Overview
The College of Idaho’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is a post-professional doctorate, specifically crafted for PAs. It is designed for PAs who are currently, or have previously been, certified or licensed to practice as a PA and delivered with flexibility in mind through an online, asynchronous learning model, allowing PAs to continue to practice or teach full-time while obtaining their doctorate.
The College’s DMSc program offers a rigorous and innovative curriculum leveraging implementation science to lead change using evidence-based practices across disciplines. It is a 36-credit hour program that provides three pathways: a traditional pathway, an accelerated pathway, and a pathway for bachelor’s-trained PAs and international PAs.
The traditional pathway is completed in 12 months (granting students 12 credits of advanced standing) and offers PAs the option to choose a concentration in Health System Leadership, Health Professions Education or Lifestyle Medicine. The Health System Leadership concentration is based on the American Academy of PA’s Competencies for PAs in Healthcare Administration and is designed to empower PAs to lead in a healthcare setting and meaningfully contribute to the safe, effective, and equitable delivery of healthcare services. The Health Professions Education concentration expands the knowledge and aptitude of established educators and prepares new or aspiring educators with educational skills based on the PA Education Association's Physician Assistant Educator Competencies. The Lifestyle Medicine concentration is built on a foundation of lifestyle medicine and implementation science and enables students to deepen their clinical knowledge of chronic disease management and prevention through patient behavior change.
The accelerated pathway grants eligible students 18 credits of advanced standing, allowing the doctorate degree to be completed in 9 months. The Early Career PA accelerated pathway is designed exclusively for new PAs who have graduated within the past three (3) years from an ARC-PA accredited program and are seeking to further their PA career through the DMSc degree. The Experienced PA Educator pathway is designed exclusively for PA faculty who have been teaching as principal faculty (0.5 FTE or greater) at an ARC-PA accredited program for at least three (3) years and are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills through the DMSc degree. The PA Fellow pathway is designed exclusively for PAs who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from an eligible PA fellowship program (also referred to as a clinical postgraduate PA program or a PA residency) and are seeking to accelerate their career through the DMSc degree.
For bachelor’s-trained PAs and for international students who are PAs or in PA-like professions (such as clinical officers (COs) and clinical associates (CAs)), the College offers an 18-month track with the option to choose a concentration in Health System Leadership, Health Professions Education or Lifestyle Medicine and Advanced Clinical Practice.
For more information about the curriculum for each pathway, see DMSc Program Requirements.
Admission
The Admission Office is responsible for managing the admission process for prospective students. Admission is granted on a selective basis. The Admission Committee, consisting of College administrators, faculty, and staff, reviews policy set by the Admission Office to admit students who show promise of success at the College. The College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in administration of its admission and financial aid policies.
Admission Requirements
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is a post-professional degree for licensed and/or certified PAs. Persons eligible to matriculate into this program must satisfy all of the below criteria. Additional criteria may apply for accelerated pathways (see Accelerated Pathways Admission Requirements).
- Completion of the online DMSc application for the preferred start term, which includes:
- Requirement to upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV); and
- Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester's tuition.
- Provide proof of active state licensure and/or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) certification.
- Retired applicants may submit NCCPA-PA-C Emeritus designation or proof of previous licensure/certification.
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- PAs without a master’s degree may qualify for the Master’s Equivalency Option (see Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s-Trained PAs).
- International applicants should submit evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency (see Admission Requirements for International Students).
- Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s) to include at least:
- Transcript showing completion of an accredited physician assistant program of study.
- Transcript showing completion of a graduate degree (if physician assistant program did not confer a graduate degree).
- Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
- For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor's-Trained PAs
The DMSc program is a post-professional degree for licensed and/or certified PAs ready to elevate their expertise. Applicants without a master’s degree (i.e., a bachelor’s-trained PA) are eligible to apply to the College’s 18-month-track programs. Persons eligible to matriculate into the College’s 18-month-track programs must satisfy all of the below criteria.
- Completion of the online DMSc application for the preferred start term, which includes:
- Requirement to upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV); and
- Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester's tuition.
