Can Medical Assistants Give Medications?

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

| Update: April 21, 2025

Medical assistants do not have the same training as nurses or doctors, but they still play a vital role in a healthcare facility. Medical assistants are trained to help with front office tasks like scheduling, answering office correspondence, ordering supplies, and handling some billing functions, but they’re also trained to help with some clinical tasks as well.

With medical assistants performing so many roles around the office, it can be confusing trying to determine what is and isn’t within a medical assistant’s scope of practice. In particular, you may be curious if medical assistants can give medications. Under the supervision of a doctor, you may be surprised at all the tasks medical assistants are capable of performing.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, consider enrolling in UEI College's Medical Assistant Program. The Medical Assistant Program is short-term, allowing you to earn a Medical Assistant Diploma in as few as 10 months!

What Can Medical Assistants Do?

In California, medical assistants work under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner. The specific tasks and responsibilities of medical assistants can vary based on factors such as their level of training, experience, and the policies of the healthcare facility they work in.

Common Tasks Medical Assistants in California May Perform

  • Rooming patients: Medical assistants often greet patients, take their vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, temperature), and record their medical history or chief complaints.
  • Assisting with examinations: Medical assistants may assist healthcare providers during physical examinations by preparing equipment, collecting and preparing specimens, and providing support to patients.
  • Administering medications: While medical assistants generally cannot independently administer medications or injections in California, they may assist in medication-related tasks, such as preparing medications and organizing them for the healthcare provider.
  • Performing basic laboratory tests: Medical assistants may collect and process laboratory specimens, such as blood or urine samples, and perform basic tests, like point-of-care testing or electrocardiograms (EKGs).
  • Taking patient medical histories: Medical assistants often interview patients to gather information about their medical history, current symptoms, and medication use. This information is then documented for the healthcare provider.
  • Assisting with minor procedures: Medical assistants may help with minor procedures, such as wound dressing changes, suture removal, or applying bandages or splints under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
  • Managing administrative tasks: Medical assistants may handle administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, billing and coding, and communicating with insurance providers.

Can Medical Assistants Give Patients Medications?

Yes, medical assistants can give patients medications as long as they have been approved by a physician and the medical assistant is working under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner. Additionally, medical assistants can prepare medications and explain medication instructions to patients.

What Can’t Medical Assistants Do?

Medical assistants are useful all over the office, but there are several things they’re not allowed to do. These include:

  • Diagnosing patients
  • Prescribing medications
  • Developing a treatment plan
  • Giving medications through an IV
  • Performing any exam or physical therapy (though they may be in the room to assist the physician)  

Can Medical Assistants Give Injections? 

Injecting medications is often reserved for licensed professionals such as nurses and physicians. For instance, medical assistants are not qualified to inject collagen. This task is reserved for a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

Medical assistants may also draw blood, but they’re not trained to set up an IV or collect blood donations. This is reserved for a nurse or phlebotomist.

Can a Medical Assistant Prescribe Medication?

No, medical assistants do not have the authority to prescribe medications.

Diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications are reserved for physicians, physician assistants (PA), and nurse practitioners (NP). These trained professionals are the ones to diagnose issues and create a treatment plan for the patient.

The medical assistant may help by assisting with the exam, taking notes as requested by the doctor, and updating records. Medical assistants may also send a doctor’s prescription orders to the pharmacy or call the pharmacy to refill medications as long as there are no changes to the treatment plan. Medical assistants may also give patients directions for carrying out their treatment at home and when to follow up with the doctor.

Can a Medical Assistant Refill Prescriptions? 

Medical assistants cannot independently prescribe or refill prescriptions, but they can play a supportive role in the prescription process under the direction of a licensed provider.

In many healthcare settings, a medical assistant may:

  • Relay a refill request to a provider on behalf of a patient
  • Document prescription information in patient records
  • Call in a prescription to a pharmacy once the provider has approved it

Can Medical Assistants Give Botox Injections?

Medical assistants are not legally allowed to administer Botox injections unless specifically permitted by state law. If permitted, they must do so under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner. 

The role of a medical assistant is to ensure the physician has what they need to be able to do their work and to ensure the patient’s needs are being met in the best way possible. For example, medical assistants can provide support by preparing patients, setting up equipment, or documenting treatments.

Consider Becoming a Medical Assistant with UEI College

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, enrolling in UEI College's Medical Assistant training program can be a rewarding step toward achieving your professional goals. With comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, UEI College equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of healthcare.

UEI College's Medical Assistant program offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers essential topics such as patient care, medical office procedures, medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical skills. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation and practical experience that prepares students for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings.

By enrolling in UEI College's program, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors who are committed to your success. The program combines classroom instruction with practical training in simulated labs and real-world externships, allowing you to apply what you've learned in a supportive and immersive environment.

Moreover, UEI College's career services team provides guidance and support in resume building, job search strategies, and interview preparation.

Investing in your education at UEI College can open doors to a fulfilling career as a medical assistant. Take the first step today and enroll in UEI College's Medical Assistant Program to embark on an exciting journey towards a rewarding profession in the healthcare field. Start now by finding a UEI campus near you.

Joe Cockrell

Joe Cockrell

Joseph Cockrell is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience, coupled with a distinguished graduate-level education. A former professional journalist, Joseph excels in media relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation management, strategic communications planning, and marketing. Renowned for his proficiency as an expert storyteller, Joseph possesses a unique ability to craft compelling written and video content of the highest caliber. With an extensive background in navigating complex communication landscapes, he brings unparalleled insight and skill to elevate brands and effectively convey impactful narratives.