Why Earn a Doctor of Medical Science?
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree was developed specifically for physician associates and focuses on real-life application of leadership principles and best practices in evidence-based change in healthcare.
The Doctor of Medical Science Program is designed for recent graduates from U.S. ARC-PA accredited physician associate programs. Applicants may apply for admission to the DMSc program within 24 months of graduation from their PA program. The 36-credit DMSc program includes 24 advanced standing credits from the applicants PA program and completion of a 12 credit online semester at °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ. Eligibility approval procedures include (but are not limited to) a curriculum review by the DMSc program director and confirmation that the PA program completed by the applicant was ARC-PA accredited and in good standing at the time of attendance. Advanced standing credits documented by the Registrar. The program adds one semester after completion of PA education. Physician associate graduates who are applying to the program do not need to be currently working.
What Can You Do with a Doctor of Medical Science Degree?
Pacific graduates with a doctor of medical science degree are well prepared to lead change within the healthcare system by delivering excellent patient care through evidence-based practice and knowledge. Graduates with a DMSc degree from °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ have the skills to:
- Understand how theory informs the practice of leadership, and can apply ethical awareness in decision-making and problem solving.
- Integrate critical thinking techniques, along with advancing knowledge and skills, to evaluate problems effectively and design improvement plans for professional settings.
- Apply learned leadership competencies to their roles as strategic change agents, scholars, collaborators, educators, and advisors.
Online DMSc Program
The online Doctor of Medical Science degree is presented primarily asynchronously with limited synchronous instruction on the Moodleâ„¢ learning management system. DMSc program students participate in a total of twelve credits.
Earn AAPA Credits
DMSc students who successfully complete the program earn 12 AAPA Category 1 CME credits.
Supporting Veterans
The Pacific Doctor of Medical Science program has been approved by the Veteran’s Administration, and Veterans can use their VA benefits to enroll in the program.
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ is proud of its commitment to the Yellow Ribbon program, which covers tuition costs for veterans when G.I. Bill benefits are insufficient. Pacific provides full tuition and fees funding to all eligible veterans and eligible dependents who are admitted and enrolled at Pacific under the Department of Veterans Affairs program. The program applies to graduate as well as undergraduate programs.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Pacific’s support for student veterans; Pacific was the only private university in Oregon on the publication’s list of best colleges for veterans. °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ was also named one of the West’s most supportive schools for military veterans by MilitarySupportiveColleges.com, a coalition of web publishers that provides guidance to veterans seeking college information.
ADMISSIONS
Emily Josi | Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions and Marketing
503-352-7219 | emcdaniel@pacificu.edu
GENERAL INFORMATION
Amber Vanzant, MAT | Program Administrator
School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership
Phone 503-352-7369 | amber.vanzant@pacificu.edu
