Understanding Doctoral Titles: Legal Protections and Proper Usage in the USA

The term 'doctor' in the United States carries significant legal and professional weight. One may assume that the title 'Doctor' or 'MD' is reserved for medical professionals only, but the truth is more complex and nuanced. This article aims to clarify the legal and ethical implications of using the title 'Doctor' or 'MD' in the USA, as well as the proper usage of other related titles such as 'RN'.

Can You Call Yourself a Doctor?

First and foremost, the title 'Doctor' (often denoted as 'Dr.') can be used by individuals who have earned a doctoral degree from an accredited university. It doesn't necessarily have to be in a medical field. For instance, Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, holds a doctorate in education despite her not being a physician.

Can You Call Yourself an MD?

An MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a specific academic/professional degree awarded upon the completion of a defined academic curriculum at a school of medicine in the USA. However, if one is not practicing medicine anymore or never has a license to practice, they cannot legally use the title 'MD' or 'DO' to receive any form of benefit. Misusing the title can result in legal and ethical repercussions.

What Are the Required Steps to Become a Doctor?

To become a practicing physician in the USA, one must meet two primary requirements:

Academic Achievement: Earn a PhD or equivalent degree in medicine. This may vary depending on the program and institution. State Licensing: Pass all tests required by the state in which they plan to practice. This typically includes licensing exams, clinical training, and state-specific legal requirements. Additionally, some states have reciprocity agreements with other states for simplifying the licensing process.

Can You Call Yourself an RN?

While many believe that anyone who has worked in a health care setting can call themselves an RN (Registered Nurse), this is not the case. In the USA, people may not call themselves 'Registered Nurses' without being licensed by a state board of nursing. Furthermore, in many states, even the term 'nurse' is legally protected and can only be used by people who have either an RN, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) license.

Proper Usage of the RN Title

The title 'RN' is reserved for individuals who have completed a nursing program and successfully obtained their state license. This process typically includes completing a nursing degree (such as an associate's or bachelor's degree), passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), and fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements.

Exceptions and Federal Facilities

While most medical and nursing professionals need both a doctorate and a state license to use the 'Doctor' or 'RN' title, there are some exceptions. For instance, individuals working for federal entities such as VA hospitals or military medical facilities are considered part of the federal government and do not need state licenses to use these titles. They may use 'MD', 'DO', 'RN', etc., based on their professional designations and the standards set by their federal employers.

Conclusion

The use of the titles 'Doctor', 'MD', 'DO', and 'RN' is strictly regulated and governed by state laws and professional organizations. Misusing these titles can lead to legal and ethical dilemmas. It's essential to understand the legal and professional requirements for using these titles to ensure proper and ethical communication in the medical and nursing professions.