Doctor of Medical Science

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc).

A DMSc degree is a doctoral degree that elevates physician assistants to new levels of care and leadership.

• First and foremost, to ensure quality patient outcomes.
  • We recognize that PAs provide a high level of medical care. The DMSc is a professional doctorate with a curricular design that focuses on a greater understanding of medicine, executive business, and leadership skills.
  • The DMSc helps practicing PAs meet the changing demands of this nation’s complex healthcare environment. Students learn how to better interpret and evaluate the medical literature that can then be applied to individualized patient care.
• For those seeking advanced education, holding a doctorate will create opportunities for increased decision-making and upward mobility in the workplace.
• Better prepared clinicians can help to address provider shortages. Those with doctorates can also serve as faculty, educating the next generation of health care providers.
• Influence the future direction of healthcare through acquisition of the necessary skillset to gain a seat at leadership tables.

Program Overview

• 6-week sessions
• 44 credit hours/16 courses

Students choose the number of courses per semester that fits their schedule

• With 16 credit hour transfer (up to 6 courses), students complete 28 credit hours (10 courses) to earn their DMSc degree.

Curricular Focus Areas

• *Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) in the Medical Sciences
• Healthcare Leadership
• *Patient Safety,
• Research Methods

(Courses offered in focus areas marked with * are eligible for credit transfer)

Program Features

• 100% online delivery, including the capstone project
• Taught by doctorally-prepared faculty
• Flexible and self-paced.
  • Standard pace: 2 courses per semester
  • With credit transfer:  3 semesters (1.5 years)
  • Fall matriculants: may matriculate on a full time basis to complete the program in 2 semesters.
• Maximum time to complete: 5 years.
• No residency requirements.

You will participate in scholarly activities through a required programmatic capstone and work with a faculty advisor to target a novel problem or current issue in clinical practice, leadership, or research.  Your capstone will focus on discovery, teaching, applications in clinical practice, or integration of ideas—areas that support the values of a profession committed to both social relevance and scientific advancement.

Tuition and fee amounts for High Point UNiversity are set annually. For a detailed cost of attendance for the academic year, including additional estimates of expenses related to costs of living, you may visit the Graduate School Tuition, Fees and Financial Assistance page.

• Applicants must be Physician Assistants (PAs) who have successfully graduated from or are currently enrolled in an entry-level PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
• An updated comprehensive curriculum vita or resume outlining personal, educational and professional achievements 
• A completed online application to High Point University. A phone interview may be required 
• A maximum 250-word essay describing the goals for enrolling in the DMSc degree program 
• International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of any international transcripts. 
• The DMSc Program acknowledges the clinical experience of seasoned PAs and does not require a master’s Degree 
• The GRE is not required 
• An application fee is not required

Students may transfer up to 16 credits toward the Doctor of Medical Science program based on successful completion of Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) in their PA program.

Credits may be applied to the following courses taught in the DMSc program:

• DMS 7100 – EBM Principles – Cardiology (3 cr)
• DMS 7120– EBM Principles – Gastroenterology (3 cr)
• DMS 7140– EBM Principles – Pulmonology (3 cr)
• DMS 7200– EBM Principles – Endocrinology (3 cr)
• DMS 7400– Quality and Patient Safety (2 cr)
• DMS 7200– Legal and Ethical Considerations in Healthcare (2 cr)

SCPEs completed in an ARC-PA accredited PA program validate proficiency in Evidence-Based Medicine and Patient Safety, ensuring prior clinical training in these essential areas is recognized and applied toward program completion.

ARC-PA Required Topic Areas
These are not course titles, but core topics that must be addressed across SCPE offerings (course names may vary by PA program):

• Ambulatory Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Behavioral Health
• Surgery
• Women’s Health

The High Point DMSc Program has a rolling admissions process and admission decision will be made on an ongoing basis. Since the DMSc curriculum is self-paced and delivered in 6-week terms each fall, spring and summer semesters, students may enter the program at any one of these six starting points.