A Glossary of Health Professional Titles

It can be daunting to try to figure out those initials after a health professional’s name. The list below explains some of the titles you may see; it does not include every medical title. We’ve given a bit of an explanation for the less-common ones.

AAMA: The practitioner is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists, which is open only to medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathy (DO).

ATI, MATI: Designates teaching members of Alexander Technique International (the "M" is optional).

BAMS: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine. The practitioner has completed an approved program at an ayurvedic university in India or Sri Lanka.

BCIAC: Refers to Biofeedback Certification Institute of America certification.

BSW, MSW: Bachelor of science in social work, master’s of science in social work. Social workers offer a broad range of services from emotional support to referrals for community resources. Most states require social workers to pass a licensing exam.

CA: Certified Acupuncturist. Certified by state-approved program.

CAR: Certified Advanced Rolfer. Designates a Certified Rolfer (CR) with at least three years' certification and continuing education credits who has completed additional course work from the Rolf Institute.

CCH: Certified to practice classical homeopathy; available to all professionals through the Council for Homeopathic Certification.

CR: Certified Rolfer. This designation requires training at the Rolf Institute and a college-level understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and psychology.

DAc: May indicate advanced training in acupuncture. Also used as a licensure title in some states instead of Licensed Acupuncturist.

DAMS: Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. The practitioner has completed an approved program at an ayurvedic university in India or Sri Lanka.

DC: Doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in four-year chiropractic colleges and are licensed in all 50 states. However, chiropractors are not medical doctors and are not licensed to perform surgery or prescribe drugs.

DHANP: Homeopathy certification available only to naturopathic practitioners through the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians.

DHt: Homeopathy certification available only to MDs and DOs through the American Board of Homeotherapeutics.

Dipl Ac: Diplomate in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

DO: Doctor of Osteopathy. DOs complete a training, certification and licensing program that is almost exactly the same as that of an allopathic medical doctor (MD). They are licensed to perform surgery and write prescriptions.

DOM: Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

GCFP: Designates a guild-certified Feldenkrais practitioner, which requires completion of a professional training program accredited by the Feldenkrais Guild, including 800–1000 hours of training over a three- to four-year period.

LAc, LicAc: Licensed Acupuncturist.

LNC: Licensed nutritionist counselor.

MAc: Master of Acupuncture. Graduate of a masters level program in acupuncture accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

MD: Doctor of Medicine.

MOM: Graduate of a masters program in Oriental medicine accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

NASTAT: Designates membership in the North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, which requires members to complete 1,600 hours of training over at least a three-year period at a NASTAT-certified school.

ND: Doctor of naturopathy. Naturopathic physicians undergo a four-year training program that includes training in homeopathy, clinical nutrition, manipulation, herbal medicine and hydrotherapy. It’s best to consult one who is a graduate of one of the accredited naturopathic medical schools, and licensed.

NMD: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine in the state of Arizona.

OMD or DOM: Designates an Oriental Medical Doctor or Doctor of Oriental Medicine, and refers to training beyond that required for a state acupuncture license. Chinese MDs who are licensed in China and U.S. practitioners who complete OMD or DOM degree programs at foreign schools also use these titles.

OT: Occupational Therapist.

PA: Physician Assistant.

PharmD: Doctor of Pharmacy.

PT: Physical Therapist.

RAc: Registered Acupuncturist. Licensure title used in some states for professional acupuncturists instead of Lac.

RN: Registered Nurse.

Source: http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/alttherapies/glossary.asp