What is the difference in training between an MD/DO and other healthcare providers?

Nurse practitioner (NP) vs. physician (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • NP: 2-4 years (online only programs allowed)
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • NP: Not required
  • MD or DO: 3-7 years


Total patient care hours

  • NP: 500-750 hours
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

In stark contrast to physicians’ education, there is no standardization around practice sites, patient population, or type of care that NP students must perform during their patient care hours. Consequently, the level of exposure to different types of patients and illnesses is highly variable among graduating nurse practitioners.



Naturopath (ND) vs. physician (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • ND: 4 years
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • ND: not required
  • MD or DO: 3-7 years


Total patient care hours

  • ND: 1,200 hours
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Naturopathy school is not comparable to medical school, despite them both being four years in length. The naturopathic education is rooted in naturopathic principles that emphasize the healing power of nature and the body’s inherent self-healing process. Naturopaths receive education in basic sciences and alternative treatment modalities, which include botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. They do not receive a comprehensive medical education similar to physicians’ education.




Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) vs. anesthesiologist (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • CRNA: 2-3 years
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • CRNA: Not required
  • MD or DO: 4-6 years


Total patient care hours

  • CRNA: 2,500 hours
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Nurse anesthetist programs are shifting toward awarding a doctoral degree, but notably have made no significant changes to the number of clinical hours required during the program.


In any case, removing physician (MD or DO) supervision from anesthesia care puts patient safety at risk. 




Pharmacist (PharmD) vs. physician (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • PharmD: 2-4 years
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • PharmD: not required
  • MD or DO: 3-7 years


Total patient care hours

  • PharmD: 1,740 hours
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Pharmacists are not trained to examine a patient or make a diagnosis.




Physician assistant (PA or PA-C) vs. physician (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • PA or PA-C: 2-3 years
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • PA or PA-C: Not required
  • MD or DO: 3-7 years


Total patient care hours

  • PA or PA-C: 2,000 hours
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Physician assistant educational programs train students to work within physician-led teams. In fact, in a recent survey, 91% of physician assistant students nearing graduation described the physician relationship as “essential” or “very important.”




Psychologist (PsyD or PhD) vs. psychiatrist (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • PsyD or PhD: 3 years plus 1 year internship
  • MD or DO: 4 years


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • PsyD or PhD: 1 year
  • MD or DO: 4-6 years


Total patient care hours

  • PsyD or PhD: 1-2 years (practicum and internship)
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Psychotropic drugs prescribed by psychiatrists are some of the most powerful in modern medicine, and they affect the entire body.


Psychologists are well-equipped behavioral experts, but their educational requirements include zero training in medicine. A student may become a psychologist without any training in basic sciences, and while a science background is not necessary to skillfully provide psychological services, it is crucial for the safe practice of medicine.


Optometrist (OD) vs. ophthalmologist (MD or DO)


Length of graduate level education

  • OD: 4 years
  • MD or DO: 4 years plus 1 year internship


Years of residency/fellowship training

  • OD: Not required
  • MD or DO: 3-5 years


Total patient care hours

  • OD: 1-year clinical rotation
  • MD or DO: 12,000-16,000 hours


Did you know?

Optometry students are not trained to perform surgery, whether it be with a laser or a scalpel.







Click Each Advanced Care Professional toLearn More
  • PA

    2-3 years - Post-graduate education

    3,000 hours - Direct patient contact experience

    2,000 hours - Clinical rotation training



  • Chiropractor

    4 years -  Post-graduate education

    N/A -  Residency training

    320 Patients -  Clinical training

  • Naturopath

    Naturopath professionals are not currently licensed to practice in the state of Wyoming.

  • Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

    2-3 Years -  Post-graduate education

    N/A -  Residency training

    45-550 cases -  Hands-on clinical training

  • Nurse Practitioner

    2-4 Years -  Post-graduate education

    N/A -  Residency training

    500-720 Hours                 Clinical training

  • Optometrist

    4 years -  Post-graduate education  

    Not required -  Residency                      

    1 year -  Clinical Rotations        

  • Podiatrist

    4 years -  Post-graduate education

    3 years -  Residency training

    40 weeks -  Clinical training

  • Psychologist

    4-6 years -  Post-graduate education

    1 year -  Residency or Fellowship

    1 year -  Patient/Clinical Care Experience

Click Each Physician Specialty to Learn About Their Training
  • Anesthesiologist

    4 years - Medical School

    4 years - Anesthesiology Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship

  • Dermatologist

    4 years - Medical School

    4 years - Dermatology Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Dermatopathology fellowship

