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If you're like most people, you see a variety of health care professionals. And you're probably familiar with common degrees, such as M.D. for doctor of medicine, but what about the other letters in the alphabet soup of health care?

Below you'll find the qualifications (also called credentials) and educational requirements for the professionals you're most likely to encounter in private practices, hospitals and other health care facilities. Most have at least a master's degree or more advanced education and training. Licensing requirements and specific services vary according to training, specialty and state law.