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!®

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.
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.

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.