Medical Assistant to LPN Programs Online: Top Schools & More

Program Profiles: Detailing Popular Online MA to LPN Bridge Programs

If you’re a medical assistant looking to provide additional care, support, and expertise to patients, being accepted to an LPN program could be the key to making that a reality. One of the biggest perks you’ll find is an increase in your earnings. In fact, LPNs make at least 30% more — or about $11,000 — than medical assistants per year. As an LPN, you’ll also benefit from more flexibility in your schedule, a strong job outlook, and greater responsibility.

Current and aspiring healthcare professionals have a wealth of program options to choose from. As wonderful as this is, you may find yourself uncertain on where to start. In this section, we’ll showcase three standout programs that offer a mix of online, hybrid, and on-campus learning to help kick off your search. You’ll also get a glimpse into what to expect in terms of curriculum, admissions, duration, student services, and more.

Medical Assistant to LPN Bridge Program FAQs

As you consider the transition to LPN, you probably still have questions before you make the jump. Below are answers to the most common questions to help you make your choice and start on your path.

How do I transition from MA to LPN?

If you have work experience, a certification as a medical assistant, and a high school diploma/GED, you’ll meet the basic requirements for an LPN bridge program. Each specific program has its own additional requirements, so read carefully to be sure you’ve checked all the boxes. For example, have you taken all the prerequisite classes and achieved a grade that meets the mark? For example at Allegany College of Maryland, you must complete the general education requirements with a minimum grade of “C”. What about background checks and health records? Your application won’t be considered complete — and probably won’t be reviewed at all — without all required documentation.

How long does it take to become an LPN from being an MA?

In general, with a year of full-time study you’ll have your LPN and be headed for new responsibilities — and more money — in the healthcare field. Of course, if you’re continuing your work as an MA and studying part-time, completing your LPN will take a bit longer. For example, at Green River College you’ll need three quarters of full-time study to become an LPN. But if you’re studying part-time, your classes will take you six quarters. Either way, when you compare the time span to the length of your career, it’s a small amount of time that yields big results for your future.

Can a medical assistant work as a school nurse?

Typically, medical assistants cannot work as school nurses. Medical assistants generally are focused on administrative duties and can’t perform all the direct patient care required of a school nurse, such as administering medications and changing bandages. So, while they can work alongside a school nurse, they can’t hold the role themselves. One variation you may encounter, particularly in charter schools or private schools, is that a medical assistant may be the main medical representative on site. Plus, in some states medical assistants can perform certain duties if they’ve been trained by a doctor and work under the doctor’s supervision. However, that person cannot and should not represent themselves as a nurse.

Which is better, LPN or MA?

Both careers are challenging and rewarding. But if hands-on care is your goal, becoming an LPN is an essential next step to work your way up the career ladder in healthcare. Online LPN programs give you the hands-on experience, clinical expertise, and deeper understanding of the healthcare system needed to carry you into your new career.

Your expanded responsibilities also bring more variety to your day. Your tasks as an LPN could include monitoring patients, taking vital signs and histories, checking blood pressure, changing bandages, inserting IVs and catheters, and much more. However, if you get satisfaction from completing administrative tasks and checking things off your list, making the switch to LPN might not be the right move.

What pays more, LPN or medical assistant?

LPNs with equivalent experience make more money than MAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a medical assistant is $40,700, while an LPN earns $55,860 — an increase of more than one third. Average earnings vary by location, so be sure to check state salary breakdowns, such as the one provided by Nightingale College. Remember, that the added money comes with more responsibilities as well. If those new responsibilities match your career aspirations, you’ll be headed in the right direction financially and professionally with a switch to LPN. If money is a barrier to pursuing your LPN, explore online resources and scholarships for LPN students and LPN programs that offer financial aid. Affordable LPN programs are out there for you.

Prerequisites of Medical Assistant to LPN Bridge Programs

To enroll in a medical assistant-LPN bridge program online, you’ll need to complete several common prerequisites. As you might expect, experience in a healthcare setting, typically as a medical assistant, is often the most important of these requirements, but it’s far from the only one. Let’s explore some other requirements you’ll need to complete to make the successful transition from medical assistant to LPN.

Experience

Most LPN programs require students to demonstrate employment experience before they enroll. This program at Lakeshore Technical College, for example, requires verification of employment as a certified MA with 3,000 hours under their belt. Students who aren’t certified must provide verification of 6,000 hours of employment in the past three years. Specific requirements will vary by program, so be sure to check your program requirements before submitting your application.

Prior Education

Before enrolling in an LPN program, you’ll need to provide evidence of having completed high school and a certified medical assistant program. Both signify that you have a minimum level of academic competence and are ready for advanced healthcare training.

These education requirements also help ensure that you’ll be able to succeed in coursework such as anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing theory. Some LPN programs, including the one at Green River College, may also require applicants to have completed specific courses such as biology or chemistry.

Other Common Prerequisites

Medical assistant to LPN bridge programs also looks at other components of your professional and educational background. For example, your GPA in previous coursework plays an important role. GPA requirements vary by programs; generally, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred for prerequisite courses. You may be asked to write a cover letter or personal statement that highlights your experience, strengths, the value you would add to the LPN program, and why the LPN program is a good fit for you.

Comparing the Career and Salary Outlook for LPNs vs MAs

Medical assistants often begin their careers in the allied health field with the goal of eventually transitioning to a higher-paying job. This is why moving into licensed practical nursing is a good option for those who want to build a lifelong career in allied health. Medical assistants across the nation are projected to experience job growth of 13.8% from 2022 to 2032, while LPNs will see a lower growth rate of 5.3%. However, this still translates to an average of 54,400 job openings for LPNs nationwide, with some states experiencing much higher growth than others.

In terms of income, LPNs can expect to earn more than medical assistants. The median annual wage for medical assistants is $42,000, whereas LPNs earn $59,730. This significant difference can greatly ease the cost of living. In fact, the median wages for LPNs are higher than the 90th percentile of wages for medical assistants. Check out the charts below to see the differences in income and job growth for medical assistants and LPNs.