The Professional track allows students to customize a clinical learning plan with structured learning experiences to develop additional medical knowledge and skills. In each of the four courses of the practicum the learner submits a Learning Plan. The Learning Plan proposal defines the goals and outcomes the learner will achieve by the end of the four-course sequence. The practicum courses provide a blank canvas that allows the student to tailor the Learning Plan to their area of interest.

The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 20-week semester is broken into two (2) ten (10) week course blocks: Fall = Fall Block 1 (July-September) and Fall Block 2 (October-December); Spring = Spring Block 1 (January-March) and Spring Block 2 (March-May). Each DMSc course is 10-weeks in length.

New students can start the program on any of the four block start dates (January, March, July, and October). Tuition is due at the start of each semester (July and January); students must pay the full tuition/fees for all courses taken during the semester (i.e. all courses taken in Fall Block 1 and Fall Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the fall semester). View the academic calendar for more details.

In general, students should expect to spend around 6 to 8 hours per week on a DMSc 3-credit hour online course. This time includes watching lectures, completing readings, participating in online discussions, and completing assignments. However, the exact amount of time needed can vary depending on the course content and the individual student's learning style and abilities. It is important for students to carefully review the course syllabus and schedule to plan their time effectively and stay on track throughout the instructional block.

The Doctor of Medical Science degree program at ATSU is designed to be completed by students who are working PAs. The program is specifically structured to accommodate the needs of busy PAs and is intended to be manageable for students who are working full time.

However, pursuing a doctoral degree while working full time can still be challenging and may require careful time management and dedication. Students in the DMSc program are typically expected to devote a significant amount of time each week to their coursework, research, and other program requirements. It is important for students to carefully assess their own abilities and commitments to determine if they will be able to effectively balance their academic and professional responsibilities while enrolled in the program.

It is also recommended that prospective students reach out to the program faculty or admissions staff at A.T. Still University for more specific information and guidance on managing the program while working full time.

A Doctor of Medical Science degree with a concentration in leadership or education can open up a range of career opportunities in the healthcare field. Some possible positions that graduates with these concentrations may pursue include:

• Healthcare executive or administrator: Graduates with a concentration in Leadership may be well-suited for roles as healthcare executives or administrators. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the operations of healthcare organizations, managing staff, developing strategic plans, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Director of medical education: Graduates with a concentration in Education may be qualified to work as directors of medical education in healthcare institutions or academic settings. These professionals oversee the development and implementation of medical education programs, curriculum design, and assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Clinical educator: Graduates with a concentration in Education may also pursue roles as clinical educators, providing instruction and training to healthcare professionals in clinical settings. Clinical educators may develop and deliver continuing education programs, mentor students and staff, and assess the competency of healthcare providers.
• Healthcare consultant: DMSc graduates with concentrations in Leadership or Education may also work as healthcare consultants, providing expertise and guidance to healthcare organizations on issues related to leadership development, education and training, quality improvement, and organizational efficiency.
• Researcher or scholar: Graduates with a DMSc degree may also pursue careers in research or academia, conducting scholarly research in healthcare leadership, education, or related topics, and publishing their findings in academic journals or presenting at conferences.
• Medical science liaison: PAs with a DMSc degree can pursue a career as a medical science liaison (MSL) in the pharmaceutical industry. MSLs are typically healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses, or other advanced practice providers, who are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers, and researchers within the medical and scientific community.

Overall, a Doctor of Medical Science degree with concentrations in Leadership or Education can equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in leadership positions, educational roles, and other healthcare-related careers that require advanced expertise in these areas.

No; but we would LOVE to see you at the program's graduation ceremony in September! This is a great opportunity to connect with ATSU faculty and peers that you have studied with throughout the program.

ATSU now offers an advanced standing option for PAs who completed their PA master’s degree within the past seven (7) years. Advanced standing gives students 12 credit hours toward the 36-credit hour degree program; meaning, they only have to complete 24 credit hours (nine courses) to earn the DMSc degree. These nine courses can be completed in as little as 15 months and up to 22 months.

The average class size is between 15 to 22 students. The capstone courses are limited to just 10 to 12 students per class to provide more individualized time with the Capstone instructors.

As an integral part of your Doctoral Capstone Project, you will embark on a specialized research venture supported by capstone-focused curriculum. This project encompasses the completion of a Scoping Review Protocol, a Scoping Review Manuscript, and an Implementation Project Proposal. Designed to be deeply focused yet thoroughly approachable, these components of research are strategically divided into manageable segments across three courses. Throughout this journey, you'll benefit from the steady guidance of a dedicated facilitator. This mentor will offer continuous feedback and direction, ensuring you navigate the research process with confidence and clarity. For further details on the Capstone Project, please refer to the information provided below.

The Capstone Project is completed through three courses: Capstone I, II, and III. There are three primary deliverables for the Capstone Project: a Scoping Review Protocol, a Scoping Review Manuscript, and an Implementation Project Proposal.

