Medical Science, Doctor of

The Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.S.) is intentionally designed to meet the needs of adult and professional learners within the physician assistant/associate (PA) profession. Recent graduates of master’s-level PA programs as well as practicing PAs who wish to advance their academic preparation and professional standing can earn their D.M.S. while continuing in their clinical, research, administrative, or academic roles.

Curriculum Overview

The D.M.S. program is delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, allowing students across the country to participate without relocating or interrupting their current employment.

Courses are eight weeks in length, and academic terms begin approximately every nine weeks, with adjustments for holiday and summer breaks.

Given the program’s focus on working professionals, a course load of 6–7 credit hours per term is recommended. An extended completion pathway is available for students who require additional flexibility due to demanding professional schedules.

Admission Requirements

• Physician Assistants/Physician Associates with a master's degree in that field (MMS, MHS, MPAS etc.), or a bachelor's in PA and subsequent master's in a relevant area (M.Ed).
• Applicants will have successfully passed the PANCE. If a recent graduate, the applicant must be scheduled to take the PA certification board exam (PANCE).

Tuition

SLU Alumni may qualify for a scholarship through the College for Health Sciences. Speak to your program director for details.  

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

1. Critically analyze existing research to identify current trends and gaps in health care in order to create positive change.  
2. Cultivate the leadership potential of PAs by providing them with advanced skills and preparing them to shape the future of health care on local and global scales.  
3. Apply advanced medical education and clinical practice knowledge to improve outcomes, drive health care innovation, and further the PA profession.   
4. Prepare service-oriented graduates who advocate for equitable patient-centered care within and beyond their communities.  

 ¹ Please note that advanced standing for these two courses will apply to students who took these courses during their master's level PA training at SLU, as well as students who completed equivalent courses during their PA training at other universities.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu