What's the difference between a Medical Assistant and an LPN?

Does anyone know what the difference is between a Certified Medical Assistant and LPN, Are they the same job?

• I am taking a Medical Assiting class and we were discuss a comment another student made that a Medical Assistant is basically the same thing as being an LPN. I am not trying to insult any LPN this just has my curosity up. Thanks for any imput...

• Answer:

  Some states vary with their LPN and CMA duties. "Generally", and not every case- Medical Assistants are limited to working in clinics and doctors offices. LPNs can work in clinics, doctors offices, hospitals and emergency rooms, ect. Both can administer meds, and are pretty much close in responsibilities. CMAs work closely with docs in their clinics, and LPNs too, but in hospitals you work more on your own, and can be made charge nurse, being over a group of LPNs and nursing assistants. This is just my opinions but anyways CMAs are more of an office setting, and LPNs are more of a hospital/clinical setting. Good luck with your courses