Medical Assistants vs. Licensed Vocational Nurses
Learn the differences between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Medical Assistant
Choosing a career in healthcare is an exciting and rewarding decision, but with so many options available, it’s essential to find the right path that aligns with your interests, skills, and long-term goals. If you’re considering a hands-on role in patient care but don’t want to spend years in medical school, two popular choices are becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Medical Assistant (MA).
At first glance, these professions may seem similar—both involve direct patient interaction, working in medical settings, and providing essential healthcare support. However, they differ significantly in terms of job responsibilities, scope of practice, education, and career advancement opportunities. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to making an informed career decision.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between an LVN and a Medical Assistant, helping you determine which profession best suits your skills, lifestyle, and career aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to clinical procedures, patient care, or administrative tasks, this guide will provide clarity on the roles, training requirements, and career prospects of each path.
About These Healthcare Professions
One key distinction between Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)—also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in some states—and Medical Assistants (MAs) is the licensing requirement. LVNs must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain their license and legally practice. In contrast, Medical Assistants are not required to hold a license in most states, and some may enter the field with only a high school diploma. However, completing a formal Medical Assistant training program can significantly enhance job prospects, as many employers prefer or require certification in this increasingly competitive field.
If you’re eager to start working as soon as possible, Medical Assisting may be the faster route since many training programs can be completed in less than a year. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a role with a broader scope of clinical responsibilities and a higher earning potential, becoming an LVN may be the better long-term investment. Whether you’re transitioning careers or entering the healthcare field for the first time, factors such as salary*, job stability, and career growth opportunities are important considerations when choosing the right path.
Responsibilities of Medical Assistant and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Overall, the two occupations have significant differences in scope of practice. LVNs learn a greater number of clinical skills and will have more responsibility.
Licensed Vocational Nursing Responsibilities
Overall Duties
- Assess and monitor patients: Regularly check patients’ vital signs, observe their condition, and report any changes to the healthcare team.
- Report adverse reactions to medication or treatment: Identify and document any negative responses to medications or treatments and inform the supervising nurse or physician.
- Gather information from patients, including their health history: Conduct patient interviews to collect medical history and update records for accurate treatment planning.
- Teach patients about good health habits: Educate patients on proper nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle choices to promote overall well-being.
- Teach family members how to care for a relative: Provide instructions to family members on wound care, medication administration, and mobility assistance for their loved ones.
- Supervise nursing assistants and aides: Oversee and support nursing assistants, ensuring quality patient care and adherence to healthcare protocols.
In some states, LVNs can administer prescribed medicines, start intravenous fluids, and care for ventilator-dependent patients, expanding their scope of practice. Additionally, they may be responsible for developing patient care plans in long-term care settings, completing insurance forms, managing pre-authorizations and referrals, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to determine the best course of care for patients.
Medical Assisting Responsibilities
Administrative Duties
- Answer telephones: Respond to patient inquiries, schedule appointments, and relay messages to medical staff.
- Schedule appointments and greet patients: Manage patient scheduling and create a welcoming environment at the front desk.
- Update and file patient charts: Maintain accurate and confidential medical records, ensuring they are up to date.
- Order supplies: Monitor inventory and order medical and office supplies as needed.
- Arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services: Coordinate with hospitals and labs to facilitate patient care and diagnostic testing.
- Handle billing, collections, and bookkeeping: Process insurance claims, manage patient payments, and maintain financial records for the practice.
Clinical Duties (Varies by State Law)
- Taking medical histories and recording vital signs: Document patient history and measure vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
- Preparing patients and assisting the physician during the examination: Help patients get ready for exams and aid during procedures.
- Telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy: Call in prescription orders from the physician to the patient’s pharmacy.
- Collect and prepare laboratory specimens: Obtain blood, urine, or tissue samples and ensure proper labeling and transport.
- Sterilize medical instruments: Clean and disinfect tools to prevent contamination and infection.
- Preparing patients for x-rays: Position patients correctly for imaging procedures and ensure they understand the process.
- Taking electrocardiograms: Conduct EKG tests to measure heart activity and assist in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions.
- Removing sutures and dressing changes: Safely remove stitches and change wound dressings under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Medical Assistant vs. Licensed Vocational Nurse: Salary
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
According to the BLS, of May 2024, the average salary* earned by Medical Assistants was around $44,720 per year. MAs who earned wages in the top 10 percent made more than $56,480 annually. Salaries can vary based on factors such as level of experience, education, and geographical location.
Highest-Paying Industries for Medical Assistants
According to the BLS, here are the top-paying industries for Medical Assistants as of May 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and location.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $26.51 | $55,130 |
| Junior Colleges | $25.91 | $53,890 |
| Grantmaking and Giving Services | $24.51 | $50,990 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $24.16 | $50,250 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $23.60 | $49,090 |
Highest-Paying States for Medical Assistants
According to the BLS, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Medical Assistants as of May 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and location.
