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Not All DMSc Programs are the Same
Develop the Skills That Set You Apart.
Augsburg’s Doctor of Medical Science program equips physician associates with advanced skills in leadership, education, and healthcare systems improvement, preparing graduates to lead organizations, launch new initiatives, and strengthen healthcare in the communities they serve. Through applied scholarly projects and the development of a professional portfolio, students translate learning into meaningful contributions within their healthcare organizations and communities.
Learn from National Leaders in the PA Profession
Students learn directly from national PA experts who are advancing clinical practice, research, policy, and education across the profession. Faculty and guest educators include healthcare executives, scholars actively shaping the profession, as AAPA Speaker of the House of Delegates and Vice President of the AAPA Board of Directors, PAEA Research Fellowship Alumni, editors-in-chief of leading PA journals, and experts in wellness, AI, and business. Students have access to expert mentors and role models.
Leadership & Innovation Course Series
Develop personal and professional leadership skills to navigate today’s healthcare system. Students explore self-assessment, resilience, and health equity while applying leadership concepts to real-world challenges and projects.
Strategic Management Course Series
Build expertise in healthcare strategy, management, and education. Courses focus on quality improvement, strategic planning, financial management, and effective teaching within healthcare environments.
Scholar-Practitioner Research Course Series
Strengthen scholarship and communication skills while translating evidence into practice. Students engage in scholarship, community health initiatives, and original capstone research designed for scholarly dissemination.
Course Sequence
A standard, yet customizable, course plan designed for progression, flexibility, and real-world application.
Semester 1
- PA 701 – Foundations of Doctoral Studies
- PA 702 – Practice-Based Research and Improvement
- PA 703 – Facilitating Professional Growth
Semester 2
- PA 704 – Well-Being for the Healthcare Leader
- *PA 705 – Advanced Healthcare Strategy and Innovation
- PA 706 – Communities and Change
Semester 3
- PA 707 – Leadership for PAs
- PA 708 – The Business of Healthcare
- PA 709 – Applied Scholarly Practice in Healthcare
Semester 4
- *PA 801 – Leadership Application and Critical Reflection
- PA 802 – Teaching and Learning Strategies in Healthcare
- PA 803 – Capstone
*Selective Option:
PA 710 – Leadership, Health, and Universal Responsibility: A Central American Experience (summer semester only)
can replace PA 705 or PA 801, but not both courses.
Course Sequence Note:
This sequence reflects the standard DMSc curriculum. Course plans may vary for students entering through the MSPAS-to-DMSc bridge pathway to account for previously completed graduate coursework.
DMSc in Central America!
The Augsburg University DMSc offers a unique opportunity for students to take a selective course, PA710 – Leadership, Healthcare, and Universal Responsibility: A Central American Experience.
Offered in the summer semester, this interdisciplinary course takes students on an immersive learning journey through Costa Rica to explore how health, environment, and justice intersect in shaping leadership and well-being. Students meet with local scholars, healers, and community leaders—including indigenous, Afro-Costa Rican, and refugee groups—to learn about sustainable living, traditional medicine, and ethical leadership in action.
Program Competencies
- Community-Centered Practice: Evaluate and enhance community-centered healthcare initiatives through data-driven analysis and culturally responsive practices that address health equity and promote positive outcomes.
- Advanced Leadership: Demonstrate advanced leadership skills, including ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, and effective communication, to build cohesive interdisciplinary teams that prioritize holistic patient care.
- Education and Mentorship: Develop and implement inclusive educational and mentorship strategies tailored to diverse learning needs, supporting the growth and development of future healthcare professionals.
- Social Justice and Equity For All: Promote social justice and equity in healthcare by integrating inclusive policies, addressing systemic disparities, and advancing culturally competent care practices.
- Scholarly Communication: Utilize scholarly communication methods to disseminate research findings, foster professional collaboration, and advocate for evidence-based changes in healthcare delivery.
