Licensed Practical Nurse vs Medical Assistant Career in Orlando 2026

At FHCA Orlando, we help you build a solid foundation in healthcare, whether you're aiming to become a licensed practical nurse or a medical assistant. Understanding the key differences between both roles is essential to making the right choice for your future. If you're looking for a faster path into the field, our Medical Assistant Program in Orlando offers hands-on training, real clinical experience, and job placement support to help you start strong.

Table of content

• Key differences between a licensed practical nurse and a medical assistant
  
• Salary and job outlook for LPN vs medical assistant in Florida
  
• Start your medical assistant training at FHCA Orlando
  
• LPN vs medical assistant careers in Florida 2026 FAQs
  
• Start your career with FHCA Orlando
  
  

Key differences between a licensed practical nurse and a medical assistant

LPNs focus on direct clinical care with state licensure, while medical assistants blend hands-on support with administrative tasks. Each path offers unique responsibilities, work settings, and training requirements that match different healthcare career goals.

Education and training requirements

To become an LPN, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program that includes clinical rotations and classroom instruction in areas like pharmacology and patient care.
After graduation, you’re required to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to earn your license and begin practicing professionally.

To become a medical assistant, you’ll attend a focused training program that teaches both clinical and administrative skills, such as phlebotomy, EKG, patient intake, and recordkeeping.
At FHCA Orlando, you get hands-on training with real equipment to prepare you for the workforce quickly and confidently.

Daily job responsibilities

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are responsible for direct patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, dressing wounds, and assisting with personal hygiene.
You'll also help develop care plans and report patient progress to registered nurses or physicians, especially in long-term or acute care settings.

Medical assistants take on a dual role by supporting both clinical and administrative tasks. You may check vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist during procedures, update medical records, and schedule appointments.
To understand their full scope, visit our guide on what medical assistants can and cannot do.

Work environments

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.
These settings involve direct, hands-on care with patients who often have complex medical needs, making the role more clinically intensive and physically demanding.

Medical assistants typically work in outpatient clinics, private physician offices, urgent care centers, and diagnostic labs. Their day involves a fast-paced mix of administrative duties and patient interaction, ideal for those who enjoy variety and direct contact in a more routine care environment.

Skills needed for each role

Medical assistants need to be organized, adaptable, and excellent at multitasking. You’ll work directly with patients while managing tasks like scheduling, patient intake, vital signs, and electronic health records.
Strong communication and customer service skills are key, especially in fast-paced outpatient or specialty clinics.

LPNs, on the other hand, require more advanced clinical skills. You’ll perform hands-on care such as administering medications, changing dressings, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with care plans. Critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the ability to respond quickly in medical situations are essential for success in this role.
 

Salary and job outlook for LPN vs medical assistant in Florida

While LPNs usually earn more due to their clinical scope and licensure, medical assistants are entering the field faster and seeing growing demand across outpatient settings. In Florida, both careers offer long-term stability, making them solid options if you want to build a future in healthcare with consistent job opportunities.

Average salaries in Florida

LPNs in Florida typically earn around $56,000 per year, according to Indeed, thanks to their clinical responsibilities and licensure. Medical assistants usually start near $38,000, but those in highest medical assistant specialties or busy outpatient clinics can earn significantly more. With the right training and certifications, both roles offer solid income and job stability.

Growth opportunities in healthcare

Medical assistants have multiple ways to grow in the field. You can specialize in high-demand areas like phlebotomy, EKG, cardiology, or dermatology, or move into administrative leadership as a clinical coordinator or office manager. 

With experience and additional certifications, your skills can lead to better positions and higher pay.

LPNs often advance by becoming registered nurses (RNs) through bridge programs, which open doors to hospital roles and increased responsibilities. 

Others grow into supervisory positions, patient care coordination, or specialty areas such as pediatrics or geriatrics. If you're goal-oriented, nursing offers a strong career ladder with long-term potential.

Start your medical assistant training at FHCA Orlando

If the medical assistant path aligns with your goals, Florida Health Care Academy Orlando prepares you with real clinical equipment, experienced instructors, and a focused curriculum designed to get you career-ready fast.
You’ll train in a supportive environment, gain practical skills employers look for, and receive help preparing for certification. Join a school that’s helped thousands of students enter Florida’s growing healthcare field, start your enrollment today.

LPN vs medical assistant careers in Florida 2026 FAQs

Frequently asked questions about these careers in Florida focus on salary, job growth, training time, and advancement potential. By 2026, both roles will remain essential, but your path depends on how clinical or administrative you want your healthcare career to be.

What is the average salary for a licensed practical nurse in Florida?

Salaries vary by setting and experience, but LPNs typically earn more than entry‑level medical assistants.

Can medical assistants give injections in Florida?

In Florida, medical assistants may perform injections only if the employer authorizes and state regulations are followed.

How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse?

LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months depending on the school and schedule.

Do medical assistants need certification in Florida?

Certification helps, but it’s not always required for employment. Training programs, like those at FHCA Orlando, enhance your readiness.

Is it faster to become a medical assistant or an LPN?

Becoming a medical assistant usually takes less time due to shorter programs and fewer licensing steps.

Start your career with FHCA Orlando

Choose the path that suits you, whether you aim for an LPN role or a focused medical assistant career through our Medical Assistant Program in Orlando. Begin your journey by starting your Enrollment today and take the next step in healthcare.