What is a provider?
Provider is the term that is used at the Student Health Center to refer to all individuals who evaluate and diagnose patients. They may have one of the following designations:
- DDS
- A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) has a four year undergraduate degree and four years of full-time study at an accredited dental school. He/she has completed both written and practical examinations in order to pass the National Board Dental Examination. For more information visit the American Dental Association website.
- DO
- A DO is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He/she has a four year undergraduate degree and four years of basic medical education. He/she may choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine after completing a residency program. A DO receives extra training in the musculoskeletal system. For more information visit the American Osteopathic Association website.
- MD
- A MD is a Doctor of Medicine. He/she has a four year undergraduate degree and four years of basic medical education. He/she may choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine after completing a residency program. For more information visit the American Medical Association website.
- NP
- A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illness. Nurse Practitioners prescribe medications, treat illness, and administer physical exams. NPs differ from physicians in that they focus on prevention, wellness, and education. NPs specialize in providing all encompassing individualized care. For more information visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners website.
- OD
- A Doctor of Optometry (OD) is a state-licensed healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system. An OD has completed a pre-professional undergraduate degree and 4 years of professional education at a college of optometry. For more information visit the American Optometric Association website.
- Optometry Intern
- Patients seen in the Wilce Student Health Center Optometry Department receive an initial evaluation by a 4th year optometry intern. These interns have completed their pre-professional undergraduate degree and 3+ years of their professional education. Following this initial evaluation, all patients are seen by a licensed OD.
- PA
- A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed and highly skilled health care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care and guidance needed by a patient. Physican Assistants prescribe medications, treat illness, administer physical exams, and perform minor surgery. For more information visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants website.
- PT
- A physical therapist (PT) has completed a 4 year undergraduate degree and either a master's or doctoral degree. He/she has also passed a national and state licensure exam. In order to retain his/her license many states require continuing education classes. PTs provide services that restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. For more information visit the American Physical Therapy Association website.
- RD
- Registered Dietitians (RD) are health care professionals with training as food and nutrition experts. RDs can provide sound medical advice to help you meet your health goals. Requirements to become a RD include: minimum of a bachelor degree, completion of an accredited supervised practice program, pass a national examination, and completion of continuing professional education requirements. For more information visit the American Dietetic Association website.
- RDH
- A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a licensed preventive oral health professional. He/she has completed either a 2 or 4 year degree which includes 585 clock hours of supervised clinical dental hygiene instruction. For more information visit the American Dental Association website.