- Provide proof of active state licensure and/or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) certification.
- Retired applicants may submit NCCPA-PA-C Emeritus designation or proof of previous licensure/certification.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution awarding physician assistant studies degrees, along with at least one of the following:
- Approved military or civilian postgraduate PA program or fellowship.
- NCCPA Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ).
- NCCPA certification with a minimum of 10 years of continuous maintenance.
- Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s) to include at least:
- Transcript showing completion of an accredited physician assistant program of study.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
- For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
-
Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Admission Requirements for International Students
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is a post-professional degree for licensed, certified and/or registered PAs or PA-like professionals (such as clinical officers (COs) and clinical associates (CAs)) ready to elevate their expertise. Internationally trained applicants must hold a master's degree and are eligible to apply to the College's 18-month-track programs. To qualify for admission to the DMSc program’s 18-month tracks, international students must meet all application requirements listed below pursuant to their country of origin.
Important note: Earning a Doctor of Medical Science degree does not qualify PAs who trained outside of the United States to be certified by the National Commission on the Certification of PAs or to practice clinically as a PA in the United States.
Degree Equivalency Evaluation
Applicants with a degree from a college or university outside the U.S. must provide evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency for both their bachelor's and master's degrees. Approved evaluation services include:
Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
For physician assistants/associates (PAs) trained and/or practicing in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), the admission criteria to the College’s DMSc program is as follows:
- Complete the online DMSc application for your preferred start term.
- Upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
- Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester’s tuition.
- Provide proof of successful passage of the associated national certification examination and current licensure/certification as a PA.
- Retired applicants may submit proof of previous licensure/certification.
- Hold a master’s degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate governmental, regional or institutional entity at the time of graduation with a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Submit evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency (see Degree Equivalency Evaluation section above).
- Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s).
- Submit a copy of your passport for verification of identification, full name and citizenship.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
- For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leon, & South Africa
For physician assistants (PAs) from Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, clinical officers (COs) from Kenya and clinical associates (CAs) from South Africa, the admission criteria to the College’s DMSc program is as follows:
- Complete the online DMSc application for your preferred start term.
- Upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
- Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester’s tuition.
- Provide proof of successful passage of the associated national certification examination for PAs/COs/CAs and current licensure/certification/registration as a PA/CO/CA by the national entity that regulates health professionals in the country.
- Retired applicants may submit proof of previous licensure/certification/registration.
- Hold a PA/CO/CA-related bachelor’s and master’s degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate governmental, regional or institutional entity at the time of graduation with a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Submit evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency (see Degree Equivalency Evaluation section above).
- Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s).
- This should include transcripts or proof of successful completion of any required pre-bachelor’s or pre-master’s degree diplomas.
- Attest to having at least 3 years of clinical practice experience as a PA/CO/CA completed outside of an academic requirement and submit a narrative describing your clinical practice experience.
- Submit a copy of your passport for verification of identification, full name and citizenship.
- Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
- For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Advanced Standing
DMSc applicants who are applying for advanced placement of coursework based on work experiences (i.e., a course in the Health System Leadership track) must submit a detailed explanation of how they meet the learning outcomes of the identified course through their work experiences. They must also submit a signed letter from a supervisor specifying the nature and extent of program-related work experiences.
DMSc students may apply for advanced placement if they hold an active, nonexpired, nonrestricted PA-qualified external clinical certification that meets the requirements for the Lifestyle Medicine & Advanced Clinical Practice track’s Advanced Clinical Preparation (DMSC-821 and -822) courses. The eligibility criteria for PA-qualified external clinical certifications are as follows:
- Certificate eligibility requirements include being a licensed or certified healthcare professional.
- Certificate requires a credentialing exam and/or completion of continuing education (CE)/continuing medical education (CME) hours.
- If a certificate only requires completion of CE/CME hours, the requirement is for 30 or more CE/CME hours.
