The key differences between a medical assistant and a nurse are the level of patient care that they deliver, as well as their licensure requirements. Medical assistants are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties, which can include everything from scheduling appointments and assisting with billing to taking patients’vitals and administering medications.1
Registered nurses are able to perform a wider range of patient care duties, including patient assessments and the development and implementation of care plans.2 RNs are required to pass a licensure exam whereas licensure is not required to become a medical assistant in California.1,2
1California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Medical Assistants
2California Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, Registered Nurses