A clinician is a Healthcare practitioner that works as a primary care giver of a patient in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, clinic, or patient's home. Only a clinician diagnoses, prescribes treatment, treats, and discharges patients from therapy. For example, physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are clinicians, a nurse is not; a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a clinician, a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is not. Clinicians complete graduate degrees (master's or doctorates) in their field of expertise; complete clinical practicums; and pass national and state testing and certifications before being granted full licensure. Although a clinician must follow evidence-based best-practices and other professional codes of conduct set by laws and professional governing bodies, a clinician can choose to practice without another's supervision.