Doctor of Medical Science

The DMSc is a professional doctorate for practicing physician assistants seeking advanced knowledge, leadership development, and professional growth beyond the master’s level. It focuses on areas such as executive leadership, medical education, healthcare policy, and advanced professional practice.

This degree opens doors to leadership roles in healthcare systems, academic administration, curriculum development, clinical quality oversight, research, and non-clinical roles like medical science liaison or policy advisor. The degree supports career advancement by enhancing your credibility and expanding your professional skill set.

While salaries vary by role and region, current data suggests DMSc-prepared PAs in leadership or academic positions typically earn $130,000–$160,000+ annually.

• Healthcare Executive or Administrator
• Director of Clinical Operations
• Academic Program Director or Department Chair
• Medical Science Liaison
• Director of Quality and Patient Safety

These positions typically involve leadership, policy influence, or education rather than direct patient care alone.

Yes. PAs with a DMSc often maintain clinical roles while expanding into leadership, research, and quality improvement initiatives. The DMSc enhances, rather than replaces, clinical practice by adding depth to your professional profile.

The DMSc prepares graduates for roles in PA and healthcare education, such as faculty positions, consultants in curriculum development, academic leadership, and program administration. It also provides a foundation in scholarly research and evidence-based practice, enabling graduates to contribute to academic publications, capstone mentorship, or institutional research initiatives.

Yes. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to learn from anywhere without campus visits.

The DMSc encompasses four 10 week semesters totaling 12 months of full-time, asynchronous, online coursework. Students also complete clinical practicums and a scholarly capstone project suitable for publication or professional presentation.

The program offers three tracks:

• Medical Education – for PA educators and academic leaders
• Executive Leadership – for those aspiring to management roles
• Advanced Professional Practice – for PAs aiming to deepen their expertise across various domains

Yes. The program plans to offer AAPA Category 1 CME credit for all courses. This will allow students to earn valuable continuing medical education credit while completing their doctoral studies.

DeSales University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to offer doctoral-level programs. This ensures that the program meets rigorous standards for academic quality, integrity, and student support.

The DeSales DMSc program is designed to be completed in 12 months on a full-time basis, with four 10-week semesters of online, asynchronous coursework. This structure supports efficient degree completion while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.

However, part-time options may be available based on individual needs. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the program director to discuss part-time pathways and customized scheduling.

The Program Director is Dr. Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C — a board-certified PA with nearly two decades of clinical experience across emergency medicine, family medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care. In addition to his clinical background, Dr. Heckman brings over 20 years of experience in academic settings, including teaching, program development, and academic administration.

• First Cohort: June 2026
• Applications Open: December 2025
• Recruitment Begins: Fall 2025

Join the priority recruitment list starting Fall 2025 or email DMSc@desales.edu for details.

This program's first cohort will start in June 2026. A specific Academic Calendar has not yet been created for the program at this time.