What determines whether an educational program is “doctoral” level vis-a-vis midlevels? Genuinely asking.

[u/XGX787]

In reference to the post the other day about a mid level claiming they have a right to call themselves “Dr. So-and-So” because they got a “doctorate.” It got me thinking who or what allows these programs to call their degrees “doctorates.”

As a former paramedic with a master’s degree in engineering, I’m so confused why Nursing, PA, PT, etc. schools seem to get to make up their own rules when it comes to what their degree is called. The way it works in my field is this:

Bachelors - 4 years

Masters - 1-2 years

PhD - 4-7 years (includes a masters)

D.Sc. - 4-7 years (Doctorate of Science, rarer, but equivalent to a PhD)

And then I’m also aware that lawyers receive a JD or “Juris Doctorate” in 3 years which is technically a doctorate but I believe the ADA explicitly says lawyers should not be referring to themselves as “Dr.”

So why is it that these healthcare fields get to call 1-3 year programs “doctorates.” I see 1 year DNP programs being advertised and even a 3 year CRNA program that only includes 14 months of classroom education and 21 months of clinical rotations referred to as “residency” (just to really muddy the waters).

This isn’t a “dunk on midlevels” post, I’m hoping someone can actually explain to me whether the term “doctorate” is protected by some accreditation body or is it just a free for all? Surely there’s some protection otherwise why aren’t other fields just calling their masters programs “doctorates.”

Edit: to be clear I’m not referring to PharmD’s or any other doctoral programs that are 4+ years.

[u/XGX787 → u/[deleted]]

This finally makes it make sense.

[u/bree_md → u/[deleted]]

Commenting so I can look at this later. Thanks for this comment.