Members

Practice Roles/Skills

Education/Training

Licensure/Credentials

Nurse

Licensed vocational nurse (LVN): basic nursing skills that are dictated by the facility.

Registered nurse (RN):  associate degree, BA, or higher. RN has increased scope of practice, including planning for optimal functioning, coordination of care, teaching, and direct and indirect patient care.

LVN: 1 year of training.

RN with associate degree: 2 years of training, usually in a community college.

BS, RN: 4 years in college.

MS, RN: 2 years of postgraduate specialty study.

PhD, RN: 3 to 4 years of postgraduate studies.

LVN: exam required for licensing and CE requirements.

RN: can be “RN”, “BS, RN”, “APN”, “MS, GNP”, or other specialty RNs.

PhD, RN: all must pass the national licensure exam and are required to have 20 hours of CEUs per year.

Nurse Practioner

Health assessment, health promotion, histories and physicals in out- patient settings; order, conduct, and interpret some lab and diagnostic tests; teaching and counseling.

Master's degree with a defined specialty area such as gerontology (GNP).

In addition to RN licensure, NP must pass a National Certification Exam in the appropriate specialty area. (e.g., gerontology or family practice).

Physician

Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, provide preventive care, do routine checkups, prescribe drugs, and do some surgery.

Physicians complete medical school (4 years.) plus 3 to 7 years of graduate medical education.

State licensure required for doctor of medicine degree; exam required and possible exams required for specialty areas. CE requirements.

Geriatrician

Physician with special training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders in older people; recognizes aging as a normal process and not a disease state.

Completion of medical school, residency training in family medicine and internal medicine, and 1-year fellowship program in geriatric medicine.

Completion of fellowship training pro- gram and/or passing examination for Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine (CAQ). Recertification by examination required every 10 years and begins in the 8th year as it is a 2 year process.

Physician Assistant

Practice medicine with the supervision of licensed physicians; exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services; practice is centered on patient care.

Specially designed 2-year PA program at medical colleges and universities. Most have bachelor's degree and over 4 years of health care experience before entering a PA program.

State licensure or registration plus certification by NCCPA. Re- certification every 6 years by examination. Requires 100 hours CME every 2 years.

Social Worker

Assessment of individual and family psychosocial functioning and provision of care to help enhance or re- store capacities; this can include locating services or providing counseling.

There is a 4-year college degree (BSW); 2 years of graduate work (MSW), and doctoral degree (PhD); 15 hours of continuing education is required every year.

State certification is required for clinical social workers. The LMSW (for master's level); LSW (BS level); SWA is a social work associate with a combination of education and experience. ACP signifies licensure for independent clinical practice

Psychologist

Assessment, treatment, and management of mental disorders; psychotherapy with individuals, groups, and families.

Graduate training consists of 5 years be- yond undergraduate training; most course work includes gerontology and clinical experience.

PhD. or EdD or PsyD are degrees awarded. State licensure; the American Psychological Association has ethics codes as do most state.

Psychiatrist

Medical doctors who treat patients' mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.

Medical school and residency specializing in psychiatry. Residency includes both general residency training and 2 to 3 years in area of specialization (e.g., geriatrics, pediatrics).

State exam to practice medicine; Board of Psychiatry and Neurology offers exam for diplomat in psychiatry, though not required for psychiatric practice in Texas.

Pharmacist

Devise and revise a patient's medication therapy to achieve the optimal regime that suits the individual's medical and therapeutic needs; in- formation resource for the patient and medical team.

Pharmacists can receive a baccalaureate (BS) or doctorate degree (PharmD).

Annual CEUs required range from 10 to 15 hours.

State exam required—Texas uses the national exam (NABPLEX); given every quarter; RPh is the title for a registered pharmacist in Texas; board certifications in specialties available (pharmacotherapy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition, psychiatric, and oncology in near future).

Occupational Therapist

One who utilizes therapeutic goal- directed activities to evaluate, pre- vent, or correct physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction or to maximize function in the life of the individual.

BS or MS in OT with a minimum of 6 months of field work; for OT assistant, an associate degree or OT assistant certificate is required with a minimum of 2 months' field work.

State exam required for the credential of OTR (occupational therapist registered). Exam also required for COTA (certified occupational therapy assistant). These exams are given at least 2 times/year.

Physical Therapist

The evaluation, examination, and utilization of exercises, rehabilitative procedures, massage, manipulations, and physical agents including, but not limited to, mechanical de- vices, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, and sound in the aid of diagnosis or treatment.

Four-year college degree in physical therapy is required to be eligible for the state exam; master's degree in physical therapy is available; 3 CEUs every 2 years are required

PT is the credential that is used by licensed physical therapists and PTA is the credential for licensed physical therapist assistant. To use either of these titles, one must pass a state exam. CEUs are required for both; titles and licenses must be renewed biennially.

Chaplain

Provide visits and ministry to patients and family

Master's degree in theology, plus a mini- mum of 1 year of clinical supervision, if fully certified. Can work in some settings without being fully certified.

Certification (BCC) is through the Chaplaincy Board of Certification.  However, BCC credentials are not normally used. Most chaplains are ordained ministers, but not all. CEUs required are 50 hours per year.

Dietician

Evaluate the nutritional status of patients; work with family members and medical team to determine appropriate nutrition goals for patient.

BS degree in food and nutrition and experience are required to be eligible for exam; CEs are required for both the LD (6 clock hours/year) and RD (75 clock hours every 5 years); MS degree is available also.

RD is the credential for a registered dietitian in the state of Texas. For RD, must pass the national exam of the American Dietetic Association; LD is the credential for a licensed dietitian in the state of Texas; same exam is required but processing of paperwork/ fees are different.