[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/medical-assistant/”]medical assistant[/hen-ui-link] (MA) looking for a new career in healthcare, with a higher salary and more autonomy, one of your options is transitioning from medical assistant to registered nurse (RN). Nursing is a growing field, and you can [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]become a nurse[/hen-ui-link] in two years with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) degree. This guide tells you about both careers and can help you decide on whether to become a medical assistant or a nurse and how to make the transition from medical assistant to RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistants support physicians and nurses in clinics, primary care offices, and hospitals. They handle billing, patient records, and scheduling, along with some clinical tasks. Students looking to enter the healthcare field quickly might consider working as a medical assistant, since medical assistant jobs require only a diploma.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Do Medical Assistants Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On a given day, medical assistants complete a combination of clinical and administrative tasks. When a patient comes in, a medical assistant takes down patient history, records personal information, and takes notes for the doctor on duty. They may conduct some preliminary tests such as measuring blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. If needed, the medical assistant may take blood samples, give injections, or administer medication.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, a medical assistant’s scope of work depends largely on their job title and employer. Administrative medical assistants answer phones, schedule appointments, and fill out insurance paperwork. Clinical medical assistants perform different tasks depending on state regulations; they may draw blood, conduct laboratory tests, or clean medical instruments. Ophthalmic, optometric, and podiatric medical assistants help ophthalmologists, optometrists, and podiatrists, respectively. These professionals work primarily in physicians’ offices, though many also work in hospitals and outpatient care centers. Through the table below, you can learn more about the top employers of medical assistants, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ style=”text-align: center; font-weight:bold;”]The Largest Employers of Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”4″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become a Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should understand the differences in the paths to becoming a medical assistant vs a nurse. Aspiring medical assistants must first satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/what-kind-of-degree-should-a-medical-assistant-have/”]education expectations for the MA field[/hen-ui-link]. Most states do not enforce any specific educational requirements, so students can enter the profession through many paths. Medical assistants often earn a postsecondary diploma or certificate after earning their high school diploma or GED certificate. Students can complete a medical assistant diploma or certificate in roughly one year at a community college, vocational or technical school, or university. Some students pursue a medical assistant associate degree, which takes two years to complete and might lead to more job opportunities than a certificate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some medical assistants land a job directly out of high school, employers usually prefer applicants who completed a postsecondary program. Medical assistant diploma and associate programs teach students about anatomy, medical terminology, and record keeping.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While states usually do not require medical assistants to become licensed, employers may prefer certified medical assistants. Many organizations offer medical assistant credentials. For instance, through the American Association of Medical Assistants, students can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org./careers/medical-assistant/how-to-become/”]become a certified medical assistant[/hen-ui-link]. Additionally, American Medical Technologists offers registered medical assistant certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam and meet education and work experience requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Employment and Salary Outlook for Medical Assistants[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant jobs are projected to grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs, by comparison, are projected to grow by 9% during the same period, according to the BLS, and RN jobs also by 9% (BLS). The [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/medical-assistant/salary//”]median annual salary for a medical assistant[/hen-ui-link] is $37,190, considerably below the BLS reported median annual salary for an RN of $77,600.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Through the table below, you can learn how location might affect salaries for these professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying States for MAs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”] 17,360[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$47,320[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]District of Columbia[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]1,960[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$46,690[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]1,700[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$46,390[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]California[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]97,640[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$44,780[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]13,730[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$44,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Licensed Practical Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some medical assistants choose to become LPNs before completing the requirements to apply for RN licensure. LPNs administer basic medical care by changing dressings, monitoring vital signs, and listening to patient concerns. In the following sections, you can learn more about LPN responsibilities and how to become an LPN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Do LPNs Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses enjoy more responsibility than MAs, but less than RNs. They work under the supervision of RNs and doctors to provide basic healthcare. They keep records, inform patients about treatments, and perform simple medical tasks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Daily duties of LPNs vary depending on the nurse’s employer and specialty. According to the table below, which lays out the largest employers of LPNs as per BLS data, almost 40% of LPNs work in nursing and residential care facilities. These nurses may administer medicines and help patients dress, bathe, and eat. Many LPNs also work in hospitals where they support RNs, physicians, and surgeons. In hospitals, LPNs may start intravenous drips or check blood pressure. LPNs who work in physicians’ offices might handle patient health records. Typical duties also depend on experience level; in some states, experienced LPNs can supervise other LPNs and medical assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ style=”text-align:center; font-weight:bold;”]The Largest Employers of LPNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”5″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become an LPN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring nurses need to take several steps before [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]becoming an LPN[/hen-ui-link]. First, students need to research education requirements in their state and complete an approved training program. Students can pursue an LPN diploma or certificate at a technical school, community college, high school, or hospital. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/lpn-programs-online/”]LPN programs[/hen-ui-link] take around one year to complete and include a clinical component. In LPN programs, students learn about healthcare, pharmacology, biology, and chemistry. Medical assistants usually need to complete additional education to become an LPN, since LPN programs boast coursework and clinical training beyond the scope of most medical assistant programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a state-approved [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/best-lpn-nursing-programs/”]LPN training program[/hen-ui-link], students can begin the path to licensure. Students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a standardized test developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam covers topics such as pharmacology, health promotion, health maintenance, and infection control. Along with the exam, state licensing boards commonly require clinical hours, specific coursework, and an application. Aspiring LPNs often must agree to a criminal background check. Be sure to carefully research licensing requirements in your state, since expectations vary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Employment and Salary Outlook for LPNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN jobs are growing faster than the average job growth rate, with a projected increase of 9% between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS. This is the same rate that the BLS projects for RN jobs, but lower than the 18% that the BLS projects for medical assistants. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]median annual salary for all LPNs[/hen-ui-link] is $48,070, but the salary varies widely based on education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying States for LPNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]California[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]72,180[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]480[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$63,650[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]7,110[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$63,250[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]15,500[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$61,820[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nevada[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]3,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$60,490[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs provide direct care to patients in many settings. They know how to operate medical devices and possess a strong knowledge of medications, health conditions, and treatments. Students might consider becoming an RN over an MA or LPN, since RNs enjoy more responsibility and higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Do RNs Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs coordinate patient care, perform holistic assessments, and make critical decisions. They may also dress wounds and collaborate with doctors to prepare for surgeries. Additionally, they communicate with patients and families to provide emotional support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN’s specific responsibilities vary depending on their specialty and workplace. Some nursing students concentrate in neonatal care, mental health nursing, emergency room care, or another area. These specialized nurses complete different daily tasks than nurses in a community clinic or doctor’s office. The duties of an RN also differ based on the size of their healthcare facility. RNs at large hospitals and clinics might supervise lower-level employees, while nurses at smaller facilities may take on more administrative duties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below outlines as per BLS some of the largest employers of nurses in the U.S. Hospitals employ the most RNs, followed by ambulatory healthcare services and residential care facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ style=”text-align:center; font-weight:bold;”]The Largest Employers of Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”5″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become an RN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though licensing requirements vary by state, all aspiring RNs must complete a state-approved training program. Students can opt for either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both types of programs cover topics like anatomy, biology, nutrition, chemistry, and physiology. In addition, both associate and bachelor’s programs include a supervised clinical component. However, unlike associate nursing programs, bachelor’s programs explore topics like communication, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical thinking in nursing[/hen-ui-link], community health, and leadership. While RNs can find work with either degree, many employers require or prefer a bachelor’s degree for RN positions. Associate programs take two years to complete, while bachelor’s programs take four years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In order to [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]become an RN[/hen-ui-link], students must become certified through their state’s licensing board. At minimum, candidates must graduate from an approved program and pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure. The NCLEX-RN costs $200 and tests students’ knowledge of areas such as risk reduction, pharmacology, and care management. Some states also require a criminal background check or continuing education courses. Aspiring nurses should familiarize themselves with the licensing and renewal requirements in their state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Employment and Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-salary//”]RNs earn[/hen-ui-link] a median $77,600 annually and the BLS projects 9% job growth between 2020 and 2030. This is the same as the 9% that the BLS projects for LPN job growth, and considerably lower than the 18% job growth that the BLS projects for medical assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying States for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]California[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]324,400[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$124,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hawaii[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]11,110[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$106,530[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]37,580[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$98,630[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]District of Columbia[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]11,540[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$98,540[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]6,060[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]$97,230[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because of the growth in the U.S. healthcare sector, there is steady growth in nursing and medical assistant jobs. RN jobs offer higher salaries, considerably above the national median salary of $45,760 and the median annual salary for LPNs is also above the national median, while the median medical assistant job earns somewhat less. While medical assistants earn less than RNs, the [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/medical-assistant/how-to-become//”]process to become a medical assistant[/hen-ui-link] takes less time than earning an ADN or bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,g_face,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/e_grayscale/v1617058506/experts/Brandy_Gleason.jpg” img-alt=”Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Brandy Gleason is a nursing professional with nearly 20 years of varied nursing experience. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Gleason is a paid member of our RV EDU Integrity Network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Page last reviewed September 7, 2021[/hen-ui-text]