What initials can officially go behind your name?

Question

I know that a non-medical doctor can follow their name with Phd, but what other degrees get recognized in your title? Does a person with an MBA put that behind their name?? When are the initials an actual part of your title versus someone just wanting their accomplishments recognized. Please include source - thanks

Answer 1

Technically, there are few if any laws, other than those of common sense and modesty, that govern which initials can be displayed. Historically, those who have earned doctorates in programs that require 4 or more years of schooling are honored as such. Physicans, dentists and other professionals who go on to receive post-graduate or specialty training often also add those designations, e.g., FACS, standing for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Unfortunately, the importance of these has been watered down by their overuse.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Technically you can put any initials after your name that have been earned with a professional quallification or that have been bestowed upon you as a title. Examples of medical ones are

M.D. - Medical Doctor. Psychiatrists are usually M.D.s (although some are D.O.s).

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy. This is the traditional academic doctorate. A Ph.D. is qualified to teach at a college or university. Psychologists often have this degree. In psychology a Ph.D. can be in Clinical Psychology (with a focus on research and practice), Counseling Psychology (with a focus on practice in less pathological populations), School Psychology (although many school psychologists do not get a doctorate), or just Psychology (many experimental and social psychologists at colleges have this). You can also get a Ph.D. in Social Work, nursing, and even things like English, Mathematics, and Philosophy.

Psy.D. - Doctor of Psychology. A clinical psychology degree which places more emphasis on practice than research. Psy.D. programs developed to train practitioners who would keep up with research but might never do much research.

D.O. - Doctor of Osteopathy. Very similar to an M.D. Osteopaths generally get the same residency training as M.D. physicians. Their medical schools include additional training in physical manipulation techniques somewhat similar to chiropractic.

D.S.W. - Doctor of Social Work. An advanced social work degree, often held by educators in social work.

Ed.D. - Doctor of Education. Many Schools of Education confer this degree. A recipient can be a psychologist, an educational administrator, or someone in another education-related field.

D.Sc. - Doctor of Science. More common in Canada than in the U.S. I'm not entirely clear on the distinction between this and a Ph.D. It is a legitimate degree.

DCM - Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine - A chiropractor.

D.Min. - A minister. - possibly a doctoral level pastoral counselor, but not always. Th.D. or D.Div. are also used.

J.D. - Doctor of Jurisprudence - An attorney. Some mental health professionals also have law degrees.

D.C.H. - Doctorate of Clinical Hypnotherapy. Is this a real degree? It is certainly not a standard doctorate. It is offered by the American Institute of Hypnotherapy which is located at hypnosis.com. This degree should not be equated with the above degrees.

My personal qualification is Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in England, so I can put A.C.I.B after my name and also B.Sc.(Fin Serv) as part of my degree qualification. I am also a Scottish landowner so can call myself a 'Laird'. I can therefore call myself

'Laird Carter, A.C.I.B., B.Sc.(Fin Serv).

Pretty impressive, eh? It doesn't however, make me any of a different person than I was before.

Answer 4

If you're familiar with hypnosis, then you've no doubt heard of Master Hypnotist Steve G. Jones. His book, "Ultimate Conversational Hypnosis" has been voted as the best hypnosis course ever made. The book is also available in electronic format at: http://www.hypnosistocontrol.net

If you want to get an edge in everyday communication and lead other people towards your goals this is a must read.

Answer 5

what about a post masters certificate in Nursing education??