To apply for advanced placement for the Lifestyle Medicine & Advanced Clinical Practice, applicants must provide the following:
- Title of the PA-qualified external clinical certification and a description of requirements for earning the credential that meet or exceed those required for the Advanced Clinical Preparation coursework.
- Date the student earned the certification.
- Date the certification expires.
- A description of credential maintenance requirements and a description of how the student is accomplishing these.
Application Deadlines
The College of Idaho’s DMSc program offers four start dates per year, allowing students to start their degree at a time that works best for them. Our curriculum allows students to graduate in 9-18 months, completing coursework over three to six 10-week terms.
To apply for the DMSc program, students select their preferred start term below and then submit the online DMSc Application by the associated deadline.
2026-27 AY
|
Start Term
|
Term Dates
|
Application Deadline
|
| 26-27 Fall Block 1 |
July 2026 |
07/13/26-09/20/26 |
June 13, 2026 |
| 26-27 Fall Block 2 |
Sept 2026 |
09/28/26-12/13/26 |
August 28, 2026 |
| 26-27 Spring Block 1 |
Jan 2027 |
01/04/27-03/14/27 |
December 4, 2026 |
| 26-27 Spring Block 2 |
March 2027 |
03/22/27-05/30/27 |
February 22, 2027 |
Enrollment Deposit
The College of Idaho requires a $300 deposit before enrolling. This one-time, non-refundable deposit reserves a student’s place in the graduate program and will be applied to their first term’s tuition.
Selection of Applicants
Applicants for the next start date are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the DMSc Admission Committee. The committee reserves the right to accept, reject, or defer an application. Applicants receiving a letter of acceptance are granted a specific time period to notify the program of their intention to enroll.
DMSc Academic Calendar
2026-27 Academic Calendar
|
Fall 2026 - Block 1
|
| July |
13 |
M |
Instruction Begins |
|
20 |
M |
Last Day to Drop |
| |
|
|
Census Date |
| |
23 |
Th |
Last Day to Drop/Withdraw for a Refund |
| August |
21 |
F |
Last Day to Withdraw |
| September |
07 |
M |
Labor Day — College Offices Closed |
| |
20 |
Su |
Last Day of Classes |
| |
23 |
W |
Final Grades Due — Noon |
| |
|
|
|
Fall 2026 - Block 2
|
September
|
28 |
M |
Instruction Begins |
| October |
05 |
M |
Last Day to Drop |
| |
|
|
Census Date |
| |
08 |
Th |
Last Day to Drop/Withdraw for a Refund |
November
|
06 |
F |
Last Day to Withdraw |
|
23-27 |
M-F |
Thanksgiving Holiday — College Offices Closed Th-F |
December
|
13 |
Su |
Last Day of Classes |
| |
11 |
F |
December Commencement |
|
16 |
W |
Final Grades Due — Noon |
|
24-31 |
Th-Th |
Holiday Break — College Offices Closed |
| |
|
|
|
Spring 2027 - Block 1
|
| January |
01 |
F |
Holiday Break — College Offices Closed |
|
04 |
M |
Instruction begins |
|
11 |
M |
Last Day to Drop |
| |
|
|
Census Date |
| |
14 |
Th |
Last Day to Drop/Withdraw for a Refund |
|
18 |
M |
Martin Luther King Day — College Offices Closed |
February
|
12 |
F |
Last Day to Withdraw |
| March |
14 |
Su |
Last Day of Classes |
| |
17 |
W |
Final Grades Due — Noon |
Spring 2027 - Block 2
|
| March |
22 |
M |
Instruction Begins |
|
29 |
M |
Last Day to Drop |
| |
|
|
Census Date |
April
|
01 |
Th |
Last Day to Drop/Withdraw for a Refund |
|
30 |
F |
Last Day to Withdraw |
May
|
15 |
S |
Commencement Ceremony on Campus in Idaho |
| |
25 |
M |
Memorial Day — College Offices Closed |
| |
30 |
Su |
Last Day of Classes |
June
|
02 |
W |
Final Grades Due — Noon |
| |
|
Registration and Enrollment
Upon receipt of a student’s enrollment deposit, the College will enroll the student in the courses for the DMSc program for the 2026-2027 academic year and any future academic year until program completion. To complete enrollment, the student must be registered full-time for the semester/term and must either be paid in full for the semester/term or on a payment plan (see Payment Options) on or before the first day of class.
