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Admissions

This is a post-professional program, designed for already certified physician assistants/associates.

Those interested in becoming a certified PA should explore the following:

Application

Application Opens

Spring Start: May 1, 2024
Summer Start: September 18, 2024
Fall Start: January 15, 2025

Application Closes

Spring Start: December 15, 2024
Summer Start: April 15, 2025
Fall Start: July 15, 2025

Application System

Graduate Centralized Application System (GradCAS).

The application fee is $50 (U.S.).

Fee waivers are available, while supplies last. Contact the enrollment specialist for more information.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have graduated from a PA training program accredited by an appropriate accrediting body.
- Applicants must have completed of 30 graduate health-related credits (even if you don’t have a master’s or other graduate-level degree).
- The DMSc program does not accept doctoral transfer credits
Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) in all graduate-level coursework.
- Entrance exams, including the GRE General Test, are not required to apply for the DMSc program
Provide unofficial transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.
- Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

Transcripts

Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.

Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.

Experience

Applicants must be a currently certified physician assistant/associate.

Personal Statement

Upload two (2) personal statements via GradCAS that address the following:

Explain your reasons for pursuing a DMSc and how earning this degree will help you achieve your administrative, leadership and/or academic goal(s). Your coursework in the program will include developing an improvement or implementation of a science project. In this statement, please include and discuss a possible project idea that is based in your current place of practice. (maximum 2,500 characters)
Please discuss how any of your experiences, identities, and/or background will inform and/or support your journey through the DMSc program and as a leader in the PA profession. (maximum 2,500 characters)

Letters of Recommendation

Two (2) letters of recommendation are required; one from an educator or supervisor and one from a personal reference.

Letters should address any or all of the following:

Applicant’s academic, clinical, and/or teaching ability
Leadership skills
Other characteristics that demonstrate the potential to succeed in a doctoral-level program

NOTE: All recommenders will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the recommendation.

Technical Standards and Skills

Due to this program being 100% online, admitted students will need the following technology resources:

A computer equipped with a functional webcam and microphone
A high-speed internet connection for accessing instructional materials
Access to the Pitt software download service and many other resources which are available through the University of Pittsburgh.

Application Review Process

Applications can be submitted while letters of recommendation are still in progress.
Your application will be reviewed once it is complete.
Once your application is submitted and complete, it will then be processed by our admissions team and reviewed by faculty.

There are no interviews required as part of the application process.

Other Requirements

Upload a résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).

International Student Information

The following requirements are necessary for applicants from outside of the U.S.

For questions about the international student requirements, please reach out to the SHRS Admissions Office.

Academic Credential Evaluations

Students who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide an academic credential evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services (WES), Inc. with their application.

A course-by-course evaluation with GPA conversion is required.
Evaluations are not required for degrees earned in the United States. If you have attended an English Canadian institution, please contact the SHRS Admissions Office.
Individual SHRS programs may have their own specific Academic Credential Evaluation requirements.

Verification of English Language Proficiency

The University of Pittsburgh accepts the official results of the Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a measure of English language proficiency.

Verification is required unless the following apply:

The applicant is a citizen of a country whose official language is English.
The applicant has completed a degree program at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
The applicant is not a citizen of a country whose official language is English but has completed a degree program at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction is English and where the official national language of the country in which the institution is located is English.

Minimum Scores by Program

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 115 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOFEL: 80

Athletic Training (MS)
Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cybersecurity (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)
Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
Physical Therapy (Post-Professional MS)
Prosthetics and Orthotics (MS)
Sports Science (MS)

On-campus Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
- Duolingo sub-score of 140-145 conversation and 130-135 comprehension are required.
- IELTS sub-score of 8.0 speaking and 7.0 listening are required.
- TOEFL sub-score of 26 for speaking and 24 for listening are required.
Communication Science and Disorders (Post-Baccalaureate)
Communication Science (PhD)
Dietitian Nutritionist Program (MS)
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
Rehabilitation Science (PhD)
Speech Language Pathology (MA/MS)

Hybrid and Online Programs — Duolingo: 130 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOFEL: 100

Hybrid
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT)
Online
- Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy (CScD)
- Advanced Practice Certificate in Implementation of Evidence in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
- Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
- Health Informatics (MS)
- Health Data Analytics (Certificate)
- Health Information Cyber Security (Certificate)
- Leadership in Health Informatics (Certificate)
- Revenue Cycle Management (Certificate)

How to Submit Scores

Duolingo English Test: Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Scores should be made available electronically to “University of Pittsburgh Health and Rehabilitation Sciences”
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Scores should be submitted electronically through ETS to institution code “2927”.

Physician Assistant Studies, Post-Professional (DMSc)

Have Questions?

Admissions

Application

Application Opens

Application Closes

Application System

Prerequisites

Transcripts

Experience

Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

Technical Standards and Skills

Application Review Process

Other Requirements

International Student Information

Academic Credential Evaluations

Verification of English Language Proficiency

How to Submit Scores

Related Programs:

Physician Assistant Studies (MS)

Physician Assistant Studies, Post-Professional (DMSc)

Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid (MS)

Have Questions?

Related Programs:

Physician Assistant Studies (MS)

Physician Assistant Studies, Post-Professional (DMSc)

Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid (MS)

Get More Information

Get More Information

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