Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
At a Glance
* includes 12 credit hours of advanced-standing credit from core clinical rotations in PA school
In response to an ever-growing demand for healthcare leaders – particularly in rural, underserved and international locations – ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox created a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree program to help meet the increased need.
The DMSc is open to:
- Students that are currently enrolled in a PA program within the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and entering their clinical year (including ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox University’s Master of Medical Science PA program)
- PAs who have graduated from an accredited master’s level PA program
Cohorts start every January with a May start date available on a year-to-year basis.
Professional Preparation
The program is designed to prepare leaders in clinical, administrative and disaster relief settings. Graduates of the program will be equipped to work as:
- Public health professionals
- Clinical Researchers
- Policy advocates
- Health administrators
- Clinicians
Program Distinctives: Service and Leadership
The DMSc program aligns with ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox’s mission to educate students who “serve with passion.” Our emphasis on primary care, global health, humanitarian service, and leadership distinguishes us from programs that simply emphasize the clinical or educational aspects of the medical profession. Ultimately, the DMSc program is designed to prepare the next healthcare leader.
All DMSc students will take a service trip to a domestic or international location to serve in a culturally diverse setting.
Format
The asynchronous 36-semester-credit hour DMSc can be taken in a dual-enrollment format or after graduating from an accredited PA program. The dual-enrollment format allows currently enrolled PA students to begin working toward their doctoral degree during the clinical year of the PA program. Current students and PA graduates get 12 credit hours of advanced-standing credit from their clinical rotations in PA school. Dual-enrolled students complete nine credit hours during their clinical year of PA school followed by 15 additional credit hours in 1-2 additional semesters. For graduated students, all 24 credit hours can be completed in as quickly as 12 months, but up to 24 months.
Though connected by overlapping coursework, the master's PA and DMSc programs are separate degree offerings. The addition of a DMSc program aligns with national trends to offer terminal degrees in a broader range of healthcare professions (doctor of physical therapy, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of nursing practice, etc.).
Curriculum
| Courses | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Rotation | 3 | Already covered/taught (12 credits) in PA program |
| Clinical Rotation | 3 | |
| Clinical Rotation | 3 | |
| Clinical Rotation | 3 | |
| Applied Research Project I (online) | 2 | Additional courses (9 credits) either taken during Year 2 of PA program (3 semesters) or within 5 years of graduating from the PA program |
| Applied Research Project II (online) | 2 | |
| Applied Research Project III (online) | 2 | |
| Applied Research Project Practicum (in-person) | 3 | |
| Disaster Medicine (online) | 3 |
Additional courses (15 credits) taken after graduating from PA program (one semester) *Choose these two courses for an emphasis in primary care, or select two courses in tropical/disaster medicine for an emphasis in global health and disaster management. |
| Tropical Medicine (online) | 3 | |
| Healthcare Management in Primary Care* (online) | 3 | |
| Organizational Leadership in Primary Care* (online) | 3 | |
| Doctoral Practicum (online) | 9 |
Job Prospects
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physician assistants is expected to between 2024 and 2034, primarily because of the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas.
Curt Stilp, EdD, PA-C
Associate Dean, College of Medical Science
The DMSc degree sets the graduate up to be a leader in disaster medicine relief and health care delivery to communities in high need. It brings the mission of humanitarianism and service to fulfillment through advanced knowledge, research and experience.
Questions?
Tabitha Hall
Admissions Counselor, PA Program
ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Fox University is required to make cost of attendance (COA) information publicly available on this website. All stated financial information is subject to change.