Doctor of Medical Science
Level up your PA career. Expand your impact in medicine.
Take Your PA Career Further
You’ve already started or built a career as a physician assistant. Now it’s time to unlock what’s next.
In Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences’ new Doctor of Medical Science program — the first of its kind in Iowa — you’ll get ready to make the strategic move into clinical leadership, education, research and influence.
Fully online and asynchronous, DMU’s DMSc program is designed for credentialed PAs who want to:
- Deepen their clinical knowledge
- Lead teams and shape patient care
- Teach the next generation of clinicians
*Applications for Fall 2027 will open in September 2026.
4 Terms
30 Credits
8-Week Courses
$27,000
Total Tuition
$900 / Credit Hour
100% Online
Fully Online and Asynchronous
10% Discount
Tuition Discounts Available
for DMU Alumni and Dual Degree Students
Am I on Track for the DMSc Program?
A Quick Check. You Might Be More Prepared Than You Think.
PA Degree
Must be currently enrolled in DMU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (didactic phase) or be a graduate of a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
GPA
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Background Documents
Must submit a professional goal statement, current résumé and official transcript from PA program.
Application
Applications for Fall 2027 will open in September 2026. Please check back soon.
Why DMU?
DMU has spent more than a century preparing exceptional medical and health sciences professionals, including PAs. Now, we’re here to support your next step — earning your Doctor of Medical Science.
Built for Flexibility
Our online, asynchronous format allows you to balance your education with professional and personal responsibilities so you can advance your career without putting it on hold.
Collaborative Cohort Experience
Learn alongside a dedicated group of peers, building meaningful professional connections while engaging in collaboration that enhances your learning experience.
Career-Focused Concentrations
Customize your education with one of three concentrations: public health, health care administration or health sciences education.
Lead the Future of Health Care
Develop the skills to lead change through a strong focus on leadership, innovation and health care transformation.
“Our DMSc program prepares PAs to become leaders and innovators in an evolving and complex health care landscape.
Through advanced study and specialized concentrations, students strengthen their foundation in leadership, scholarship and evidence-based practice, gaining the knowledge and skills that distinguish them as they enter or advance within the profession.”
Angela Grundmeyer, DMSc, PA-C
Program Director, Doctor of Medical Science
“As a graduate medical and health sciences university, DMU is highly successful and experienced in offering top quality, high-demand programs like the DMSc.
This unique program aligns with DMU’s mission to educate diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals to meet the health care imperatives around the world.
Wallace Boeve, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA
Dean, College of Health Sciences
What You’ll Learn
In DMU’s DMSc program, you’ll build practical skills you can put to work right away. Your core courses will sharpen your leadership abilities, strengthen your research skills and help you apply evidence-based practice with confidence.
You’ll also complete a three-part applied research project, giving you the opportunity to implement a project that matters in your field. You’ll finish with a manuscript that’s ready for publication.
Additionally, you can tailor your degree through a concentration in public health, health care administration or health sciences education.
Quick Facts: Curriculum and Courses
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Delivered Fully Online
Asynchronous format with 8-week courses that offer flexibility for working professionals
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Core Courses for Clinical Leadership
Focusing on leadership, clinical advancement and evidence-based practice (18 credits)
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Three Concentration Tracks
Choose from high-demand concentrations in public health, health care administration or health sciences education (12 credits)
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Applied Research Project
Complete a three-part applied research project
Where Will Your DMSc Take You?
Ready. Set. Go.
With your DMSc from DMU, you’ll be prepared to pursue roles in clinical leadership, health care administration, public health, teaching and even careers like a medical science liaison.
This degree also strengthens your academic trajectory. You’ll have the foundation you need to pursue research and scholarly activities, positioning you to advance your career and elevate your impact in health care.
PAs with a Doctor of Medical Science degree earn an average annual salary of $133,260+.*
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and American Academy of Physician Associates
“Throughout my PA education at DMU, I’ve gained an appreciation for leadership and lifelong learning. Pursuing a DMSc allows me to expand my impact as a clinician while helping advance the profession.
Learning from DMU’s exceptional faculty made continuing my education here an easy choice.”
Nicholas Schneider, MSPAS’27
“I was inspired to enroll in DMU’s DMSc program after hearing faculty discuss the role of doctoral education for PAs.
Seeing faculty members continue their own education and leadership development showed me the value of lifelong learning and made me want to be part of the PA profession’s next chapter.”
Karsyn Lamm, MSPAS’27
The Stories That Define DMU
Free Back-to-School Physicals July 22 at Des Moines University Clinic
Des Moines University Clinic will provide free back-to-school physicals and backpacks for K-12 students on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. No insurance is needed. Interpreters and interpretation services will be available.
Become Who You’re Meant to Be
Earn your DMSc from DMU and step into your career with confidence and purpose.