Doctor of Medical Science | High Point University

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The HPU DMS program is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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06.07.22 linda sekhon faculty high point university

Having been a physician assistant since 1983, I have witnessed a steady growth in both the number and professional stature of PA providers through the years. As a PA educator since 1996, I have served as both a professor and administrator and have been involved with the development of several PA programs, including High Point University’s. As such, I fully understand the rigor of PA education and the significance of our role in healthcare. I consider myself fortunate each day to be a proud member of this profession.

At High Point University, we have taken a thoughtful approach in the development of a new program for experienced PAs that is forward thinking and consistent with the values inherent in the mission of our university. The Doctor of Medical Science degree will provide an avenue for licensed PAs who are interested in expanding their understanding of medical knowledge, developing their leadership and business skills, and promoting lifelong learning. I firmly believe that HPU’s DMS program will be second to none and will have a significant impact on professional growth and PA practice across the country!!

We fully understand that PAs are already highly skilled clinicians and play integral roles in building successful clinical practices across the country. We won’t teach you what you already know! The DMS degree is designed for you to learn how to interpret and evaluate medical literature and apply it to individualized care with a focus on the leadership skills you need to move into the positions you want to hold in your career. We’ve made the DMS degree as accessible and flexible as we possibly could. Stay tuned for more details.

Sincerely,

Linda Sekhon, DHSc, PA-C| Professor,

Department of Medical Sciences – Founding Chair

One University Parkway, High Point, NC 27268

Mobile: 336-906-4926 |E-mail: lsekhon@highpoint.edu

Choose to be extraordinary!®

Doctor of Medical Science

100% Online

The Doctor of Medical Science program, approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is for PAs who already have their Master of Physician Assistant degree.

At High Point University, we recognize that flexibility is a priority for practicing PAs. Our curriculum is designed for the working PA with 100% online courses that allows you to attain a post-professional degree while balancing work and life.

You can expand your knowledge of core topics while focusing on one of two concentrations: Health Professional Educator concentration, Health Professions Administrator concentration. We won’t teach you what you already know—we acknowledge the clinical experience of the most seasoned PAs and don’t require a master’s degree.

Doctor of Medical Science Academic Calendar 2022-2023
Fall 2022 Session A	Spring 2023 Session A	Summer 2023 Session A
Aug 22 Class begins Sept 30 Class ends Oct 3 – Oct 14 Fall Break	Jan 9 Class begins Jan 16 MLK Day (No Class) Feb 17 Class ends Feb 20 – March 3 Spring Break	May 8 Class begins May 29 Memorial Day (No Class) June 23 Class ends
Fall 2022 Session B	Spring 2023 Session B	Summer 2023 Session B
Oct 17 Class begins Nov 21 – 25 Thanksgiving Break Dec 2 Class ends	March 6 Class begins April 7 Good Friday (No Class) April 10 Easter Monday (No Class) April 14 Class ends	June 26 Class begins July 4 Independence Day (No Class) August 4 Classes end

At High Point University, we believe that every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. Although the Doctor of Medical Science is conveniently offered online for working professionals, we strive to deliver a curriculum built on quality. Our dedicated and experienced faculty will provide our adult learners with courses designed with the necessary rigor for PAs to develop needed knowledge and skills associated with doctoral education. This includes focusing on knowledge application, reflective practice, improving communication, enhancing problem solving and strengthening critical thinking.

Our innovative curriculum:

Provides an avenue for PAs interested in expanding their understanding of medical knowledge and research, while advancing their personal and professional leadership skills.
With a focus on patient care, the curriculum is designed to build upon the intensive, entry-level PA curriculum It is not designed to “teach you what you already know”
All courses will be offered online allowing students to continue to work within their communities while taking classes and achieve an advanced degree in a way that best suits their schedule.

Students who graduated from an ARC-PA accredited program within the past 7 years and full-time Principal PA faculty members who teach in an ARC-PA accredited PA program may request a transfer of 16 credit hours toward the DMS degree. This credit variance can be applied to “four” 3-credit hour DMS EBM in Medical Science courses and “two” 2-credit hour Patient Safety courses. Credit variance is subject to approval by the DMS program director. Principal PA faculty will be required to provide a letter of recommendation from their supervisor, a sampling of at least three-course evaluations, and a syllabus from a course taught in the PA program. Students are required to complete all courses to graduate.

DMS Bridge Program

High Point University Bridge Program

Provides an avenue for current PA students and/or recent PA graduates (within 12 months of matriculation) interested in expanding their understanding of issues involving clinical practice and development of research and leadership skills that would result in a Doctor of Medical Science degree. The Bridge curriculum differs from the standard DMS Program by focusing on the development of targeted leadership and research skills for clinically focused PAs and allowing options to explore and achieve additional skillsets to enhance success and movement toward future career endeavors. Eight courses (22 credit hours) will be transferred from the supervised clinical practice experiences in the accredited PA program and will be credited toward completion of the EBM in Medical Sciences courses and Patient Safety Courses.

What are the certificate programs offered by the HPU DMS Program?

The DMS program offers two 12-credit hour certificate programs in either Health Professions Educator Certificate or Health Professions Administration Certificate.

Health Professions Educator Certificate (12 Hours)

DMS 7700	Principles of Adult Learning	3
DMS 7720	Curricular Theory and Practice	3
DMS 7740	Program Assessment and Evaluation	3
DMS 7760	Online Teaching Theory and Practice	3

Health Professions Administrator Certificate (12 hours)

DMS 7800	Business Planning	3
DMS 7820	Health Care Finance	3
DMS 7840	Operations Management	3
DMS 7860	Healthcare Information Technology	3

What are the admissions requirements for the certificate programs?

Admissions to the certificate program is open to any healthcare professional or educator. Applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s degree or equivilant from a regionally accredited institution or from a foreign university.

Can I obtain a certificate in addition to a DMS?

Yes. A student may choose to earn a “Certificate” in the other area of study while enrolled in the DMS program or after graduation. Completed courses taken within that concentration will be used to fulfill Certificate requirements. For more information regarding certificate programs, please see the FAQs below.

What is the cost of the program?

Tuition and fee charges anticipated for 2022–2023 academic year: $902.00 per credit hour.