Online DMSc – Designed for Practicing Physician Assistants
Program Details:
- Credit Hours 30
- Courses in Program 10
- Estimated Completion Time 12 Months
- Program Format Online
Expand your impact in healthcare beyond clinical practice. Grow your leadership capabilities while gaining skills for advanced roles in healthcare administration, research, and education.
Expand your impact in healthcare beyond clinical practice. Grow your leadership capabilities while gaining skills for advanced roles in healthcare administration, research, and education.
Designed for licensed physician assistants, the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) offers flexibility for working professionals, allowing you to balance your studies with existing commitments. Students will complete a structured curriculum over six 8-week terms, culminating in a capstone project aligned with their professional interests. This program is pending approval of the New York State Education Department.
The curriculum encompasses key areas such as:
- Healthcare leadership and administration
- Curriculum development and teaching strategies
- Research methodology and biostatistics
- Social determinants of health
- Technology in physician assistant practice
A culminating capstone project enables you to apply your learning to real-world challenges in your professional context.
As a practicing PA with a DMSc degree, you will:
- Lead academic and clinical teams focused on improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes
- Design and evaluate educational programs that prepare future healthcare providers
- Apply systems-level thinking to drive improvements in practice, policy, and organizational leadership
- Address the social, economic, and structural factors that impact patient care and community health
- Be prepared to take on leadership roles in universities, healthcare systems, government agencies, and professional organization
Who This Program is For
The online Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) is a 30-credit doctoral program designed for licensed Physician Assistants who have earned a master’s degree and are looking to advance into academic, administrative, or leadership roles in healthcare.
This program is ideal for PAs who want to teach in PA programs, improve systems of care, or take on leadership roles in clinical or educational settings, all while continuing to work in their field.
Your prior graduate education and professional experience will be reviewed during the admissions process to confirm eligibility. This program is designed to be completed in 12 months full-time or up to two years part-time.
Courses and Requirements
Designed for licensed Physician Assistants with a master’s degree, this online DMSc program includes 30 total credit hours delivered across 10 courses. The curriculum is built to support practicing PAs, with a strong focus on healthcare leadership, education, research, and technology. Courses are delivered in 8-week modules, and the program can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time, or up to 2 years part-time.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to meeting the general graduate admission requirements at D’Youville, applicants to the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program must present the following:
- Completion of a master’s degree in Physician Assistant from an accredited institution, with a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours completed with grades of B or better
- A minimum graduate grade point average of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 system)
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended (undergraduate and graduate)
- Proof of initial certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Physician Assistant in your state of residence
Tuition and fees vary depending on your enrollment status and any prior academic credit you may be transferring in. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and can be applied to both full- and part-time enrollment.
| COST | |
|---|---|
| Program Tuition | $1,030 per credit hour |
| Fees per Semester | $510 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $33,960 |
Career Outcomes
Earning a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree equips Physician Assistants with the advanced training needed to pursue leadership roles in healthcare, higher education, and administration. With increasing demand for PA educators and healthcare leaders, DMSc graduates are positioned to address critical workforce gaps while advancing their own careers.
According to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the profession continues to grow rapidly, with expanding opportunities in education, policy, and healthcare system leadership.
Physician Assistant Educators and Healthcare Leaders
DMSc graduates are qualified to take on a range of advanced roles, including:
- Academic faculty or program directors in PA education
- Administrative leaders within hospitals and health systems
- Contributors to healthcare policy, accreditation, and advocacy organizations
- Researchers and consultants focused on systems improvement, equity, and patient outcomes
While most DMSc graduates continue practicing clinically, many move into hybrid or non-clinical roles that allow them to influence healthcare on a broader scale, whether through curriculum design, quality improvement, or leadership development.
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