Professional Degrees


The initials shown here stand for the degrees and licenses this health care provider holds. Here is a list of them.

ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers) A designation that a licensed social worker (LMSW) receives when successfully passing a national examination. Note: This is not a requirement. Eligible social workers decide whether or not to pursue this designation.

CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) A designation a registered nurse receives after completing training for and passing an examination as a midwife. A Nurse Midwife is licensed by the State of Michigan to deliver babies and provide care both before and after birth.

LMSW (Licensed Master in Social Work) The license a Master's level social worker receives after completing educational requirements at an accredited social work school and passing an examination to be licensed in the State of Michigan.

DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) The degree a person receives after completing education and training at a chiropratic college. A chiropractor is licensed by the State of Michigan.

DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) The degree a person receives after completing training at a dental school. A dentist is licensed by the State of Michigan.

DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) The degree a person receives after completing four years of medical school. A doctor of osteopathic medicine is licensed by the State Michigan to practice medicine. After completion of medical school, a doctor of osteopathic medicine chooses an area of medicine to specialize in and completes a residency.

DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) The degree a person receives after completing a training program at a podiatric college.   A podiatrist is licensed by the State in which they practice to provide medical care and treatment of the human foot.

Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) The degree a person receives after completing a four-year post-graduate program in education, usually focused in behavioral health.

LLP (Limited Licensed Psychologist) The license a Master's level psychologist receives from the State of Michigan after completing the education requirements at an accredited school of psychology. LLPs practice under the supervision of fully licensed psychologists.

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) The license applied for from the State of Michigan by an individual who is Master's prepared in an appropriate counseling field.

MA (Master of Arts) The degree a person receives from a college or university after completing a graduate-level program specific to their field. For example, counseling or psychology.

MD (Medical Doctor) The degree a person receives after completing four years of medical school. A medical doctor is licensed by the State of Michigan to practice medicine. After completing medical school, a medical doctor chooses an area of medicine to specialize in and completes a residency in that area.

MS (Master of Science) The degree a person receives from a college or university after completing a graduate-level program specific to their field. For example, counseling or psychology.

MSW (Master of Social Work) The degree a person receives from a college or university after completing a graduate-level program in social work.

NP (Nurse Practitioner) The degree a Registered Nurse (RN) receives from his/her school after completing advanced training. A nurse practitioner is licensed by the State of Michigan and qualifies to assume some of the duties and responsibilities of a physician.

OD (Doctor of Optometry) The degree a person receives from an accredited school of optometry after completing its training program. Optometrists are licensed by the State of Michigan. They examine the eye for defects and faults of refraction and can prescribe corrective lenses or exercises.

PA (Physician Assistant) The degree a person receives after completing training in an accredited program for physician assistants.   Physician assistants are licensed by the State of Michigan. They are qualified to provide basic medical services such as the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, usually under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) The degree a person receives from a college or university after completing a post-graduate program specific to their field. For example, clinical psychology.

Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) The degree a person receives from a college or university after completing a post-graduate program in psychology.