Founding Chair, Department of Medical Sciences / Founding Director, Doctor of Medical Science
NO MASTERS REQUIRED and 28 CREDIT HOURS
The High Point University Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is a purposefully designed doctoral pathway that prepares PAs for advanced roles in healthcare education, academic leadership, and healthcare administration.
As the first DMSc program in North Carolina, High Point University established early leadership in doctoral PA education and continues to distinguish itself through measurable graduate outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, small cohort design with defined concentrations, and an innovative early‑entry pathway for PA students.
As the first DMSc program in North Carolina, High Point University established early leadership in doctoral PA education and continues to distinguish itself through measurable graduate outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, small cohort design with defined concentrations, and an innovative early‑entry pathway for PA students.
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Director’s Welcome
Linda Sekhon DHSc, MMS, PA-C
Founding Chair, Department of Medical Sciences / Founding Director, Doctor of Medical Science
[email protected]
Having been a PA 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. Read More
DMSc On Your Terms: Elevate Your Skills With Our Flexible Online Program
At High Point University, we believe that every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. Our Doctor of Medical Science program is conveniently offered online for working professionals and delivers a curriculum built on quality. Our dedicated and experienced faculty deliver courses designed with the necessary rigor for PAs to develop needed knowledge and skills associated with doctoral education. The degree provides avenues for PAs interested in expanding their understanding of medical knowledge and research and the necessary leadership skillset to innovate, lead, and positively impact patient care.
DMSc Program Mission
The mission of the High Point University Doctor of Medical Science program is to deliver rigorous educational experiences to PAs that build leadership skills and enhance evidence-based clinical practice that has enduring significance and positively impacts patient care in a constantly changing healthcare environment.
DMSc Program Vision
The vision of the High Point University Doctor of Medical Science program is to be a nationally prominent PA doctoral program recognized for excellence, rigor, and strength of its commitment to helping PAs realize their full potential through self-awareness of leadership potential and growth in clinical acumen to lead lives of significance and effect change in healthcare delivery that improves patient outcomes.
DMSc Program Goals
The High Point University Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed to advance the PA profession by preparing graduates with the leadership, research, and scholarly expertise to improve patient care, lead interdisciplinary teams, and influence healthcare systems. Graduates are prepared to serve as strategic leaders and advocates who elevate organizational performance and health outcomes.
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- Develop Advanced Leadership Competencies
Prepare graduates to lead interdisciplinary teams, manage resources, and implement strategic initiatives that improve healthcare delivery, outcomes, and organizational performance. - Promote Evidence-Based Clinical and Systems Decision-Making
Equip students with advanced clinical reasoning and data literacy skills to critically appraise, synthesize, and apply evidence in addressing complex healthcare challenges. - Strengthen Scholarly and Research Proficiency
Develop skills in scholarly writing, research or quality improvement design, and interpretation of data to conduct and disseminate scholarly work that informs practice and policy. - Cultivate Professionalism and Effective Communication
Develop ethical leadership, cultural competence, and advanced communication strategies to engage stakeholders and lead change across healthcare settings. - Advance Healthcare Advocacy and Policy Influence
Prepare graduates to advocate for patients, equitable care, the PA profession, influence health policy, and strengthen healthcare systems.
- Develop Advanced Leadership Competencies
DMSc Program
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 are 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.
| Healthcare Leadership (6 credits) | ||
| DMS 7300 | Self-Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| DMS 7320 | Healthcare Population Health and Leadership | 3 |
| Research Methods (6 credits) | ||
| DMS 7500 | Medical Writing | 3 |
| DMS 7520
|
Evidence Based Medical Statistics
|
3
|
Health Professions Educator (9 Hours)
| DMS 7720 | Curricular Theory and Practice | 3 |
| DMS 7740 | Program Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
| DMS 7760 | Online Teaching Theory and Practice | 3 |
OR
Health Profession Administrator (9 Hours)
| DMS 7800 | Business Planning | 3 |
| DMS 7820 | Health Care Finance | 3 |
| DMS 7840 | Operations Management | 3 |
| DMS 7600 | Doctoral Capstone Proposal Development | 3 |
| DMS 7620 | Doctoral Capstone Completion | 4 |
| DMS 7640 | Capstone Extension (optional) | 1 |
What are the certificate programs offered by the HPU DMSc Program?
The DMSc program offers two 9-credit standalone Certificates: Health Professions Educator or Health Professions Administration. Certificates are not limited to PAs and are available to anyone in the health care field.
Health Professions Educator Certificate (9 Hours)
| 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 (9 hours)
| DMS 7800 | Business Planning | 3 |
| DMS 7820 | Health Care Finance | 3 |
| DMS 7840 | Operations Management | 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 equivalent from a regionally accredited institution or from a foreign university.
Can I obtain a certificate in addition to a DMSc?
Yes. A student may choose to earn a “Certificate” in the other area of study while enrolled in the DMSc 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 information can be found here: https://www.highpoint.edu/graduate/fees/
Can PA students take Certificate courses?
PA students have the option to begin Certificate courses during the clinical phase of their PA program. After PA program graduation, those certificates transfer directly into the DMSc degree, leaving only 16 credits to complete after graduation.
Staff/Faculty
Associate Professor & Director of Curriculum, Doctor of Medical Science
Assistant Professor & Director of Research, Doctor of Medical Science
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct Professor; Doctor of Medical Science
Adjunct Instructor, Medical Sciences
Adjunct Instructor, Doctor of Medical Science Program
Adjunct Instructor, Master of Healthcare Administration
Associate Professor and MHA Interim Program Director
Adjunct Instructor, Master of Healthcare Administration
Staff
Advance Your Career with HPU's DMSc
Contact Information
Contact India Jones
Graduate Recruiter
For more information on how to apply to our DMSc program, please contact India Jones
Graduate School Consultation
Sign up for an information session or individual consultation with someone from the Graduate Admissions team to help you determine if our DMSc opportunity will be a fit with your career, family and life goals.
How to Apply to the Online DMSc Program
Applying for our online DMSc program is a streamlined and accessible process, designed to make your journey to academic excellence hassle-free and straightforward.
We hope that you will find that High Point University offers the educational experience and the learning environment you are seeking and that we can help you reach your career and life goals. We look forward to working with you throughout the admission process. Use the online application today.
DMSc Application Requirements
NO MASTERS REQUIRED
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background
- Graduated from or currently enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
- Application
- Complete an online application (hyperlink).
- Essay
- A maximum 250-word essay describing the goals for enrolling in the DMSc program
- Official Transcript
- Submit an official transcript from the college or university where the PA degree was earned (excluding High Point University).
- Current PA students may apply and receive conditional admission. They must submit their official transcript upon successful completion of the PA program.
- Resume or CV
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Interview
- A phone or online interview may be required. If selected, applicants will be contacted to schedule the interview
Explore DMSc Tuition & Fees
High Point University’s tuition and fees are determined on an annual basis. Tuition for the Doctor of Medical Science program is billed by the session/semester, based on the courses in which a student is registered.
DMSc FAQs
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc).
- 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
- 28 credit hours/9 courses
Students choose the number of courses per semester that fits their schedule
Curricular Focus Areas
- Healthcare Leadership
- Research Methods
Program Features
- 100% online delivery, including the capstone project
- Taught by doctorally-prepared faculty
- Flexible and self-paced.
- Standard pace: 2 courses per semester
- Fall matriculants: may matriculate on a full time basis to complete the program in 2 semesters.
- Maximum time to complete: 2 years.
- Can complete in 2 semesters.
- 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.
NO MASTERS REQUIRED
- Applicants must be 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
One DMSc Degree Start Date (Fall)
Three Certificate Start Dates (Fall, Spring and Summer)
Program Completion Window (2 Years)
Applicants must submit all required materials at least 7 working days before their preferred start date. Furthermore, applicants must have successfully graduated from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of a Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). A previously earned master’s degree is not required.
What could a DMSc do for your career?
Hear from alumna Brianna Hill Molina, PA-C, DMSc, as she shares her experience in High Point University’s online Doctor of Medical Science program.