Breaking down the alphabet soup of doctor’s office staff titles

Have you noticed all the different staff titles and their credentials at your doctor’s office? It can feel like alphabet soup when trying to make an appointment. APP. NP. CNP. LPN. What do these abbreviations mean? Who should you see?  

Depending on your health condition and appointment, you may run into people with several staff titles at a doctor’s office. We asked Nicole Dodson, certified nurse practitioner (CNP) at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, to shed some light on all of these titles. Below, Dodson explains who’s who at your doctor’s office. 

Medical assistant (MA)

MAs are responsible for a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. To be a medical assistant, you must complete a nine- to 12-month training program after high school at an accredited school. You do not need certification or licensure to be a medical assistant in Ohio. As a patient, you may see a MA record your medical history, assist with exams or procedures, take your vital signs and draw blood.

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

LPNs directly assist with the care of patients. They work under the supervision of a primary care provider, usually a medical doctor. A typical education track for an LPN in Ohio is to earn a certificate in practical nursing from an accredited school and then pass a licensure exam. LPNs will take vital signs, change dressings, record medical histories and assist with minor procedures.  

Registered nurse (RN)

RNs provide the most hands-on care of patients. RNs must complete at least a two-year associate degree. Many earn bachelor’s degrees. RNs must also pass an exam for a license to practice in Ohio. You may see RNs examine patients, give medications ordered by a primary provider, take vital signs, change dressings and draw blood. They also provide patient education about medical conditions and medications

Nurse practitioner (NP)/certified nurse practitioner (CNP)

An NP is a healthcare provider who has completed extra education (at least a master’s degree) and clinical experience. Some may continue their schooling to get their doctorate and become DNPs. All NPs must pass board certification exams and maintain a state license. NPs often treat patients in collaboration with physicians. NPs can diagnose new conditions, create treatment plans, provide specialized care and prescribe medications. NPs can be your primary point of care.

Physician associate (PA)

This job is sometimes called physician assistant. Like NPs, PAs must complete a master’s degree and clinical work. PAs must also pass board certification exams and maintain a state license. PAs treat patients in collaboration with physicians. A PA can diagnose new conditions, create treatment plans, provide specialized care and prescribe medications. You can have a PA be your primary care provider.

Advanced practice providers (APP) or specialists

APP is a generalized term that includes some of the jobs we’ve already discussed, like nurse practitioner and physician associate. Other titles in this category are clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse midwife (CNM) and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). APPs have at least a master’s degree. Some APPs earn additional specialized certification in their practice areas.

Medical doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Both MDs and DOs perform exams and diagnose and treat illnesses. They also prescribe medications, order tests and recommend treatment plans. Both have completed a four-year undergraduate program, four years of medical school and a residency program. They can also choose to complete a fellowship program and are eligible to practice in any medical field they choose, including surgery. This article breaks down the differences between MDs and DOs.

The most important thing to remember when visiting a doctor’s office is that you are in charge. Find out whom you will see and why you are seeing them in advance so you can prepare. For example, if you see an orthopedic surgeon about a knee replacement, be ready to talk about your knee. The surgeon will not be the right person to help you manage your diabetes. However, the surgeon will want to know if you have other health conditions like diabetes so they can plan your treatment accordingly.

For all medical appointments, make sure you know what medications you’re taking, who prescribes those medications and your complete medical history. This is crucial information that any medical professional will want to know, regardless of their title.

Doctor’s office staff titles can be confusing. No matter who you see when you go to the doctor, they are all there to help you live the healthiest life possible. Think of them as your partner in health.