FAQs

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

The future of the PA profession will require both experts in evidence-based practice and PA representation in executive leadership. The DMSc is not the exclusive path to achieving these competencies, but PAs who desire additional education and mentorship to achieve these goals are encouraged to apply.

AAPA and PAEA promote life-long learning for PAs, including clinical and/or academic doctorate degrees (PAEA. (2009). PA clinical doctorate summit final report and summary).

The University of Lynchburg is approved to offer Category I CME for the 2024-25 academic year.

This activity has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 20 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from 7/1/2024 to 8/1/2025. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. AAPA reference number: CME-2011616, 2011620, 2011608, 2011617. Participant name and contact information may be reported to the AAPA to maintain activity accreditation.

Apply online here.

• Proof of active licensure and/or certification as a PA professional
• An earned master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university. The University of Lynchburg must receive all official transcripts before matriculation.
• Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A resume or curriculum vitae detailing personal, educational, and professional achievements
• One letter of recommendation
• A completed online application and a completed phone or on-campus interview
• $100 non-refundable application fee
• For international students, requirements for graduate international admissions must be met
• International students’ transcripts will be evaluated by an agency from the NACES.
• For admitted students, a $300 program will be applied to the first semester’s tuition

The University of Lynchburg has a rolling admissions process, and applicants will be considered for admission as they apply to the program.

Yes, the program admission is competitive. We seek highly qualified candidates who share our vision of excellence in PA practice, leadership, and scholarship.

All students are enrolled on a full-time basis. Most students work as they complete their course load because their clinical work fulfills a portion of the degree’s requirements.

The DMSc is a cohort-based program. A program adviser will help students enroll in the appropriate program of study.

1. Graduates of the University of Lynchburg Masters of PA Medicine program will be placed with local healthcare organizations to complete the Fellowship during the DMSc program.
2. Non-University of Lynchburg Masters of PA Medicine students who enroll in the DMSc on the clinical track complete the Practicum by working in the current position to meet program-level objectives and outcomes.

No, residency is not required. The course content is completed online. Fellowship and scholarly projects are completed offline in each student’s hometown. However, students are encouraged to present their projects on campus at the Lynchburg Scholar Symposium in August and to attend graduation in May.

Starting with the January 2022 term, all textbooks are available digitally and are free to DMSc students. Access and links to texts and resources will be provided in each course.

The University of Lynchburg uses Moodle 3 for online teaching.

Students will need access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Details on technology specifications can be found here.

Please refer to the DMSc admissions page for information about tuition and fees.

Students are billed per semester based on the number of credit hours they are taking. Please note that the $60 technology fee and $25 program fee are charged per semester.

Financial aid is available. To determine eligibility, a student should fill out the FAFSA form. Visit the University of Lynchburg graduate financial aid website for more information.

Students sign up for advisement online as soon as they are accepted into the program. Advisement is conducted by phone or in person.

Yes, a virtual orientation will be provided at the beginning of coursework.

The University of Lynchburg may allow didactic course transfer on a case-by-case basis. We do not accept any transfer courses that are below a “B.” It generally takes 6 months to obtain approval or disapproval for a course transfer. Graduates of some fellowship programs may receive a fellowship waiver on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, the program is designed for working PAs. The DMSc is an intensive program with a didactic workload, fellowship practice, and scholarly project completion. The program’s didactic curriculum is delivered completely online and can be completed during non-working hours of the day. The fellowship practice can align with students’ job requirements. Students will need to be able to multitask to complete the program in 12 months while working.

Yes. You can learn more on our accreditation webpage.

Feel free to complete the interest form.