The English word “doctor” is directly derived from the Latin “doctor,” which means “teacher.” The Latin noun comes from the verb “docere,” meaning “to show, teach, or cause to know.”
This term’s use as an academic degree title began in the late 1100s when the University of Bologna awarded its first doctoral degree in civil law. Four degrees in canon law, medicine, grammar, and other fields followed shortly thereafter. Once the German and English systems began applying “doctors” to more advanced degrees, other countries followed suit, and this usage became the standard.
Medical schools started using “doctor” to describe graduates in the 1600s to denote respect. The medical doctorate (M.D.) degree represents the first vocation-associated professional doctorate in the United States, as opposed to a doctorate based on research and academic expertise.
Today, despite some variation among countries, the doctor title is typically given in most fields that require extensive postgraduate training, such as doctors of philosophy (PhDs), medical doctors (MDs), and Juris doctors (JD), among others, doctors of chiropractic (D.C.), doctors of physical therapy (DPT), doctors of oriental medicine (DAOM), and doctors of nurse practitioner (DNP).
DC Doctor of Chiropractic
Chiropractors can call themselves doctors because they earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree comparable to an M.D. or PhD. Other people who have earned doctoral degrees, such as an EdD, J.D., or DBA, can also use the title “doctor”.
Chiropractors are considered healthcare professionals, but they are not medical doctors. They are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal system conditions using manual therapies and hands-on treatments. They do not prescribe medication, perform surgery, or treat traumatic injuries.
In California, chiropractors in the Worker’s Compensation system are called “treating physicians” if they meet specific qualifications.
To become a chiropractor, you need to:
- Complete at least three years of undergraduate study
- Earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college
- Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NCBE) exam
- Obtain a license from your state
The D.C. program is a postgraduate program usually takes four or more years of study. It includes courses in anatomy, microbiology, radiology, functional kinesiology, and chiropractic care principles and philosophy.
Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic medicine who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. They use non-invasive, personalized measures and care to help and treat patients with disorders and issues of the bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and nervous system.
DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical therapists with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree are considered doctors because they have the training and credentials to practice their medical specialty. However, they are not medical doctors and cannot write prescriptions or perform surgery.
Here are some things to know about physical therapists and the title “doctor”:
- Education
Physical therapists typically need to complete at least seven years of school, including a four-year undergraduate degree and a three to four-year DPT degree.
- Identification
Physical therapists should identify themselves by name, profession, and highest degree. For example, a physical therapist with a DPT degree would sign their name and write “P.T., DPT” after it.
- Jurisdictional law
By jurisdictional law, physical therapists must use the title “doctor.” For example, California has a statute that restricts the title to only physicians.
- Collaboration
Physical therapists often work with doctors to provide comprehensive patient care. For example, a doctor might diagnose a condition and refer a patient to a physical therapist for rehabilitation.
Since 2015, physical therapists have been considered doctors, but they are not physicians. They undergo additional schooling as required for their professional practice, just like any dentist, nurse, doctor, surgeon, optometrist, orthodontist, or therapist.
DAOM Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Yes, some people who practice traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are considered doctors, but it depends on the type of degree they have and whether they meet specific requirements:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM)
This degree is offered at the Southern California University of Health Sciences and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM).
- Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAc)
This degree is offered at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). It meets the academic requirements for taking the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) licensure exam.
- Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD)
This is an academic title that is similar to a Ph.D.
- General medical qualification
TCM practitioners should not use the title “Dr” unless they have a general medical qualification and are registered with the GMC.
- Licensed acupuncturist
A licensed acupuncturist can use the title “Dr” if they have a doctorate from an acupuncture or oriental medicine academic institution.
Doctor of Nurse Practitioner
To become a nurse practitioner (NP), you typically need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
- Gain work experience
- Complete a graduate-level nursing program, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Pass a certification exam from an N.P. certification board
A DNP is a doctoral degree, while an R.N. typically has an associate degree (ADN) or BSN. DNPs have more responsibility and autonomy than R.N.s, and some DNPs have similar duties to physicians.
A doctor’s primary goal is to heal the sick and educate people on ways to achieve better health. At Acupractic Natural Healing Center in Chapel Hill, we use chiropractic and acupuncture to improve the well-being of our patients. Call today to see how natural healthcare can help you. (919) 929-1400, or visit us online acudocnc.com.