Full-time enrollment for the DMSc program is 6 credits per block/term (and within the program, there are two blocks per semester). To remain eligible for federal loans, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours each semester.
Failure to make satisfactory payment arrangements by the stated deadline will result in expulsion from classes and charges calculated according to the refund rate for withdrawal (see Institutional Refund Policy).
Traditional Pathway
The College of Idaho’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) is a 36-credit hour program that provides students with critical tools to become an implementation practitioner and leader. The traditional pathway is completed in 12 months (granting students 12 credits of advanced standing) and offers PAs the option to choose a concentration in Health System Leadership, Health Professions Education, or Lifestyle Medicine. The Health System Leadership concentration is based on the American Academy of PA’s Competencies for PAs in Healthcare Administration and is designed to empower PAs to lead in a healthcare setting and meaningfully contribute to the safe, effective, and equitable delivery of healthcare services. The Health Professions Education concentration expands the knowledge and aptitude of established educators and prepares new or aspiring educators with educational skills based on the PA Education Association's Physician Assistant Educator Competencies. The Lifestyle Medicine concentration is built on a foundation of lifestyle medicine and implementation science and enables students to deepen their clinical knowledge in chronic disease management and prevention through patient behavior change.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the traditional pathway, individuals must meet the DMSc admission requirements (see Admission).
Curriculum
For detailed information about the curriculum for the traditional pathway, see DMSc Program Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
The curriculum for the traditional pathway for the DMSc program involves 36 credit hours. Students receive 12 credits of advanced standing based on their clinical and academic experiences, allowing them to complete the final 24 credit hours in the program in 12 months.
Tuition: $26,400
Graduate Program & Technology Fee: $50 per 10-week block
*For the tuition and fees for the accelerated pathways option, see Accelerated Pathways.
Note: Tuition and fees for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program are due before or on the first day of class. The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 20-week semester is broken into two 10-week course blocks. If you begin the degree program in the second 10-week block, tuition and fees will be due on or before the first day of class for your initial term, but then will be due on or before the first day of the semester thereafter (e.g., if you begin the DMSc program during Fall Block 2, all courses taken in Spring Block 1 and Spring Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the spring semester). The amounts above reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. If your degree program spans more than one academic year, tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring. For more information, see Financial Arrangements. For additional information about cost of attendance for the DMSc program, see Cost of Attendance.
Accelerated Pathways
Early Career PA Pathway
The College of Idaho’s Early Career PA pathway is designed exclusively for new PAs who have graduated within the past three (3) years from an ARC-PA accredited program and are seeking the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree. With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for coursework and clinical practice experiences in a student’s PA program, the Early Career PA pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in 9 months.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Early Career PA pathway, individuals must meet the DMSc admission requirements (see Admission) and have graduated from an ARC-PA accredited PA program within three (3) years of starting their DMSc degree.
Curriculum
For detailed information about the curriculum for the Early Career PA pathway, see DMSc Program Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for coursework and clinical practice experiences in a student’s PA program, the Early Career PA pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in 9 months. The tuition and fees for the Early Career PA pathway are as follows:
Tuition: $23,400
Graduate Program & Technology Fee: $50 per 10-week block
Note: Tuition and fees for the Early Career PA pathway are due before or on the first day of class. The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 20-week semester is broken into two 10-week course blocks. If you begin the degree program in the second 10-week block, tuition and fees will be due on or before the first day of class for your initial term, but then will be due on or before the first day of the semester thereafter (e.g. if you begin the DMSc program during Fall Block 2, all courses taken in Spring Block 1 and Spring Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the spring semester). The amounts above reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. If your degree program spans more than one academic year, tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring. For more information, see Financial Arrangements. For additional information about cost of attendance for the DMSc program, see Cost of Attendance.
