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Med HlthCareCareers
Medical Terminology
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Doctor of Medicine (MD) | a title that is granted upon completion of a rigorous course of study in an accredited medical school, enabling the titleholder to examine patients, recommend a course of treatment, and prescribe medication |
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) | a title that is equivalent to an MD, but focuses more on holistic and alternative solutions to medical issues |
obstetrician (OB/GYN) | a physician who specializes in monitoring the health of mothers and babies during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth |
physical therapist (PT) | a medical professional who attempts to reduce dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system by improving joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, and coordination; also called a physiotherapist |
nurse | a medical professional who provides therapeutic care for patients in order to improve or maintain their health |
certified nurse’s aide (CNA) | a medical professional who provides patients with basic healthcare treatments and procedures |
licensed practical nurse (LPN) | a medical professional who provides hands-on care for patients under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors |
registered nurse (RN) | a medical professional who can work independently to provide direct care by observing, evaluating, and treating patients |
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) | a medical professional who has an advanced post-graduate degree in a nursing discipline, such as anesthesia or midwifery |
nurse practitioner (NP) | an advanced practice registered nurse who has a master’s degree or PhD in nursing |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | a degree awarded to nurses based on clinical practice that allows them to practice medicine independently as nurse practitioners |
emergency medical technician (EMT) | a medical professional who responds to emergency calls in ambulances, performs medical services, and takes patients to hospitals and medical facilities |
EMT certification | a state certification for the ability to provide basic emergency care and transportation for critical patients, as well as the ability to use life support equipment and skills |
AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) certification | a state certification for the ability to conduct interventions on critical patients and to use life support equipment and skills |
paramedic certification | the highest level of state certification for an emergency medical technician certifying the ability to perform advanced life support skills in addition to interventions and life support equipment and skills |
dental hygienist (DH) | a medical professional who examines and cleans the teeth and mouth, performs preventive treatments, and educates patients about oral health under the supervision of a licensed dentist; can also be called a licensed dental hygienist (LDH) |
dental assistant (DA)/certified dental assistant (CDA) | a medical professional who prepares dental tools and materials, assists hygienists and dentists, and sometimes works as a receptionist |
biomedical equipment technician (BMET) | a medical professional who maintains and operates medical equipment, such as ultrasound, CAT scan, and dialysis machines |
medical transcriptionist | a health informatics specialist who records physicians’ oral notes for patient records |
Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) | a certification that indicates that an individual has the essential skills and knowledge to work as a medical transcriptionist |
Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) | a certification that indicates that an individual has expert knowledge in medical transcription |
Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P) | given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of medical coding, specializing in physician-based settings |
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | given to an individual to demonstrate knowledge of techniques for medical coding, specializing in hospital practice settings |