When you visit a doctor’s office, hospital or urgent care clinic, you may meet several people who help with your care. Some may have letters after their names, such as MD, DO, PA, NP, RN or MA.
Those titles can be confusing, but they matter. They can help you understand each person’s training, role and how they may support your care.
Here is a simple guide to common medical titles and what they mean.
Why are there so many different medical titles?
Health care is often delivered by a team. Depending on your needs, your care team may include physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, pharmacists and other trained professionals.
Each role has different education, training, licensing and responsibilities. Some providers diagnose and treat medical conditions. Some prescribe medications. Others help with care instructions, vital signs, testing, procedures, follow-up and day-to-day support.
Your care team may look different depending on where you receive care, what type of visit you have and what condition is being treated.
What does MD mean?
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine. An MD is a physician who completed medical school, residency training and licensing requirements to practice medicine.
MDs can:
- Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications
- Perform procedures or surgery, depending on their specialty
- Refer you to specialists
- Help manage acute and chronic conditions
Some MDs practice primary care, such as family medicine, internal medicine or pediatrics. Others specialize in areas such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics or surgery.
What does DO mean?
DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. A DO is also a physician. Like MDs, DOs complete medical school, residency training and licensing requirements.
DOs can:
- Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications
- Perform procedures or surgery, depending on their specialty
- Refer you to specialists
- Help manage acute and chronic conditions
DOs receive medical training similar to MDs but also receive additional training in osteopathic medicine, which looks at how the body’s systems work together. Some DOs also use osteopathic manipulative treatment, a hands-on approach that may help with certain muscle and joint concerns.
What is the difference between an MD and a DO?
MDs and DOs are both licensed physicians. They can practice medicine, prescribe medication and specialize in the same areas of care.
The main difference is the type of medical school they attended and some parts of their training. MDs attend allopathic medical schools. DOs attend osteopathic medical schools and receive additional training in osteopathic principles and techniques.
For most patients, the more important question is whether the physician has the right experience, specialty and communication style for your needs.
What does NP mean?
NP stands for nurse practitioner. An NP is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level education and clinical training.
NPs may:
- Diagnose and treat many health conditions
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications, depending on state law and practice setting
- Provide preventive care
- Help manage chronic conditions
- Educate patients and families
- Serve as a primary care provider in some settings
NPs often specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, adult-gerontology, acute care or behavioral health.
What does PA mean?
PA stands for physician assistant or physician associate. A PA is a licensed clinician who is trained to practice medicine as part of a health care team.
PAs may:
- Take medical histories
- Perform physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret tests
- Prescribe medications
- Assist in surgery
- Perform certain procedures
- Help manage ongoing health conditions
PAs work in many areas of medicine, including primary care, emergency care, surgery, orthopedics, cardiology and other specialties.
What is the difference between an NP and a PA?
NPs and PAs are both advanced practice providers. They can diagnose, treat and care for patients in many settings.
The main difference is their training path. NPs are trained through advanced nursing education. PAs are trained through medical education modeled on physician training.
In everyday care, the services they provide may look similar. Their responsibilities can vary by state, specialty, clinic, hospital and care team structure.
Can I see an NP or PA instead of a doctor?
Yes, in many cases. NPs and PAs can often help with routine visits, preventive care, minor illnesses, medication management and chronic condition follow-up.
Seeing an NP or PA may also help you get care sooner. They can consult with a physician or involve another specialist when needed.
If you have a complex condition, new symptoms or concerns about your treatment plan, ask how your care team will work together and who will be involved in your care.
What does RN mean?
RN stands for registered nurse. RNs are licensed nurses who provide and coordinate patient care.
RNs may:
- Assess symptoms
- Monitor vital signs
- Give medications
- Start or manage IVs
- Provide wound care
- Educate patients and families
- Help coordinate care before, during and after treatment
You may meet RNs in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, emergency departments, urgent care centers and many other care settings.
What does LPN or LVN mean?
LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse. These titles refer to similar roles, but the name varies by state.
LPNs and LVNs provide basic nursing care under the direction of an RN, physician or other licensed provider.
They may:
- Check vital signs
- Give certain medications
- Help with basic care needs
- Collect information about symptoms
- Support wound care
- Help patients understand care instructions
What does MA mean?
MA stands for medical assistant. A medical assistant supports providers and patients in clinics, doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings.
Medical assistants may:
- Take vital signs
- Review medications
- Ask about symptoms
- Prepare patients for exams
- Help with forms and records
- Schedule appointments
- Support basic clinical tasks, depending on training and state rules
You may see an MA before your provider enters the room. They help keep the visit moving and make sure your care team has important information.
What does CNA mean?
CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. CNAs help patients with daily care needs, often in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and long-term care settings.
CNAs may:
- Help patients bathe, dress or eat
- Help patients move safely
- Check vital signs
- Report changes to nurses
- Provide comfort and basic support
CNAs play an important role in helping patients stay safe and cared for during recovery or long-term care.
What does DPM mean?
DPM stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. A DPM, also called a podiatrist, specializes in the foot, ankle and related parts of the leg.
Podiatrists may treat:
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Bunions
- Heel pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Diabetic foot concerns
- Skin and nail conditions
- Foot and ankle deformities
Some podiatrists also perform foot or ankle surgery, depending on their training and specialty.
Other medical titles you may see
There are many other health care professionals who may be part of your care team, including:
- PharmD: Doctor of Pharmacy, or pharmacist
- PsyD or PhD: Psychologist
- PT: Physical therapist
- OT: Occupational therapist
- SLP: Speech-language pathologist
- RD or RDN: Registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist
- RT: Respiratory therapist
Each role supports a different part of your health and recovery.
What should you ask if you are unsure who is caring for you?
It is OK to ask questions. Understanding your care team can help you feel more confident and prepared.
You can ask:
- What is your role on my care team?
- What does your title mean?
- Who is leading my care?
- Who should I contact with questions?
- Will you be working with my doctor or specialist?
- Who will follow up with my test results?
- Who can help explain my treatment plan?
Your care team wants you to understand your care and feel comfortable asking questions.
The bottom line
The letters after a health care professional’s name can tell you about their training and role, but you do not have to figure it out alone. If you are unsure who someone is or what they do, ask.
Health care works best when you understand your care team, know who to contact and feel comfortable taking an active role in your health.
Need help finding the right provider? Banner Health offers primary care, specialty care and support for every stage of health. Find a Banner Health doctor or provider near you.
Frequently asked questions about medical titles
Is a DO the same as an MD?
MDs and DOs are both licensed physicians. They complete medical school, residency training and licensing requirements. Both can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and specialize in different areas of medicine.
Is an NP or PA a doctor?
NPs and PAs are not physicians, but they are licensed medical professionals who can diagnose and treat many health conditions. Their responsibilities depend on state law, training, specialty and practice setting.
Can an NP or PA prescribe medication?
In many cases, yes. NPs and PAs can prescribe medications, but rules vary by state and practice setting.
Who should I see for primary care?
You may receive primary care from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The right fit depends on your health needs, provider availability and personal preference.