Experienced PA Educator Pathway
The College of Idaho’s Experienced PA Educator pathway is designed exclusively for PA faculty who have been teaching as principal faculty (0.5 FTE or greater) at an ARC-PA accredited program for at least three (3) years and are seeking the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree. With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for professional experiences as an experienced faculty member, the Experienced PA Educator pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in 9 months.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Experienced PA Educator pathway, individuals must meet the DMSc admission requirements (see Admission) and have worked as a principal member of the faculty at an ARC-PA accredited PA program for at least five (5) years prior to starting their DMSc degree.
According to the 5th edition of the ARC-PA standards, principal faculty actively participate in the processes of: developing, reviewing and revising as necessary the mission statement, goals and competencies of the program; selecting applicants for admission to the PA program; providing student instruction; evaluating student performance; academic counseling of students; assuring the availability of remedial instruction; designing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating the curriculum; and evaluating the program.
Curriculum
For detailed information about the curriculum for the Experienced PA Educator pathway, see
DMSc Program Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for professional experiences as an experienced faculty member, the Experienced PA Educator pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in 9 months. The tuition and fees for the Experienced PA Educator pathway are as follows:
Tuition: $23,400
Graduate Program & Technology Fee: $50 per 10-week block
Note: Tuition and fees for the Experienced PA Educator pathway are due before or on the first day of class. The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 20-week semester is broken into two 10-week course blocks. If you begin the degree program in the second 10-week block, tuition and fees will be due on or before the first day of class for your initial term, but then will be due on or before the first day of the semester thereafter (e.g. if you begin the DMSc program during Fall Block 2, all courses taken in Spring Block 1 and Spring Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the spring semester). The amounts above reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. If your degree program spans more than one academic year, tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring. For more information, see Financial Arrangements. For additional information about cost of attendance for the DMSc program, see Cost of Attendance.
PA Fellow Pathway
The College of Idaho’s PA Fellow pathway is designed exclusively for PAs who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from an eligible PA fellowship program (also referred to as a clinical postgraduate PA program or a PA residency) and are seeking the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree. With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for the didactic and clinical instruction in a student’s PA fellowship, the PA Fellow pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in nine (9) months.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the PA Fellow pathway, individuals must meet the DMSc admission requirements (see Admission) and are either currently enrolled in, or within the past two (2) years, have graduated from, an eligible PA fellowship program (also referred to as a clinical postgraduate PA program or a PA residency).
An “eligible PA fellowship program” means either:
- A program accredited by the ARC-PA; or
- A program that meets all of the following criteria:
- Program Length: A minimum of six (6) months of full-time training (incorporating both clinical and didactic instruction).
- Clinical Skills and Practice Experiences: A minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction in clinical skills and practice experiences, including appropriately progressive direct patient care.
- Program Didactic Instruction:
- A minimum of 52 hours of didactic instruction, including but not limited to grand rounds, workshops, coursework, and research/scholarly activities; and
- Instruction in at least four (4) of the following topics:
- Biomedical and clinical science;
- Quality improvement;
- Patient safety;
- Interprofessional teamwork;
- Performance improvement;
- Care of diverse patient populations;
- Healthcare disparities; and/or
- How to search, interpret and evaluate medical literature.
Curriculum
For detailed information about the curriculum for the PA Fellow pathway, see DMSc Program Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
With the grant of 18 credits of advanced standing for the didactic and clinical instruction in a student’s PA fellowship, the PA Fellow pathway’s curriculum involves 18 credit hours that are completed in 9 months. The tuition and fees for the PA Fellow pathway are as follows:
Tuition: $23,400
Graduate Program & Technology Fee: $50 per 10-week block
Note: Tuition and fees for the PA Fellow pathway are due before or on the first day of class. The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 20-week semester is broken into two 10-week course blocks. If you begin the degree program in the second 10-week block, tuition and fees will be due on or before the first day of class for your initial term, but then will be due on or before the first day of the semester thereafter (e.g. if you begin the DMSc program during Fall Block 2, all courses taken in Spring Block 1 and Spring Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the spring semester). The amounts below reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. If your degree program spans more than one academic year, tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring. For more information, see Financial Arrangements. For additional information about cost of attendance for the DMSc program, see Cost of Attendance.
