What can a nurse do that a medical assistant cannot?

Both nurses and medical assistants provide patient care, but nurses work under their own licenses, which allows them to do many things that medical assistants cannot, such as perform procedures and administer advanced medications.

Medical assistants are required to work under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor or nurse, which limits their functions and abilities. Unlike medical assistants, nurses can perform procedures that include starting intravenous medications. They also can administer advanced medications such as chemotherapy.