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Washington | $25.86 | $53,780 |
| Alaska | $25.25 | $52,530 |
| California | $24.47 | $50,900 |
| District of Columbia | $24.09 | $50,110 |
| Minnesota | $23.91 | $49,740 |
Highest-Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
According to the BLS, these are the cities where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for Medical Assistants as of May 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and location.
| City | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Vallejo, CA | $32.02 | $66,590 |
| San Francisco, CA | $28.89 | $62,160 |
| San Jose, CA | $28.93 | $60,180 |
| Sacramento, CA | $28.70 | $59,690 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $28.23 | $58,720 |
| Seattle, WA | $27.92 | $58,070 |
| Napa, CA | $27.22 | $56,610 |
| Anchorage, AK | $25.43 | $52,900 |
| Longview, WA | $24.91 | $51,800 |
| Bremerton, WA | $24.89 | $51,770 |
How Much Do Licensed Vocational Nurses Make?
According to the BLS, the mean annual wage of Licensed Vocational Nurses was around $64,150 as of May 2024. Salaries can vary based on factors such as level of experience, education, and geographical location.
Highest-Paying Industries for Licensed Vocational Nurses
According to the BLS, as of May 2023, these are the industries where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for LVNs. Salaries can vary based on factors such as level of experience, education, and geographical location.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $34.96 | $72,720 |
| Employment Services | $34.71 | $72,200 |
| Insurance Carriers | $34.71 | $72,190 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $32.13 | $66,840 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $32.09 | $66,740 |
Highest-Paying States for Licensed Vocational Nurses
According to the BLS, of May 2023, these are the states where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for LVNs. Salaries can vary based on factors such as level of experience, education, and geographical location.
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | $36.82 | $76,580 |
| Rhode Island | $36.28 | $75,470 |
| Washington | $36.26 | $75,410 |
| Alaska | $35.70 | $74,260 |
| Massachusetts | $35.29 | $73,400 |
Highest-Paying Cities for Licensed Vocational Nurses
According to the BLS, May 2023, these are the cities where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for LVNs. Salaries can vary based on factors such as level of experience, education, and geographical location.
| City | Average Hourly Pay | Average Salary |
| San Jose, CA | $41.92 | $87,180 |
| San Francisco, CA | $41.88 | $87,120 |
| Napa, CA | $40.05 | $83,310 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $39.60 | $82,360 |
| Vallejo, CA | $39.55 | $82,270 |
| Sacramento, CA | $37.75 | $78,530 |
| Seattle, WA | $37.72 | $78,460 |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $36.50 | $75,910 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $36.48 | $75,880 |
| Boston, MA | $36.39 | $75,690 |
Medical Assistant vs. Licensed Vocational Nurse: Job Outlook
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
According to the BLS, as of August 2024, the overall employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The large baby-boom population continues to enter older age groups, which typically have more healthcare concerns than younger age groups and will continue to increase demand for medical services. In addition, healthcare facilities will hire more medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing physicians and nurses to see more patients.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Job Outlook
According to the BLS, as of August 2024, the growth rate for licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the baby boomer population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in nursing and residential care facilities and home health environments to care for older patients. As our population ages, chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, are also expected to rise. LPNs and LVNs will be needed to assist and care for patients with these and other conditions.
Summary Comparison: Medical Assistant vs. Licensed Vocational Nurse
Note: The employment figures are based on data from the BLS for Medical Assistants and Licensed Vocational Nurses, as cited in previous sections.
| Comparison | Medical Assistant | Licensed Vocational Nurse |
| Job Description | Provides administrative services, basic patient care, and clinical support to doctors and nurses | Provides basic medical care to patients working under the direction of a doctor or registered nurse |
| Average Annual Wage | $44,720 | $64,150 |
| Jobs | 783,900 positions | 657,800 positions |
| Employment Growth | Projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. | Projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. |
| Education (Recommended) | Postsecondary nondegree award; programs typically take about 1 year to complete. | Postsecondary nondegree award; programs typically take about 1 year to complete and are commonly offered at technical schools and community colleges. |
About Eagle Gate College
Launching a career in healthcare can be both exciting and fulfilling, especially when you choose the right path. This article explored the key differences between Medical Assistants and Licensed Vocational Nurses, highlighting their roles, salaries, job outlooks, and educational requirements. Both careers offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in patients’ lives, but if you’re looking for a faster route into the field, becoming a Medical Assistant may be the perfect choice.
At Eagle Gate College, we believe in empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a successful future. Through hands-on, market-driven education and a student-focused approach, we help individuals turn their passion for healthcare into a rewarding career. If you’re ready to start your journey, consider the Medical Assistant program at Eagle Gate College—you can complete your training in as little as nine months!