18-Month Pathway
The College of Idaho’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) is a 36-credit hour program that provides students with critical tools to become an implementation practitioner and leader. The 18-month pathway is purposefully geared towards supporting bachelor’s-trained PAs and PAs and other PA-like professionals (e.g., clinical officers (COs) and clinical associates (CAs)) with a degree from a college or university outside of the U.S. It offers students the option to choose a concentration in Health System Leadership, Health Professions Education, or Lifestyle Medicine and Advanced Clinical Practice. The Health System Leadership concentration is based on the American Academy of PA’s Competencies for PAs in Healthcare Administration and is designed to empower PAs to lead in a healthcare setting and meaningfully contribute to the safe, effective, and equitable delivery of healthcare services. The Health Professions Education concentration expands the knowledge and aptitude of established educators and prepares new or aspiring educators with educational skills based on the PA Education Association's Physician Assistant Educator Competencies. The Lifestyle Medicine and Advanced Clinical Practice concentration is built on a foundation of lifestyle medicine and implementation science and enables students to prepare for an external certification in a specialty area aligned with their professional goals.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the 18-Month pathway, individuals must meet the DMSc admission requirements (see Admission).
Curriculum
For detailed information about the curriculum for the 18-Month pathway, see DMSc Program Requirements.
Tuition and Fees
The curriculum for the 18-month pathway for the DMSc program involves 36 credit hours. The tuition and fees for the traditional pathway are as follows:
Tuition: $28,800
Graduate Program & Technology Fee: $50 per 10-week block
Note: Tuition and fees for the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program are due before or on the first day of class. The DMSc program is a semester-based program (Fall: July-December and Spring: January-May). Each 21-week semester is broken into two 10-week course blocks, with a one-week break in between the blocks. If you begin the degree program in the second 10-week block, tuition and fees will be due on or before the first day of class for your initial term, but then will be due on or before the first day of the semester thereafter (e.g., if you begin the DMSc program during Fall Block 2, all courses taken in Spring Block 1 and Spring Block 2 must be paid on the first day of the spring semester). The amounts above reflect the approximate total cost of the graduate degree program based on the current tuition and fees schedules. If your degree program spans more than one academic year, tuition and fees in future academic years are subject to change. The upcoming year’s tuition and fees schedules are posted in late spring. For more information, see Financial Arrangements. For additional information about cost of attendance for the DMSc program, see Cost of Attendance.
Grading
Students must achieve a minimum of 80 percent to pass each course with a grade of a B in accordance with the grading policy outlined in the syllabus for each course. When assigning grades for its courses, the DMSc program does not include a plus or a minus.
Students are permitted to repeat a course once in which they have earned a grade of C or lower. Both attempts appear on the student’s transcript. Only the most recent grade will be used in calculation of the cumulative GPA, and only one attempt may be counted toward meeting degree requirements.
Students who wish to file an academic appeal concerning a course grade should review the Grade Change Policy.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a DMSc degree at The College of Idaho, all students must complete all prescribed courses and pass all courses with a grade of B or better. This in turn requires all students to graduate with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Program Policies
Identity Attestation
Upon matriculating into the DMSc program, all students are required to attest to the following:
- I hereby affirm and attest that I am the individual who is enrolling in courses at The College of Idaho. I understand that all the academic work I will submit for evaluation and grading will be my own original work.
- I understand that misrepresentation of my identity is a violation of the College’s Honor Code and may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to failure in the course, dismissal from the College, and legal action.
- I affirm that all the information I have provided for my enrollment is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Plagiarism and Use of AI
The College of Idaho maintains that academic honesty and integrity are essential values in the educational process. Earning a Doctor of Medical Science degree requires the development of scholarly writing and critical appraisal skills, among other competencies. Engaging in plagiarism is an example of academic dishonesty and violates the College’s Honor Code.
