Our doctoral curriculum is based largely on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession. These competencies were developed and endorsed by the four national professional organizations that represent PAs:
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
American Academy of PAs (AAP)
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
The curriculum is also based on the Physician Assistant Educator Competencies as developed by the Physician Assistant Education Association.
The competencies are designed to enhance the professional development of the PAs throughout the span of their careers by deepening knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to advance their work, improve patient care and educate future professionals.
The Pitt DMSc
This 100% online program will give you the confidence and leadership skills to turn your unique experiences and challenges into meaningful change in today’s ever-evolving health care environment.
By expanding your knowledge of implementation, practice-based learning and improvement science, you will become equipped with the skills to advance your career in multiple areas of health care and education. Learn to promote and advocate for your profession, support your colleagues and better serve your patients by enhancing their care.
Upon Graduation, students from the Doctor of Medical Science program will demonstrate the following skills:
Exhibit self-awareness to identify strengths, address deficiencies and recognize limits in knowledge and expertise.
Identify, analyze and adopt new knowledge, guidelines, standards, technologies, products, or services that have been demonstrated to improve outcomes.
Identify improvement goals and perform learning activities that address gaps in knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Use practice performance data and metrics to identify areas for improvement.
Develop a professional and organizational capacity for ongoing quality improvement.
In addition, students will choose a personalized elective, either academic, administrative or digital health, as part of their plan of studies.
