When you visit a BMC medical clinic, you may see a variety of common titles and credentials on name badges or visit materials. These are roles patients most often encounter during in-clinic care and reflect different training paths within our care team.
This guide explains what those titles and credentials mean and how each role fits into our team-based approach to care.
Provider Titles, Explained
(listed alphabetically by abbreviation)
Au.D — Doctor of Audiology
Audiologists specialize in hearing and balance care. They diagnose and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance conditions and work closely with primary care and ENT teams as part of a coordinated care approach.
CNM — Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives are advanced practice nurses who provide comprehensive care for women, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and gynecologic services. They work closely with OB-GYN physicians and support patients through many stages of life.
DNP — Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP is a doctoral degree held by some nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. It reflects advanced education in clinical care, leadership, and quality improvement.
DO — Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
DOs are fully licensed physicians who diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform procedures or surgeries when needed. In addition to the same medical education and residency training as MDs, DOs receive additional training that emphasizes a whole-person approach to care, including how the body’s systems work together.
DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Podiatrists specialize in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle. They diagnose and treat injuries, structural conditions, and chronic foot concerns, and perform foot and ankle surgery when needed as part of a coordinated care team.
LPN — Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses support patient care by assisting with clinical tasks, coordinating care, and working closely with registered nurses and providers during clinic visits.
MA — Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants are key members of the care team who support both patients and providers. They may help with rooming patients, taking vital signs, preparing exam rooms, assisting during visits, and helping appointments run smoothly.
MD — Doctor of Medicine
MDs are fully licensed physicians who diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform procedures or surgeries when needed. They complete medical school followed by residency training and, in many cases, additional fellowship training in a medical specialty.
NP — Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice clinicians with graduate-level education and clinical training. They evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medications, and manage ongoing care.
You may also see APRN, which stands for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. APRN is an umbrella term for nurses with advanced education and licensure, including nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives.
PA-C — Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are highly trained medical providers who work in collaboration with physicians. They diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and provide ongoing patient care across many specialties.
RN — Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses play an essential role in patient care, education, and coordination. They support providers during visits, help manage care plans, communicate with patients, and help ensure continuity of care.
Additional Degrees and Credentials You May See
Some letters reflect a provider’s degree, certification, or professional recognition rather than their clinical role.
FAAP — Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Indicates that a pediatric provider is board-certified and recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
FACOG — Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Indicates that an OB-GYN is board-certified and a recognized fellow of their national professional organization.
MBA — Master of Business Administration
Some providers hold an MBA in addition to their clinical training, reflecting education in leadership, operations, or health care management.
MSN — Master of Science in Nursing
A graduate degree held by many advanced practice nurses as part of their professional training.
Board Certification
Board certification means a provider has completed advanced training in their specialty, passed national exams, and participates in ongoing education to stay current with best practices.
What Do These Provider Titles Mean for You?
You don’t need to memorize titles or credentials. What matters most is knowing that your care team is experienced, well-trained, and working together. At BMC, our goal is to connect you with the right care, at the right time, with a team that supports your health every step of the way.