Plagiarism is the presentation of another's product, words, ideas, or data as one's own work. When a student submits work for credit that includes the product, words, ideas, or data of others, the student must use proper and complete citation and reference in accordance with AMA style guidelines.
Students may not use content sourced from generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications as a substitute for their own academic work nor claim ownership or authorship of any content generated by these tools. However, for purposes of the College’s DMSc program, students may use AI applications, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot, to augment development of doctorate-level competencies but must do so with appropriate caution.
Student Accountability
When a student submits work for credit that includes the product, words, ideas, or data of others, the source must be acknowledged by the use of complete, accurate, and specific references, such as footnotes. By placing one's name on work submitted for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments. A student will be charged with plagiarism if there is not an acknowledgment of indebtedness. Acknowledgment must be made whenever:
- One quotes another person's actual words or replicates part of another's product.
- One uses another person's ideas, opinions, work, data, or theories, even if they are completely paraphrased in one's own words.
- One borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials, unless the information is common knowledge (already published in at least three other sources without citation).
- One uses AI application to create allowable assignment content.
While programs exist that detect AI-generated text within student assignments, their accuracy is lacking and the risk of falsely accusing students of using AI-generated material is too great to justify their use. As such, The College of Idaho’s DMSc program will not use AI detection programs on student assignments. Faculty members may still apply professional expertise and critical assessment to the determination of originality on student assignments and may report concerns for AI-generated text within written assignments to DMSc program leadership for consideration.
Whether they use AI applications or not, DMSc students are ultimately held responsible for the accuracy, originality, and appropriate attribution of material contained within every assignment that they submit for credit.
Penalties
Though the burden of proof of student academic dishonesty or misconduct lies with the faculty member, the imposition of penalties is also the responsibility of the faculty member. The consequences of plagiarism vary based on whether the incident is a first, second, or third occurrence. Faculty members have the discretion to require that the student repeat the assignment or exam, or may give a failing grade for the assignment, exam, or courses, or may otherwise deal with the academic dishonesty in a manner they determine to be appropriate within the context of their course.
A first occurrence of plagiarism is generally believed to result from inexperience and/or a lack of familiarity using AMA guidelines or AI-generated material and is perceived as a misuse of sources, and the sanctions for a first offense generally include, but not limited to a grade of zero on the assignment or resubmission of the assignment for a reduced grade. A second occurrence of plagiarism is a more serious academic offense and is not attributed to naiveté, ignorance of guidelines, or a misunderstanding of what constitutes acceptable graduate scholarship at the College, and therefore, the sanction includes, but is not limited to a failing grade in the course. A third occurrence of plagiarism is seen as a student’s chronic inability or refusal to produce acceptable graduate-level scholarship. In such cases, the matter is referred to the Dean of Graduate Studies or their designee for disciplinary proceedings pursuant to the College’s “General Student Conduct Procedures” as articulated in the Student Handbook, and the sanction includes but is not limited to dismissal from the program.
Academic Probation
Progression in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is contingent on continued demonstration of satisfactory completion of program objectives and course content. Lack of academic progression will result in the student being placed on academic probation and may be grounds for academic dismissal (see Dismissal).
Students who fail any course(s) in the DMSc program are automatically placed on academic probation until they have successfully passed the failed course(s). A student who believes that a course grade does not accurately reflect their performance must attempt to resolve the matter with the faculty member within two weeks from posting of the final grade in Self Service. If the student and faculty member are unable to reach a solution, then the student may request grade mediation (see Grade Appeal Policy).
Dismissal
Dismissal from the DMSc program may be determined as the result of, but not limited to, the following conditions:
- Failure of two or more courses;
- Continued academic probation;
- Violation of the Honor Code or Student Code of Conduct; or
- Failure to receive a passing grade in every course.
If a student meets the requirements of the probationary period, they are removed from academic probation and returned to good academic standing. DMSc students in poor academic standing when withdrawing from all courses in a term/block are required to petition the director/chair of the program for re-entry.
