There are many different types of medical licenses, each allowing professionals to provide specific kinds of care. Below are eight of the more common types of licenses.
A practical nurse assists doctors and provides patient care, performing various tasks such as changing bandages, managing IVs, and administering fluids and medications. Becoming a practical nurse typically requires one to one and a half years of schooling in an LPN program after graduating from high school.
Registered nurses have many of the same duties as practical nurses; they provide patient care alongside doctors and administer medications. However, they differ in that they are typically more involved in patient care decisions, and the role requires more schooling. Generally, it takes two to four years of education after high school to become a registered nurse. One can either earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
An MD is one of the most widely recognized medical licenses for doctors. Becoming a Doctor of Medicine requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree, attending 4 years of medical school, and then completing a residency and possibly a fellowship. Typically, it takes anywhere from 11 to 16 years after graduating high school to become an MD. MDs treat specific conditions, illnesses, and symptoms, and many choose a specialty and go on to become specialists—in fields such as cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, and more.
A DO is another common medical license that doctors can have. Usually, doctors hold either an MD or a DO. DOs differ from MDs in that they focus more on providing holistic care and emphasize preventive medicine rather than just treating specific illnesses. Typically, DOs tend to become generalists, while MDs often specialize in particular fields. DOs follow a very similar educational path as MDs: they complete bachelor’s degrees, attend four years of medical school, and then may enter an internship or residency program.
This role differs from that of a nurse in that it is closer to being a full-fledged physician. Physician assistants have a more direct role in performing duties typically carried out by physicians, such as administering tests, medications, and examinations. To become a physician assistant, one must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, gain hands-on patient care experience, and complete a two- to three-year master’s-level program.
A pharmacist license allows an individual to legally prepare and dispense medications for patients. To obtain this license, aspiring pharmacists must complete two to four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of pharmacy school. Additionally, some may also choose to complete a short residency program.
Physical therapists provide a range of services aimed at improving patients’ physical functioning, mobility, and overall quality of life. Physical therapy can involve learning various stretches and exercises, as well as receiving massages. Therapists may also assist in fitting patients with walkers, braces, wraps, or other tools and equipment to help alleviate pain and support recovery from injuries. To become a physical therapist, one must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which requires an additional three years of schooling.
Dentists are medical professionals who specialize in the care and treatment of teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They examine and assess patients’ mouths to diagnose and prevent dental issues, and they provide a wide range of services, including routine cleanings, cavity fillings, tooth extractions, implants, teeth whitening, and various types of oral surgeries. Many dentists are also trained to check for signs of oral cancer, examining the lymph nodes, jaw, and throat. To become a dentist, one must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree and then attend four years of dental school, earning a degree in either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Ultimately, there are various paths one can choose within the medical field—many different roles to explore in order to find the one that truly feels like a calling.
