You are 100% right.  MA's should not be identifying themselves as nurses.  I would like to clarify some misconceptions though.  MA's (Medical Assistants) are not the same as Med Techs, or CNAs.  MAs attend a medical assisting program that is on average 12 months to 2 years.  Their education includes anatomy and physiology, psychology, asepsis, phlebotomy, injections, EKG's, lab and x-ray procedures, clinical procedures, vital signs, critical thinking, CPR & First Aid, diseases, pharmacology, CPT & ICD-9 coding, HMO policies and procedures, medical ethics, laws as they pertain to the medical field, medical record maintenance and many other things.  Their scope of practice is determined by the Medical Examining Board of the state that they practice in; and therefore varies by state.  The only reason that they are "unlicensed" is because the various states have not found it to their benefit to do so.  However, 7 states have developed a specific scope of practice for MAs which includes: whirlpool treatments, diathermy treatments, taking and recording, vital signs, rooming patients, administering medications, collection of lab specimens and phlebotomy; perfoming basic laboratory tests, ultrasound therapy, electric galvation stimulation treatments, EKGs, observation and report of patient symptoms, assisting with patient exams or procedures, EEGs, plethysmography tests (other than full-body), suture and staple removal, applying and removing dressings and bandages; orthopedic appliances, ear lavage, establishing peripheral IV lines, injection of fluorescein dyes for retinal angiography, administer basic first aid, dialysis; including home dialysis, authorization of prescription refills; the those 7 states.  The rest of the states Scope of Practice for MAs are more broad.  At this time, unfortunately, unaccredited schools are graduating MAs, that should NOT be practicing.  The move is to require Certification (CMA or RMA) and eventual Licensing for all MAs.  Some states already do require Certification.  MAs who attend an accredited program are able to take the Certification exam; and are required to renew their certification every five years  by taking CEU's or retaking the exam.  MAs are also required to do a clinical of 160 hours for Certification. The only difference between Certification and Licensing, is that Certification is given by a non-governmental body and Licensing is given by a governmental body.  It is basically just politics. 

 CNAs on the other hand attend a training of approximately 12 days and do a three day clinical; and they are trained in bedside care.  MAs are trained in ambulatory care.  Hope this was helpful.