Updated Content 08/25/2025
Many people dream of starting a career in the healthcare industry, and maybe you are one of them. The healthcare field is continuing to grow, and the different types of available jobs are also increasing. When you work in healthcare, you have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them when they need it most.
With numerous opportunities to launch your healthcare career, it can be overwhelming to navigate them all.
To help you do this, United Career Institute (UCI) explains the difference between a medical assistant and a licensed practical nurse, or MA vs LPN. Keep reading to learn more about these healthcare career options!
MA vs LPN Career Outlook
Medical assistants have a promising career outlook here in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics^ data, medical assistants have a projected growth rate of 15% from 2023 to 2033. This is very high compared to the average growth rate of 4% for all other occupations. This means that employers will need even more qualified and skilled medical assistants in the future to fill open positions.
The BLS estimates the projected growth rate for licensed practical nurses will be 3% from 2023 to 2033. This means that employers will also need skilled and well-trained licensed practical nurses at a higher rate in the future.
Skills Needed
Medical assistants complete both clinical and administrative tasks while on the job, focusing on assessing patients and helping with care and treatment. They need to learn various skills, including performing lab tests, practicing phlebotomy, taking vital signs, assisting with minor surgeries, and performing EKGs.
For those who choose to become a licensed practical nurse, the focus is more on providing basic medical care while working under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Skills a licensed practical nurse needs include performing IV therapy, caring for wounds, assisting patients with daily activities, and monitoring medical equipment.
At UCI, our Practical Nursing program provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience by practicing their skills during clinicals. With this valuable hands-on experience, Practical Nursing students are ready for their careers in just one year.
Training Required
To start a career as a medical assistant, you will need to prepare for this specific job via specialized training. Most medical assisting programs are comprised of both classroom instruction and hands-on skills and are completed in under two years. It is also beneficial to choose a Clinical Medical Assistant degree program that will prepare you for professional certifications, as many of today’s healthcare employers prefer certified candidates.
For example, students enrolled in our medical assisting training program at UCI learn valuable knowledge in the classroom and practice their hands-on skills in labs and their externship. Additionally, students prepare for professional healthcare certifications, including National Certified Clinical Medical Assistant*, Certified EKG Technician**, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician**.
To become a licensed practical nurse, students are required to complete a state-approved program that can usually be completed in one year. Students are trained in areas like nursing, pharmacology, and biology. After graduating from a practical nursing program, students must take the NCLEX-PN° exam and pass to be employed as a licensed practical nurse in their state.
Work Environment
According to BLS data, 57% of medical assistants work in a physician’s office, and 15% work in hospitals. The remainder of medical assistants’ work is in outpatient care centers and with chiropractors. Most medical assisting positions are full-time with a 40-hour workweek. Those who choose to work in healthcare facilities that are open all the time, like hospitals, for example, may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Licensed practical nurses are more likely to work in nursing and residential care facilities, with 38% working there, 15% working in hospitals, 13% in physicians’ offices, 13% in-home healthcare services, and 6% in government, according to BLS data. LPNs are required to be on their feet for a lot of the workday, and they need the ability to lift patients who cannot care for themselves. Due to the type of healthcare facilities they work in, many practical nurses must work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Now that you have a good understanding of the differences between MA vs LPN, you can decide on the best way to start your healthcare career!
Explore our online/hybrid healthcare training programs in Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Coding, Medical Office Administration, and Practical Nursing today. Request information now to start your dream healthcare career!
°Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Practical Nurse.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Required/included in tuition/fees.
**Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam. Optional at own expense.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.
^BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region, and should be researched before making an enrollment decision.