Doctor of Medical Science- Bridge Program

The Hardin-Simmons University Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program is an 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 clinical careers. In addition, the DMSc degree provides a foundation for advancement in PA education, precepting, research, administrative, 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 2-semester bridge program using the cohort model, requiring students to take 9-credit hours each semester. 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 clinical 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.

Hardin-Simmons University is seeking SACS approval for the program with the goal of enrollment of the first cohort 2025.

For more information about the DMSc program, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Kathy Robinson, at [e-mail].

Degree Requirements

Requirements List

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: 18