MtDNA testing; I was told since I am a female I could only?

test for mt DNA testing and not for my paternal DNA. I am very confused. Could someone explain to me? I want to find out my ancestors : European, African, etc; but I also wanted to be able to figure out my paternal family origins since I do not know anything about my father. I was told if I wanted to know my father ancestry I would need a brother, uncle from his side but I am only child and the whereabouts of my paternal family are unknown. So, I am very confused.. if they do this test will they be able to tell me what I am (ex. 30 native american 70% european) or will they just tell me what my mothers family ancestry is made of? Help!