Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Administrative Assistant

Q: What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Administrative Assistant?

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): LVNs, also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in some states, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. LVNs are responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medication, and providing basic bedside care. Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA): MAAs, also referred to as Medical Secretaries or Medical Office Assistants, work primarily in administrative roles within healthcare facilities. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance claims. MAAs also greet patients, answer phone calls, and assist with administrative tasks as needed.

By Fel QuijadaUpdated May 20, 2026

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Administrative Assistant

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Are you considering a career in the healthcare field but unsure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA). While both roles are essential in the healthcare industry, they have distinct differences in terms of job duties, education, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between LVNs and MAAs to help you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.

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Introduction

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with a wide range of career opportunities available. Licensed Vocational Nurses and Medical Administrative Assistants are two such roles that offer stability and growth potential. Both positions require a strong commitment to patient care and the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment. However, the specific job responsibilities and required training for each role differ significantly.

What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Administrative Assistant?

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): LVNs, also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in some states, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. LVNs are responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medication, and providing basic bedside care.

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA): MAAs, also referred to as Medical Secretaries or Medical Office Assistants, work primarily in administrative roles within healthcare facilities. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance claims. MAAs also greet patients, answer phone calls, and assist with administrative tasks as needed.

Difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Medical Administrative Assistant

Although both LVNs and MAAs work in the healthcare field, there are distinct differences between the two roles. Here are some key differentiators:

Job Duties:

LVNs focus on providing direct patient care, such as administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living.
MAAs primarily handle administrative tasks, such as managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance claims.

Level of Patient Interaction:

LVNs have frequent direct contact with patients, providing hands-on care and emotional support.
MAAs have less direct patient interaction compared to LVNs, as their primary responsibilities revolve around administrative tasks.

Scope of Practice:

LVNs have a broader scope of practice compared to MAAs. They are trained to perform certain medical procedures, such as wound care, catheter insertion, and medication administration.
MAAs focus on administrative tasks and do not have clinical responsibilities beyond basic patient assessments.

Supervision:

LVNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or doctors.
MAAs work under the supervision of healthcare administrators or office managers.

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Job Description

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

LVNs play a vital role in patient care, providing support to registered nurses and doctors. Some common job duties of an LVN include:

Monitoring patients' vital signs and reporting any changes to the healthcare team.
Administering medication and treatments as prescribed.
Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Collecting samples for laboratory testing and performing basic patient assessments.
Educating patients and their families about care plans and self-care techniques.

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA):

MAAs are responsible for managing the administrative aspects of healthcare facilities. Some common job duties of an MAA include:

Managing patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
Scheduling appointments and coordinating referrals to specialists.
Handling billing and insurance claims, including verifying coverage and submitting claims.
Greeting patients, answering phone calls, and providing general information.
Assisting with administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies and maintaining office organization.

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Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Education and Training

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

To become an LVN, individuals must complete a state-approved vocational nursing program, which typically takes about one year to complete. These programs are offered by community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. Upon completion, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA):

The educational requirements for becoming an MAA vary, but most employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical assisting or a related field. These programs typically take around one to two years to complete and cover topics such as medical terminology, medical office procedures, and medical billing and coding.

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

The career outlook for LVNs is promising, with a projected job growth of 11% from 2018 to 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The demand for LVNs is driven by the aging population and the need for healthcare services. Additionally, the median annual wage for LVNs was $47,480 in May 2019, with the highest 10% earning more than $63,360.

Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA):

The career outlook for MAAs is also positive, with a projected job growth of 23% from 2018 to 2028, according to the BLS. The increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for efficient administrative support contribute to the growth of this profession. The median annual wage for medical secretaries, which includes MAAs, was $36,580 in May 2019, with the highest 10% earning more than $53,330.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Medical Administrative Assistant ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you have a passion for hands-on patient care and want to make a difference in people's lives, becoming an LVN may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy administrative tasks and want to contribute to the efficient operation of healthcare facilities, pursuing a career as an MAA may be the better choice.

Consider your strengths, interests, and long-term career aspirations when making a decision. Both LVNs and MAAs play integral roles in the healthcare industry, and whichever path you choose, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking: