Founding Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences and Professor of Medical Sciences and Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
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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 Sciences
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.
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.
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| 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.
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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.
Director of Curriculum; Associate Professor of Medical Sciences; Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Adjunct Professor; Doctor of Medical Science
Founding Director for MS Biomedical Sciences and Assistant Professor of Medical Sciences
Founding Director of Healthcare Administration; Professor of Medical Sciences
Adjunct Instructor, Master of Healthcare Administration
Adjunct Instructor, Master of Healthcare Administration
Adjunct Instructor, Master of Healthcare Administration
Clinical Adjunct Instructor in Pathology and Histology, Biomedical Sciences
Adjunct Instructor, Healthcare and Administration Leadership
Want to Learn More?
Request more information about the Doctor of Medical Science program at HPU.
