Final answer:
The difference between the role of a licensed practical nurse and a medical assistant lies in their scope of practice, with LPNs having a broader range of responsibilities. LPNs provide direct patient care, while MAs assist healthcare providers with administrative and clinical tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word that best describes the difference between the role of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a medical assistant (MA) is scope of practice.
LPNs have a wider scope of practice compared to MAs. They are responsible for providing direct patient care and can perform tasks such as administering medication, assisting with procedures, and monitoring patient vital signs.
On the other hand, MAs mainly assist healthcare providers with administrative and clinical tasks, including scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, and performing basic medical procedures like phlebotomy and taking vital signs.
LPNs typically require more education, such as a diploma or associate's degree in nursing, and must pass a licensing exam. MAs, on the other hand, can enter the field with a high school diploma and may complete a medical assisting program.