Campbell’s DMSc prepares physician assistants for new opportunities

Choosing the next step in your career starts with understanding your options. A new video series from Campbell University's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences introduces experienced physician assistants to the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program and three specialized tracks designed to help them expand their professional impact.

The series includes a program overview, individual videos exploring each track and a welcome from the program director. Together, the videos give prospective students one place to compare options and consider how the degree aligns with their goals.

Watch the complete DMSc video playlist on YouTube.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are due Nov. 20. Classes begin in January 2027.

Designed for experienced, working PAs

Campbell's DMSc program combines fully online, asynchronous learning with opportunities to apply new knowledge to professional practice. Students complete the program over four semesters through accelerated eight-week courses, mostly taken one at a time, with breaks between terms.

The program overview explains how students can tailor their studies through three tracks while building shared skills in leadership, health policy and advocacy, and applied scholarship. Through the doctoral capstone, students examine a problem encountered in their work and develop a solution intended to make a meaningful difference.

Clinical Leadership

The Clinical Leadership track is designed for PAs who see opportunities to improve healthcare and want the skills to lead that change.

Students build from leading themselves and their teams to guiding organizations, supporting innovation and influencing change across healthcare systems. The track supports interests in advanced practice provider leadership, healthcare administration, quality improvement, clinical program development, practice management and strategic leadership.

PAs do not need to hold a leadership title to pursue this track. It offers preparation for those who want to become more intentional and effective leaders.

Health Professions Education

For PAs who enjoy teaching, mentoring and developing others, the Health Professions Education track offers preparation for educational roles across academic and clinical settings.

Students learn to design curriculum, use teaching strategies grounded in evidence, assess learner performance and evaluate educational programs. Potential applications include PA faculty roles, clinical precepting, continuing medical education, clinician development, student success and workforce development.

Whether teaching at the bedside or in a university classroom, students can build skills to help prepare future healthcare professionals.

Clinical Research and Medical Affairs

The Clinical Research and Medical Affairs track helps PAs explore ways to apply their clinical expertise in research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology settings.

Students study clinical trial design, regulatory oversight, scientific communication and the fundamentals of Medical Science Liaison practice. The track supports interests in medical affairs, clinical research leadership, clinical trial operations, Medical Science Liaison roles, and investigator or subinvestigator opportunities.

By building on their clinical foundation, PAs can develop knowledge and skills relevant to new professional directions.

A welcome to the Campbell community

The Program Director's Welcome highlights the relationships, mentorship and sense of community central to the Campbell experience.

The video shares a vision for an online doctoral program where faculty understand students' goals and support their growth. As the inaugural cohort prepares to begin, students have an opportunity to help shape the program's culture and its future impact on the PA profession.

Explore your next chapter

Watch the program overview, three track videos and Program Director's Welcome in the DMSc YouTube playlist. Follow the Campbell PA program on Facebook and Instagram for additional videos and updates.

Visit the Doctor of Medical Science program website to explore the curriculum, review admission requirements and apply.

With the Nov. 20 application deadline approaching, prospective students are encouraged to submit their completed applications for the January 2027 cohort.

Know a PA interested in advancing their career? Share this story and the video playlist with colleagues, friends and professional networks to help them explore the possibilities at Campbell.