Foreign trained MD

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I am a Cuban trained physician. I have 10 years of experience as a Psychiatrist. I am trying to navigate the complicated bureaucracy in the US. Seems that the most likely option is becoming a NP. I am preparing for the exam. Have not decided which one to take (AANP vs. ANCC). I was also wondering, can I utilize the MD designation as well in my business cards? Any feedback on the subjects would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Malcolm

Some of the Chinese acupuncturists I used to work with were M.D.s in China. On their business card they would put "M.D. (China)" after their name. This was in Texas.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

FWIW lots of people who are not physicians do hold MD degrees and use them in the academic setting. MD is a degree and anyone who had earned the degree can use "MD". Just being an MD does not make one a physician.

That said I would certainly NOT use MD when you are working as a nurse or as an NP. It would just be confusing to people.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Steps for you to become an NP in the US:

1. Become licensed RN

2. Apply to a masters degree program for Nurse Practitioner in the specialty you wish to practice in. You will need state RN licensure in whichever state you plan to take your clinical hours for the MSN degree.

3. Complete MSN successfully (min ~2 yrs)

4. Apply for the ANCC certification exam.

5. Apply for state NP licensure and prescriptive authority

Right, just wanted to mention that there are lots of NP programs that are much less than 2 years long. Some very good NP programs are 15 months.

Of course you may not present yourself to patients as an MD unless you are a licensed MD in your US state (which would involve taking the USMLE etc).]

"Licensed MD!?" Please name a state that has such a license. You realize that "MD" does not = physician and that MANY physicians do not have MD degrees?

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Specializes in CTICU.

LIcensed physician then. Nitpicking. My point is that OP should not present themselves to patients as a physician if they are licensed as a NP.

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Specializes in NICU.
Steps for you to become an NP in the US:

3. Complete MSN successfully (min ~2 yrs)

Actually, program lengths can be quite a bit shorter than 2 years. I went to a top 10 ranked school for my MSN and it was only 12 months long full-time. I think ours was shorter because they didn't have any classes on nursing theory.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Yep I believe someone already commented on that. I stand corrected.

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Specializes in Psychiatry and Primary Care.

@babyRN,

Can you please send me some information on that particular program you are referring to in your post? Thanks!

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Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

@babyNP, I would also like the name of that institution as well. I am looking for a strong (but shorter) DNP option. Im currently a FNP. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

My degree was a MSN

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Specializes in Family Med, Mental Health, Public Health.

I did indeed read that part; just thought perhaps your school also offered a streamlined doctorate option as well. Thanks anyways!

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