Final answer:
True, medical assistants aid in patient care, with Medical Laboratory Assistants focusing on processing samples in a lab setting. Clinical training is central to their role, though a degree may not be required for employment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a medical assistant's main responsibility is to assist the physician in providing patient care is true. Medical assistants perform various duties, which indeed include assisting physicians with patient care. However, in the context of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA), the role is more specific to laboratory settings. MLAs spend the majority of their time processing samples and performing routine tasks within a laboratory environment. While clinical training is a vital aspect of this role to ensure both accuracy and compliance with health standards, obtaining a full degree may not always be necessary to secure a position as an MLA.