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Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medication Aide

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Medication Aide

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Are you considering a career in healthcare but unsure whether to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Medication Aide? Both roles are essential in patient care, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and career prospects.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between an LVN and a Medication Aide, covering job descriptions, training requirements, and salaries to help you decide which path fits your goals.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

  • Average Salary: $59,730 per year.
  • Top Earners: Up to $77,870.
  • Job Growth: 3% growth through 2033, driven by aging populations and increased demand for long-term care services.

Medication Aide

  • Average Salary: $38,130 per year.
  • Top Earners: Up to $48,780.
  • Job Growth: 4% growth through 2033, keeping pace with national averages for healthcare support roles.

Choosing the Right Career Path

When deciding between becoming an LVN or a Medication Aide, consider:

1. Training Time:

  • Need a faster start? A Medication Aide program may be ideal (4-8 weeks).
  • Want a broader role? An LVN program offers more opportunities (12-18 months).

2. Earning Potential:

LVNs earn higher salaries due to their broader scope of practice and certifications.

3. Career Advancement:

LVNs have more paths to specialize or become Registered Nurses (RNs).

4. Job Responsibilities:

Medication Aides focus only on medication administration, while LVNs handle hands-on patient care.

Final Thoughts

Both Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Medication Aides are essential in patient care, but they serve different purposes.

  • Choose LVN if you want more responsibilities, higher pay, and long-term growth opportunities.
  • Choose Medication Aide if you prefer short training and a focused role in medication administration.

No matter which path you choose, Dreambound makes it easy to find training programs near you and start your healthcare journey today!

Looking for more career inspiration? Check out these healthcare roles:

Joanna Paragas
Written by
Joanna Paragas

Joanna Paragas is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. Her primary role involves creating various automation to streamline workflows and make tasks more efficient for the entire team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanna enjoys spending her free time playing with her dogs and enhancing her knowledge by enrolling in online courses.

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