Doctorates for Allied Health

Is the clinical doctorate appropriate to the profession as an entry-level degree, as a postgraduate degree, or not at all? That question has been floating around for a long, long time in the allied health professions.  For many professions like physical therapy, nursing, audiology, and pharmacy, the answer is "doctorate, YES", but variable as to where that level should be attained (i.e. entry level vs. graduate degree after entry-level has been practiced.  There have been all sorts of claims, but clearly being called "doctor" has proven valuable to educational institutions who gladly accept huge tuition to get there.

But clearly there will be confusion on the part of the public. A patient off the street not accustomed to this discussion will see the "doctor" as a physician unless very specifically isolated from the generic experience. For those professionals that practice mostly in separate venues this is rarely an issue (pharmacy, audiology, physical therapy), but place a "doctor" where customarily a MD or DO physician is found, and there is likely to be confusion and an increased expectation on the provider.

The driving force is clearly education institutions, faculty and administration. Providers like physician assistants and nurse practitioners don't need that added education to be accomplished providers. Other than to increase individual education expenditure and possible debt, and to increase the already confused world of medical care, will the patient be served in this process? Will healthcare for the expected 50 million uninsured be improved? Will access issues be resolved with higher degrees of education demanding more money in salaries and benefits? Likely not. But the train has pulled out of the station, and if history proves right, nothing will change that.

Patients be warned...ask about the credentials of your provider and protect thyself. The doctor you see many not actually be the doctor you expect. Medical training is 8-12 years long after college and includes post graduate medical training in residency for a reason. It's not just a title...it's a different educational experience.