• Scoping review protocol: Designing a scoping review protocol requires you to conduct preliminary research to define your research question, identify relevant databases and keywords, and establish criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of studies. This process lays the groundwork for your scoping review by ensuring that your research is focused, relevant, and methodologically sound.
• Scoping review manuscript: Completing a scoping review manuscript involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and presenting existing research on a particular topic. This requires in-depth research to gather data from various sources, critically evaluate the evidence, and synthesize findings to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject area.
• Implementation project proposal: Developing an implementation project proposal uses the information obtained from your Scoping Review to propose a novel solution or intervention, and plan its practical execution. This involves researching theoretical frameworks, existing implementations, potential challenges, and expected outcomes to construct a persuasive and feasible proposal.

Yes. We just need to know: 1) if you want to take one class at a time (three-year completion) or two classes at a time (two-year completion); and 2) what concentration area you are interested in (i.e. education, leadership, global health, etc.)

The 2024-25 tuition/fees for ATSU’s online Doctor of Medical Science program are $712/credit hour (x 36 credits = $25,632). Students can complete the program in two years (two classes at a time) or three years (one class at a time). Students eligible for the Advanced Standing option only take and pay for 24 credit hours (24 x $712 = $17,088) and can complete the program in 14 months (two classes at a time) or 22 months (one class at a time).

Tuition and fees are subject to change, please review ATSU-ASHS tuition page for the most up-to-date information.

The online Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at A.T. Still University and a traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program differ in several key aspects, including focus, structure, and outcomes:

• Focus: The DMSc program typically focuses on providing advanced professional education and training to PAs, with an emphasis on practical skills and knowledge that can be directly applied in clinical practice, academia, or healthcare administration. In contrast, a PhD program emphasizes original research, theoretical knowledge, and the development of new knowledge in a specific academic discipline.
• Structure: The structure of the DMSc program is often designed to accommodate working healthcare professionals, with flexible scheduling options and a focus on applied coursework. In contrast, a PhD program typically involves full-time study, rigorous research requirements, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation based on original research.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the DMSc program are typically prepared for leadership roles in healthcare, clinical practice, education, or administration. They may also pursue careers in healthcare management, consulting, or academia. Graduates of a PhD program, on the other hand, are often prepared for careers in academia, research, or specialized industries where advanced research skills are required.
• Admission requirements: While both programs may have high admission standards, the DMSc program typically values professional experience and clinical expertise in addition to academic qualifications, whereas a PhD program may place more emphasis on research experience and academic accomplishments.

Overall, the DMSc program at ATSU is designed to provide advanced professional education and training to healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers in clinical practice, leadership, or education. In contrast, a PhD program is focused on developing research skills and producing original contributions to a specific academic discipline. Both types of programs have their own strengths and are designed to support different career goals and interests.

The use of the title “Doctor” can be a bit confusing in different contexts. In the case of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, graduates are typically referred to as “Doctor” within the administrative or academic context as a courtesy title denoting their advanced level of education.

While graduates of the DMSc program have earned a doctoral degree, it's important to note that the title of “Doctor” in this context refers to their academic achievement and expertise in a specific area of medical science. It does not imply that they are medical doctors (MDs) or physicians unless they also hold a medical degree.

In professional settings outside of healthcare or academia, it's generally a good idea to clarify your credentials and profession, as using the title “Doctor” may lead others to assume you are a medical doctor or physician. In most states this could be a problem for PAs to use this title in a clinical setting.

Ultimately, the use of the “Doctor” title should always be done ethically, accurately, and in a way that is transparent about your qualifications and expertise.

Obtaining a DMSc degree can offer numerous benefits for PAs looking to advance their careers and expand their knowledge and expertise in the field, such as:

• Advanced clinical knowledge: The DMSc program provides in-depth training in medical science, clinical practice, and patient care, allowing graduates to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills and stay up to date with the latest advances in healthcare.
• Career advancement: A DMSc degree can open up new career opportunities and pathways for healthcare professionals, such as leadership roles in healthcare organizations, academic positions, or specialized healthcare roles that require advanced expertise.
• Increased earning potential: Graduates with a DMSc degree may have the potential to earn higher salaries and compensation compared to those with lower-level degrees, due to their advanced expertise and qualifications.
• Research and scholarly opportunities: The DMSc program often includes opportunities for research, scholarly activities, and publication, allowing graduates to contribute to the body of knowledge in medical science and healthcare.
• Personal and professional growth: Pursuing a DMSc degree can lead to personal and professional growth, as graduates gain confidence, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities that can benefit them in their careers and daily practice.
• Networking opportunities: The DMSc program may provide opportunities for networking with other healthcare professionals, experts in the field, and alumni, which can lead to collaboration, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• Impact on patient care: By obtaining a DMSc degree, healthcare professionals can enhance their clinical skills, improve patient care outcomes, and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of their patients.

Overall, obtaining a DMSc degree can offer numerous benefits for healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers, expand their knowledge and expertise, and make a difference in the field of medical science and healthcare.

Yes. The ATSU Enrollment Services office maintains a database called Scholarship University where students can search for available scholarships. Every year, PAEA takes applications for grants/scholarship opportunities as well.

Yes. Every DMSc course carries AAPA approved Category 1 CME credit. Each course equals between 4-5 Cat 1 CMEs.