

18%
Ambulatory Healthcare Services

6%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

5%
Government

3%
Educational Services

Nurturing the Path to RN Licensure

While licensing prerequisites diverge among states, all aspiring RNs must complete a training program sanctioned by the state. Students can opt for either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both avenues encompass subjects such as anatomy, biology, nutrition, chemistry, and physiology. Moreover, both programs entail supervised clinical components. Nevertheless, bachelor’s programs, distinct from associate nursing programs, delve into areas like nursing communication, critical thinking, community health, and leadership. Although RNs can secure positions with either qualification, many employers stipulate a bachelor’s degree for RN roles. Associate programs typically span two years, while bachelor’s programs extend for four years.

Embarking on the journey to RN licensure necessitates certification through the state’s licensing board. As a basic requirement, candidates must graduate from an accredited program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination to attain licensure. The NCLEX-RN assessment, priced at $200, gauges students’ competence in domains such as risk reduction, pharmacology, and care management. Certain states mandate criminal background checks or continuing education courses as additional prerequisites. Aspiring nurses must acquaint themselves with the licensure and renewal criteria stipulated by their state.

Opportunities and Compensation for Registered Nurses

RNs command a median annual salary of $77,600, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 9% rise in job prospects between 2020 and 2030. This growth rate mirrors the projection for LPN job growth and falls notably short of the 18% surge projected for medical assistants.

Highest-Paying States for RNs

State	Employment	Average Annual Salary
California	324,400	$124,000
Hawaii	11,110	$106,530
Oregon	37,580	$98,630
District of Columbia	11,540	$98,540
Alaska	6,060	$97,230

Source: BLS

Impact of Healthcare Sector Growth on Nursing and Medical Assistant Careers

With the burgeoning expansion of the U.S. healthcare sector, the fields of nursing and medical assistance are experiencing consistent growth. Within this dynamic landscape, RN and medical assistant roles are becoming increasingly sought after. RN positions, in particular, offer lucrative compensation, significantly surpassing the national median salary of $45,760. Similarly, LPNs also enjoy a median annual salary exceeding the national median. In contrast, while the median annual salary for medical assistants remains lower, their contribution remains invaluable.

Balancing Compensation and Education

The divergence in earnings between medical assistants and RNs is evident; however, the path to these professions varies in terms of educational commitment. Aspiring medical assistants can enter the workforce more swiftly, thanks to the abbreviated training duration. This swift entry, however, is balanced against the fact that medical assistants tend to earn less than their RN counterparts. On the other hand, the process of becoming an RN demands more substantial educational attainment, typically involving an ADN or a bachelor’s degree. While this trajectory demands more time, the elevated compensation and expanded responsibilities associated with RN roles present a compelling incentive.

In essence, the healthcare sector’s growth fuels opportunities across nursing and medical assistant positions. This expansion is a reflection of the sector’s ever-evolving nature and the increasing importance placed on healthcare services. As individuals contemplate their career paths, factors such as compensation, education duration, and personal aspirations will guide their decisions within this dynamic landscape.