Medical Science (DMSc) | Springfield College

Medical Science (DMSc)

Doctor of Medical Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Program Contact

Joshua Merson, DMSc, MS-HPEd, PA-C
Program Director and Associate Professor
jmerson@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery
  • 37-credit program
  • 100% online courses held asynchronously to meet the needs of PAs working full time
  • Program is made up of four 12-week semesters
  • Taught by accomplished doctoral faculty who are at the forefront of their fields, gaining insights that will shape your expertise
  • Two program concentrations: Healthcare Administration or Education
  • Program curriculum
  • DMSc Handbook

Note: Students from California are not eligible for this program.

Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in July (summer/fall semester) or December (winter/spring semester) 
  • Program can be completed in 12-15 months while working full time
  • Courses are offered full time or part time 
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming events

Doctor of Medical Science Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, December 3 at noon
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Wednesday, December 11 at 6 p.m.
Register

Springfield College physical assistant students train in a lab.

Revolutionize Health Care.

Embark on a transformative journey in health care by enrolling in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) at Springfield College. Our DMSc program was created by PAs, offering an unparalleled opportunity for PAs to elevate their careers and impact patient care. 

The DMSc at Springfield College will cultivate your leadership skills, enabling graduates to contribute to health care policy decisions, medical education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By fostering a deep integration of clinical expertise and leadership skills, the program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of medicine, driving innovation, and addressing complex health care challenges. 

The DMSc at Springfield College offers two concentrations:

Healthcare Administration Concentration: Developed with a curriculum meticulously designed to blend advanced clinical knowledge, scholarship, and leadership skills. You will be equipped to bridge the gap between healthcare leadership and evidence based medicine, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge. 

Education Concentration: Whether you’re currently working in PA education or aspire to do so, this concentration is your key to professional success. Through focused courses in curriculum design and development, program development and upkeep, and the intricacies of accreditation, you will acquire the expertise needed to complement your existing medical skills. You’ll graduate fully equipped to not only elevate your own clinical aptitude but also to shape the education of future generations of health care providers. 

What job can I get with a doctorate in Medical Science?

This program is designed to equip you with the expertise to develop, plan, and manage health care operations and services within facilities and across the entire health care system. Our comprehensive curriculum covers essential areas such as strategic planning, business and financial management, public relations, human resources, health care systems management, resource allocation, policy making, health law, and regulations. Special focus is given to practical applications across various health care services, ensuring you are prepared to lead and innovate in this vital field.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Physician Assistant
$130,020
Median Salary
28%
Job Projected Growth
153,400+
Job Projected Openings

Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare specialties, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends, in large part, on their specialty or the type of medical practice in which they work. For example, a physician assistant working in surgery may close incisions and provide care before, during, and after an operation. A physician assistant working in pediatrics may examine a child and give routine vaccinations.



Healthcare Manager
$110,680
Median Salary
29%
Job Projected Growth
562,700+
Job Projected Openings

Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.



Researcher / Professor
$84,380
Median Salary
8%
Job Projected Growth
111,400+
Job Projected Openings

Professors instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.


Student Learning Outcomes:

Healthcare Administration Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Medical Science: Healthcare Administration Concentration graduates will be able to:

  1. Provide advanced and/or specialized care to patients by demonstrating enhanced competency, exceeding the requirements for entry-level competencies for PAs as defined by the NCCPA:
    • Knowledge for practice
    • Interpersonal and communication skills
    • Person centered care
    • Interprofessional Collaboration
    • Professionalism and Ethics
    • Practice-Based Learning and Quality Improvement
    • Society and Population health
  2. Develop the skills needed to take on leadership roles at local, national and/or global levels. 
  3. Review, critique and develop plans/projects for improving patient safety and outcomes.
  4. Develop professional writing skills
  5. Create an evidence-based article for publication.

Education Concentration Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Medical Science: Education Concentration, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply medical education literature and learning theory to advance student learning and  program effectiveness through application of the PAEA PA educator competencies: 
    • Teaching 
    • Learner-Centeredness 
    • Interpersonal and Communication Skills 
    • Professionalism and Role-Modeling 
    • Program and Curriculum Design and Implementation 
    • Program Evaluation 
    • Scholarship Development 
    • Leadership 
    • Mentorship 
  2. Develop projects that improve student learning outcomes, program curriculum, program  assessment and accreditation maintenance. 
  3. Develop professional writing skills 
  4. Create an evidence-based article for publication

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In one page or less, double-spaced, please convey your professional aspirations that this degree will help you to achieve. 
  3. Resume: Please include personal, educational, and professional achievements. 
  4. One letter of recommendation: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Proof of Licensure: Proof of active licensure and /or certification and/or eligibility for certification as a PA Professional.
  6. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
​​​​​​​Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline for the December start: December 2
  • Following the deadline, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Summer Semester

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

Spring Semester

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1
“Graduates from the Springfield College PA program are known for their wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and character. Since the DMSc is an extension of an already distinguished program, there is no doubt it holds an excellent future reputation.” Micaela Lavoie ’20, G’22, DMSc Class of 2025
Micaela Lavoie - Springfield College
"The faculty are not just professors, but physician assistants as well. They approach teaching as though we are all professional colleagues. They are truly there to help us grow and learn as professionals." Jessica Girard, DMSc Class of 2025
Jessica Girard - Springfield College
"I am grateful for the profound impact a DMSc program has had on my career. The program's comprehensive curriculum, practical approach, and extensive network collectively propels PAs toward achieving their professional aspirations. Without a doubt, a DMSc program can empower PAs to explore specialized areas of interest within the medical field and open new opportunities outside of clinical medicine. I am confident that it will continue to propel me to even greater heights within the medical field." Luanne A. McCloskey, DMSc PA-C
“The support I have received from the program's leadership and my colleagues has been immeasurable. I feel supported and that everyone is invested in my success in this program."

Ida Brown, DMSc Class of 2025
Springfield College Ida Brown

Fellowships & Scholarships

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Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.