Doctor of Medical Science
The Hardin-Simmons University Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program is an online advanced degree program for PAs holding a state medical license. Completing the degree promotes growth in knowledge and skills to prepare PAs to expand their careers. The DMSc degree provides a foundation for advancement in PA education, precepting, research, administrative roles, advocacy, and leadership roles in healthcare.
The program is designed for PAs who have earned their master’s degree from an ARC-PA-accredited institution and are licensed to practice medicine. The DMSc is a two-semester program using the cohort model, requiring students to take nine credit hours each semester. Twelve hours of credit are awarded for Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE). Courses in the degree cover writing, publishing, communication, application of evidence-based medicine, differential diagnosis, patient education, doctoral identity formation, medical humanities, provider wellness, advocacy, leadership, and precepting.
The degree prepares graduates to further their careers with the skills to become PA educators, researchers, leaders, advocates, administrators, and more. The program is delivered online to allow working PAs to pursue a DMSc degree without disrupting their clinical practice.
For more information about the DMSc program, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Kathy Robinson, at Kathy.robinson@hsutx.edu.
Degree Requirements
Requirements List
Credit awarded for 12 hours of SCPE completed at an ARC-PA accredited institution.
| DMSC 7301 | Writing, Publishing, and Communication | 3 |
| DMSC 7302 | Application of Evidence-Based Medicine, Differential Diagnosis, and Patient Education | 3 |
| DMSC 7303 | Doctoral Identity Formation, Medical Humanities, and Provider Wellness | 3 |
| DMSC 7304 | Advocacy, Leadership, and Precepting | 3 |
| DMSC 7305 | Practicum I | 3 |
| DMSC 7306 | Practicum II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 30