    1 year - Procedural dermatology fellowship

  • Family Medicine Specialist

    4 years -  Medical School

    3 years -  Family Medicine Residency training


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Geriatric medicine fellowship

    1 year - Hospice and palliative medicine fellowship

    1 year - Sports medicine fellowship

    1 year - Urgent care fellowship

  • Internal Medicine and Specialties

    4 years - Medical School

    3 years - Internal Medicine Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    2 years - Allergy and immunology fellowship

    3 years - Cardiovascular disease fellowship

    2 years - Endocrinology fellowship

    3 years - Gastroenterology fellowship

    1 year - Geriatric medicine fellowship

    2 years - Hematology fellowship

    3 years - Hematology/Oncology fellowship

    2 years - Infectious disease fellowship

    1 year - Interventional cardiology fellowship

    2 years - Nephrology fellowship

    2 years - Oncology fellowship

    2 years - Rheumatology fellowship


  • Neurologist

    4 years -  Medical School

    1 year -  Internal Medicine residency training

    3 years - Neurology residency training


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Child Neurology Residency

    1 year - Clinical neurophysiology fellowship

    1 year - Endovascular surgical neuroradiology

    1 year - Neuromuscular medicine fellowship

    1 year - Pain medicine fellowship


  • Neurological Surgeon (Neurosurgeon)

    4 years - Medical School

    7 years - Neurological Surgery Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Endovascular surgical neuroradiology fellowship


  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn)

    4 years  - Medical School

    4 years - Residency Training



  • Ophthalmologist

    4 years -  Medical School

    4 years -  Ophthalmology Residency                      


    Sub-specialty Training:

    2 years -  Ophthalmic surgery fellowship        

  • Orthopaedic Surgeon

    4 years -  Medical School

    5 years -  Residency training


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Foot and ankle fellowship

    1 year - Hand surgery fellowship

    1 year - Musculoskeletal oncology

    1 year - Orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship

    1 year - Orthopaedic surgery of the spine

    1 year - Orthopaedic trauma

    1 year - Pediatric orthopaedics

  • Otolaryngologist (ENT)

    4 years - Medical School

    5 years - Otolaryngology Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    2 years - Neurotology fellowship

    2 years - Pediatric Otolaryngology fellowship

  • Pediatrician

    4 Years -  Medical School

    3 Years -  Pediatric Residency training


    Subspecialty Training:

    3 Years - Adolescent medicine fellowship

    3 Years - Neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship

    3 Years  - Pediatric cardiology fellowship

  • Physical Medicine and Rehab

    4 years - Medical School

    4 years - Physical Medicine and Rehab Residency


    Subspecialist Training:

    1 year - Pediatric rehabilitation fellowship

    1 year - Spincal cord injury medicine fellowship

    1 year - Sports medicine fellowship

  • Preventive Medicine Specialist

    4 years - Medical School

    3 years - Preventive Medicine Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    2 years - Medical toxicology fellowship

  • Psychiatrist

    4 years -  Medical School

    4 years -  Psychiatric Residency 


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Addiction psychiatry fellowship

    2 years - Child and Adolescent psychiatry fellowship

    1 year - Geriatric psychiatry fellowship

  • Radiologist

    4 years - Medical School

    5 years - Radiology-Diagnostic Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Abdominal radiology fellowship

    1 year - Endovascular surgical neuroradiology

    1 year - Musculoskeletal radiology fellowship

    1 year - Neuroradiology fellowship

    1 year - Nuclear radiology fellowship

    1 year - Oncology radiology fellowship

    1 year - Pediatric radiology fellowship

    1 year - Vascular and interventional radiology 

  • Surgeon

    4 years - Medical School

    5years - Surgical Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Colon and rectal surgery fellowship

    1 year - Hand surgery fellowship

    1 year - Pediatric surgery fellowship

    1 year - Surgical critical care fellowship

    2 years - Thoracic surgery fellowship

    2 years - Vascular surgery fellowship

  • Urologist

    4 years - Medical School

    1 year - General surgery residency rotation

    4 years - Urology Residency


    Subspecialty Training:

    1 year - Pediatric urology fellowship

Click Each Physician Specialty to 
Learn What They Do
  • Anesthesiologist

    An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in anesthesia care, pain management and critical care medicine. They have the necessary knowledge to understand and treat the entire human body. Anesthesiologists evaluate, monitor and supervise patient care before, during and after surgery, delivering anesthesia, leading the Anesthesia care team and ensuring optimal patient safety. To learn more about an anesthesiologist from the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) CLICK HERE

  • Dermatologist

    A dermatologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in treating children and adults with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes. Dermatologists also manage cosmetic disorders of the skin, including hair loss, scars, and the skin changes associated with aging. To learn more about dermatology from the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) CLICK HERE

  • Family Medicine Specialist

    Family medicine specialists are medical doctors (MD or DO) dedicated to treating the whole person. Family medicine's cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care. Family physicians integrate care for patients of all genders and every age, and advocates for the patient in a complex healthcare system. To learn more about the family medicine specialty from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) CLICK HERE

  • Internal Medicine and Specialties

     An internal medicine specialist focuses on treating adults age 16 and older. They prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that afflict all adults, from chronically ill patients, to short-term care. A vast majority of medical subspecialists require certification in Internal Medicine prior to pursuing their additional training. For more information from the American College of Physicians (ACP) CLICK HERE

  • Neurologist

    A neurologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system including but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), concussion, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. To read more about what a neurologist does from the American Academy of Neurology CLICK HERE

  • Neurological Surgeon (Neurosurgeon)

    A neurological surgeon is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the conservative and surgical management of a wide variety of disorders affecting the brain, the spinal cord and spinal column, and the peripheral nerves. Common conditions managed by neurosurgeons include brain tumors, intracranial aneurysms, head injuries, and a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the spine including spinal canal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, fractures, and spinal deformities. To learn more about what a neurosurgeon does from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) CLICK HERE

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn)

    An Obstetrician and/or Gynecologist (OB/Gyn) is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who has specialty training in women's health. Obstetrics is the field of study concentrating on pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Gynecology is the medical practice dealing with health of the female reproductive system and the breasts.  To learn more about Ob/Gyn physicians with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) CLICK HERE



  • Ophthalmologist

    An ophthalmoloigst is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribers and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Read more about ophthalmology from the American Academy of Ophthalmology by 

    CLICKING HERE



  • Orthopaedic Surgeon

    an orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor (MD or DO) are physicians devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disroders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscle. Orthopaedic surgeons treat patients of all ages - from newborns to the elderly. For more information about orthopaedic surgeons from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons CLICK HERE

  • Otolaryngologist (ENT)

    An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a medical doctor (MD or DO) is a surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat and related structures of the head and neck. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otorhinolaryngologists, otolaryngologists, ENT doctors, ENT surgeons, or head and neck surgeons.  To learn more about ENTs from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery CLICK HERE

  • Pediatrician

    A pediatrician is a medical doctor (MD or DO) with specialty training in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians diagnose and treat a full spectrum of conditions, diseases and illnesses as well as provide broad preventive care services for patients under the age of 21. To learn more about a pediatrician with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) CLICK HERE

  • Physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehab)

    A physiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) receives specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). These physicians treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Many physiatrists subspecialize in brain injury medicine, hospice and palliative care, neuromuscular medicine, pain medicine and sports medicine. To learn more about this specialty from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation CLICK HERE

  • Preventive Medicine Specialist

    A preventive medicine specialist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) with specialty training on the health of individuals and communities. The goal of preventive medicine is to promote health and well-being and prevent disease, disability and death. Preventive medicine specialists possess expertise in a broad range of healthcare skills including biostatistics, epidemiology, planning and evaluation of health services, management of healthcare organizations, research, and the practice of prevention in clinical settings. Many preventive medicine specialists subspecialize in public health and general preventive medicine, occupational medicine and aerospace medicine. To learn more from the American College of Preventive Medicine CLICK HERE

  • Psychiatrist

    A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. To learn more about what a psychiatrist does from the American Psychiatric Association CLICK HERE

  • Radiologist

    A radiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, or Radiation Oncology. 


    A radiation oncologist uses ionizing radiation and other modalities to treat malignant and some benign diseases. They also may use computd tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and hyperthermia (heat) as additional interventions to aid in treatment planning and delivery. 


    To learn more about radiology and the subspecialties within from the American Medical Association (AMA) CLICK HERE

  • Surgeon

    A surgeon is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who performs surgical operations. General surgeons have a central core of knowledge embracing anatomy, physiology, metabolism, immunology, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, shock and resuscitation, intensive care, and neoplasia, which are common to all surgical specialties. General surgeons have specialized knowledge and experience related to the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management, including the management of complications. To learn more about general surgery from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) CLICK HERE


  • Urologist

    A urologist, also known as genitourinary surgeon, is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and surgical procedures specific to the male and female urinary/tract system and the male reproductive organs. Urologists manage problems such as urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as surgical problems such as the surgical management of cancers, the correctiosn of congenital abnormalities, and correcting stress incontinence. To learn more about urology from the American Medical Association (AMA) CLICK HERE