Continuous Enrollment
DMSc students who are finished with all coursework but have not completed all Practicum requirements must maintain continuous enrollment until completion of all graduation requirements. As an exception to the College’s Incomplete Grade Policy, students will be issued a grade of Incomplete (I) in the requisite Practicum course. Upon approval of an incomplete grade, the student will have a maximum of two 10-week blocks to complete all Practicum requirements. During this time, students will be enrolled in Practicum Completion (DMSC-840) for each relevant term/block. If the Practicum requirements are not completed by the end of the second 10-week block, a grade of an F will be issued for the relevant Practicum course.
Academic Standards and Guidelines
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program requires students to receive a grade of a B or better in every course. To earn a B grade, students must achieve a minimum of 80 percent in each course in accordance with the grading policy outlined in the syllabus. To maintain good academic standing, students must receive a B grade or better on all courses. Academic standing is evaluated after each term/block.
Additionally, the following outlines the standards and expectations that the College expects of doctorate students enrolled in the DMSc program:
Course Access
Students are granted access to their orientation course two weeks prior to the first day of class upon starting their DMSc program. For all other courses, students are granted course access on the Thursday prior to the first day of class. Classes begin on Mondays.
Participation and Attendance in Courses
Weekly continuous participation is expected in all class activities. The academic week is from 12:00 a.m. Idaho time on Monday through 11:59 p.m. Idaho time the following Sunday. Participation is defined as having completed one or more of the activities required in any week, which may include posting or responding to a discussion post; submitting a paper; completing a quiz or examination; or completing some other assignment as presented in the course syllabus.
Attendance for each course is taken the first week of class. As the DMSc program is an online program, students are required to complete the Acknowledge the Syllabus assignment to have attendance accepted. Students failing to complete this requirement may be removed from the course and administratively withdrawn from the DMSc program.
Inclement Weather/Power Outage Policy
In the event a major weather occurrence or wide-spread power outage prevents a student from accessing a class, instructors will work with the student to set reasonable accommodations to accept assignments after a due date. Instructors may request documentation from a student if a weather or power-outage occurrence is not widespread.
Changing Concentrations
Upon receipt of their enrollment deposit, students are enrolled in the concentration track identified during the admissions process and will receive a copy of their Academic Degree Plan, which outlines the required courses to complete the DMSc program. Students wishing to change concentrations either before or during the program must contact the DMSc program manager.
Changing Semester Load
All DMSc degree pathways require completion of two courses (6 credits) per block, which are outlined in the Academic Degree Plan provided to the student at the time of enrollment. Students experiencing extenuating circumstance who wish to decrease their per block course load from two courses (6 credits) to one course (3 credits) must contact the DMSc program manager.
Students who wish to increase their course load above the required two courses per block may contact the DMSc program manager to request an accelerated schedule. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a student on an accelerated schedule fails to achieve a passing grade in all courses, their semester load will be adjusted back to two courses per block and they will be placed on academic probation (see Academic Probation).
To remain eligible for financial assistance, students must be enrolled in at least five (5) credit hours each semester.
Changing Degree Pathways
Upon receipt of their enrollment deposit, students are enrolled in either a traditional pathway or an accelerated pathway identified during the admissions process and will receive a copy of their Academic Degree Plan, which outlines the required courses to complete the DMSc program.
Students who are eligible for an accelerated pathway, but in the admissions process elect to start their DMSc in a traditional pathway, and who then subsequently desire to change to the accelerated pathway must contact the DMSc program manager before the first day of the first term of their DMSc program.
Students who matriculate into the accelerated pathway and subsequently decide to switch to the traditional pathway must contact the DMSc program manager, and if approved, must continue to pay the accelerated tuition rate for courses taken as part of the traditional pathway.
Course Cancellation
In the unlikely event that the institution has to cancel a course, any student enrolled prior to a course cancellation will receive a full refund of tuition paid.
Program Cancellation
Should the College cancel a program, currently enrolled students are permitted to complete a program before it is discontinued. No new students are permitted to enroll in a program the College has cancelled.