Pitt Doctoral PA Students
UPDATE: The University of Pittsburgh’s affordable, one-year online Doctor of PA Studies (DPAS) program for practicing physician assistants/associates now awards a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)!
Original Story:
Hear from our students on why they chose the one year, online doctoral program in PA Studies at Pitt!
Joel Schwartzkopf (DPAS ‘24)
“I took a deep dive into the curriculum and decided that this was really the route I wanted to go. I had explored the EdD and I explored the PhD; didn’t feel like they really encapsulated what I was looking for as an administrator.
One of the things I really love about the Pitt program is that it fits and is adaptable in regard to your background whether you're in education, administration or a practicing PA. The other thing that really jumped out to me for Pitt is just the credibility and the long-standing history of being affiliated with an excellent program.”
Check out some of Joel’s video content on the DPAS LinkedIn page.
Sydney Harties (DPAS ‘24)
"I chose to pursue a doctorate through the University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies Program because of the ability to gain the tools and skills necessary to create meaningful change in the health care system. This program teaches you how to utilize and enhance important leadership skills in your career to advance not only your professional abilities, but also improve the care for your patients."
Check out video content from Sydney on the DPAS LinkedIn page.
Natalie Brahm (DPAS ’24)
“As a physician assistant, this was an easy decision and made sense for me. My full-time career now lies within academia, but I am a PA through and through. The other universities’ doctoral programs, many of which were also online, were not as appealing to me.
With the Pitt DPAS program, I am able to get my degree in one year. While this has been trying at times, (with my two young children) the program’s curriculum felt like the perfect next step from where I finished off with my master's degree many years ago.”
Read more about Natalie's DPAS journey here.
Kylie McClain (DPAS ’24)
“I chose the Pitt DPAS program due to faculty. There were several information sessions that I was able to attend prior to submitting my application and at each session the faculty were always open and inviting. They made sure all questions were asked throughout the sessions and were able to give a very detailed plan of how the year in the doctoral program would look.”
Tina Firlie (DPAS ‘24)
“This degree really sets you apart from other providers who are looking to get into administrative or academic careers.
I chose Pitt because the University of Pittsburgh has a very long proven reputation. They have shown themselves to be leaders in the field of education and research. Having the University of Pittsburgh on my degree would speak volumes compared to less proven programs.”
Check out video content from Tina on the DPAS LinkedIn page.
Breanne Blake (DPAS ‘24)
“I chose Pitt's DPAS program because being a mom of two young boys, wife and full time professional, I needed a program that was flexible. Pitt's program, being 100% online and completed in one year, affords me the flexibility I need to still achieve my long-term career goals. I also wanted a degree that would have meaning in both the clinical world and academia; this program checks those boxes!”
Learn more about Breanne’s day in the Life of a DPAS student her blog!
Julia Dubis (DPAS ‘24)
“While I do consider myself to be a skilled, knowledgeable and competent clinician, it was important for me to be able to say the same about being an assistant professor. I wanted to learn more and improve in my new role so I asked colleagues and mentors for their thoughts and input on furthering my education. As a result, I decided to enroll in Pitt’s online Doctor of PA Studies (DPAS) program as it seemed to be the best fit for me. DPAS Program Director Mary Allias took time to meet with me prior to my commitment to enroll and answered all of my questions.”
Read more about Julia’s experience here.
Gianna Coscia (DPAS ‘24)
“I chose the Pitt program because it is flexible in terms of work-life balance, so students can pursue this advanced degree while still working, all within one year.”
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Want to learn more about the DPAS program? Follow our page on LinkedIn, visit our website or reach out to an enrollment specialist at enroll@shrs.pitt.edu.
Published: January 29, 2024
Updated: February 1, 2024