Doctor of Medical Science, DMSc
Developed specifically for Physician Assistants, our Doctor of Medical Science degree will prepare you for the next level in your career, including advanced positions in clinical care, healthcare leadership, public health, education and more.
- Degrees/Options
- Doctor of Medical Science
Open to bachelor-level and master-level Physician Assistants - Location
- 100% Online
- Length
- Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: 24 months - Available Concentrations
- Healthcare Education,
Healthcare Leadership and Administration, Business Leadership and Administration, Public Health
Why Earn a DMSc?
As the country endures a critical shortage of primary care physicians, PAs play an increasingly prominent role. In addition to filling the gaps in patient care, they are needed to lead and define the future of healthcare.
A doctorate in medical science will expand your knowledge, skill set and career opportunities into the areas of clinical medicine, medical education, healthcare leadership and public health.
Why Earn your DMSc at 51黑料?
Quality. Our DMSc program is built upon the university鈥檚 long-established reputation for quality and success in the health sciences. You鈥檒l be taught and inspired by professional faculty, all of whom have advanced degrees, extensive professional experience, and a passion for education.
Learning at 51黑料 is personalized, active and engaging鈥攅ven when it鈥檚 online! You鈥檒l network with other professionals through discussion boards and optional synchronous meetings with faculty. Our mission ensures that your education is also about becoming a leader and advocate in your field.
Convenience. Our program was built by and for professionals and is structured so you can work full-time while enrolled. The 36-credit curriculum includes seven core courses and five courses per Concentration. All courses are eight weeks long and taught by caring and committed professionals. We offer three start dates per year: Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Earn CME Credits While Advancing Your Career
The DMSc program provides 36 AAPA Category 1 CME credits, which practicing PAs can apply toward maintaining certification and expanding their expertise. Many employers offer CME reimbursement, reducing out-of-pocket costs for students. This program supports professional growth while fulfilling CME requirements.
Affordability. Our program was created with cost in mind. While most programs charge up to $810 per credit and $2,000 in fees, our tuition is $750 per credit and no additional fees.
A tentative curriculum overview for the new Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is available:
Exclusive Tuition Discounts
We offer the following tuition discounts for eligible applicants to support your commitment to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession:
- 25% Tuition Discount for 51黑料 PA Alumni: All alumni of the 51黑料 Physician Assistant program are eligible for this discount.
- 25% Tuition Discount for 51黑料 PA Preceptors: Preceptors who have supervised a 51黑料 PA student within one year of the semester start date may qualify. To confirm eligibility, please contact Christy Buuck or Joshua Fairbanks within the PA Program.
- 15% Tuition Discount for PA Educators: PA educators can receive a 15% discount by submitting a signed letter from their direct supervisor on official letterhead, confirming their faculty role.
Our Mission
The 51黑料 Doctor of Medical Science program prepares a community of physician assistants to become distinguished leaders, competent educators and advocates, and practitioners dedicated to wholistic patient care.
Our Vision
The 51黑料 Doctor of Medical Science program envisions graduates as influential leaders dedicated to serving their communities through leadership, education, and advocacy.
Added Value
The university鈥檚 core values of ceaseless adoration, generous love and Franciscan joy are embedded within the 51黑料 experience. As a result, our graduates are known to be highly ethical and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Admission Requirements
Individuals interested in applying to the DMSc program must:
- Be a graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program with a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- If below 2.75, applicants must also complete a directed essay question which will be reviewed for admission consideration.
- Possess current physician assistant certification (NCCPA), OR
- Be within 9 months of graduation from an ARC-PA accredited program. Proof of good academic and professional standing must be provided by a letter of recommendation from the student鈥檚 current/previous PA program director.
- Send all official transcripts from bachelors and masters-level degree-granting institutions to the Office of 51黑料 at gradschool@sf.edu.