Practitioner

Practitioner is a person who engages in a field by applying its methods and standards in real-world work. The term emphasizes practical application rather than theory and is used across many professions and activities. In regulated professions, a practitioner is typically someone who has completed formal education, earned credentials, and is authorized to provide services to the public. Medical practitioners, legally licensed professionals who diagnose, treat, or represent clients, are a common reference; other uses include practitioners in education, engineering, or information technology who implement field knowledge in practice. The exact title and requirements vary by jurisdiction and profession.

Responsibilities of practitioners generally include maintaining professional competence through ongoing training, adhering to codes of ethics, and safeguarding clients' interests. They may work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, courts, schools, laboratories, or private practice, and they may collaborate with other professionals to deliver services.

In broader usage, practitioner can refer to someone skilled in a craft or art, or to someone who follows a discipline or spiritual practice. The term contrasts with theorists or researchers who focus on ideas rather than execution, and with academics who may emphasize knowledge creation over hands-on work. Etymology traces to practice, with attestations dating back to the Middle Ages in English.