Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of Medical Professionals' Initials

If you've ever wondered what the meanings areLMA - Licensed Masters of Social Work, Adv
behind the letters and abbreviations at the end ofClinical Practitioner
your healthcare practitioner's name, you're notLN - Licensed Nutritionist
alone. Beyond the commonly known credentials,LNC - Licensed Nutritionist Counselor
MD (medical doctor), RN (registered nurse) andLNHA- Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
PA (physician assistant), there is a litany of titlesLPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
that signify a medical professional's specialization,LVN - Licensed Vocational Nurse
training and professional affiliations. Chances are,MA - Medical Assistant
as a patient, you know which ailments yourMAc - Masters in Acupuncture
doctor or medical professional is capable ofMD - Medical Doctor
treating.ME - Medical Examiner
These abbreviations can sometimes be found onMHSc - Master of Health Science
a clinician's business card but to ensure that youMNNP - Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner
have the right title before ordering, check the listMPH - Master of Public Health
provided below.MS - Master of Science Degree
A Summary of Common Medical ProfessionalMSN - Master of Nursing
TitlesMSW - Master of Social Work
CDE - Certified Diabetes EducatorND - Naturopathic Doctor
CNM - Certified Nurse MidwifeNMD - Naturopathic Medical Doctor
CPT - Certified Phlebotomy TechnicianNP - Nurse Practitioner
DHM or DHm - Doctor of Homeopathic MedicineNP-C - Nurse Practitioner, Certified
DMD - Doctor of Dental MedicineOB/GYN - Obstetrician who is also a Gynecologist
DMFT - Doctor of Marriage and Family TherapyOCN - Oncology Certified Nurse
DDS - Doctor of Dental SurgeryOD - Doctor of Optometry; Optometrist
DO - Doctor of OsteopathyONC - Orthopaedic (Orthopedic) Nurse, Certified
DOM - Doctor of Oriental MedicineOPA-C - Orthopaedic (Orthopedic) Physician
DPM - Doctor of Podiatric MedicineAssistant, Certified
DVM - Doctor of Veterinary MedicineOT - Occupational Therapist
EMT - Emergency Medical TechnicianPA - Physician Assistant
EENT or ENT - Eye, Ear, Nose and ThroatPA-C - Physician Assistant, Certified
specialist (MD)PharmD - Pharmacy Doctorate
EPC - Certified Exercise PhysiologistPhD - Doctorate Degree
FAAD - Fellow American Academy ofPsyD - Doctor of Psychology
DermatologyPT - Physical Therapist
FAAFP - Fellow American Academy of FamilyPTA - Physical Therapist Assistant
PhysiciansRAc - Registered Acupuncturist
FAAO - Fellow American Academy of OptometryRD - Registered Dietitian
FAAP - Fellow American Academy of PediatricsRDH - Registered Dental Hygienist
FACE - Fellow American College of EndocrinologyRDN - Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
FACP - Fellow American College of PhysiciansRKT - Registered Kinesiotherapist
FACS - Fellow American College of SurgeonsRN - Registered Nurse
FADA - Fellow American Dietetic AssociationRN-C - Registered Nurse, Certified
FAGD - Fellow Academy of General DentistryRNCS - Registered Nurse Clinical Specialist
FAPhA - Fellow American PharmaceuticalRN/NP - Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner
AssociationRPA-C - Registered Physician Assistant, Certified
FASHP - Fellow American Society ofRPh - Registered Pharmacist
Health-System PharmacistsRRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
FNP - Family Nurse PractitionerThe medical apparel industry is tasked with
FNP-C - Family Nurse Practitioner, Certifiedunderstanding medical and technical titles to best
GP - General Physicianserve their clients, who wear lab coats and
HMD - Homeopathic Medical Doctorclinician scrubs in clinical settings, at the hospital, in
IBCLC- International Board Certified Lactationlaboratories and at the office. Lab coats typically
Consultantbear the names and titles of their owners, who
ICCE - Certified Childbirth Educatorare educated and trained in their chosen
ICPE - Certified Postnatal Educatorprofession. When ordering lab coats and scrubs as
LAc - Licensed Acupuncturistgifts for graduation, white coat ceremonies or for
LCCE- Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educatorthe holidays and birthdays, it's important to obtain
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Workerthe recipient's correct title before it is
LM - Licensed Midwifeembroidered on the coat.