DMS Degree

Shape the Future of Healthcare

 The Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) Program was developed by faculty within Butler University’s PA Program, building on a strong legacy of preparing highly respected clinicians. The DMS Program equips practicing PAs with advanced medical knowledge while expanding leadership, management, and business skills essential for today’s evolving healthcare environment. 

Delivered 100% online and asynchronous, the curriculum allows students to continue working while completing their coursework. This flexible format enables PAs to pursue an advanced degree in a way that fits their professional and personal schedules. Within this distinctive curriculum students will select an area of concentration.

Partnership with Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)

Learn more about this partnership and eligible discount in the Tuition section.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students are eligible to apply for up to 12 credit hours of Credit for Prior Learning, waiving select courses thereby decreasing cost and accelerating graduation based on experience earned as a PA. Learn more about CPL.

Earn Category 1 CME Credit

Earn AAPA Category 1 CME credit for a portion of a number of courses in the program. The course work was reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for a total of 108.00 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs may only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation and successful completion of the post-test is required to earn  the credit. Category I CME credit is subject to approval by the AAPA Review Panel on a yearly basis.

What is a Doctor of Medical Science?

A Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) is a post-professional academic degree for students who have successfully graduated from an accredited PA program. The DMS degree is specifically designed to expand students’ understanding and approach to patient care, professional leadership, business, and communication.

What is the salary of a Doctor of Medical Science?

Depending on the position and location, an individual with a Doctor of Medical Science degree can make an average of $159,006 annually in the United States. This can vary up or down depending on the individual’s experience.

How long is the Doctor of Medical Science program?

The time to complete a Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree varies depending on the required credit hours and full or part-time nature of the program. At Butler, the DMS program allows students flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. Butler’s standard DMS program takes, on average, 27 months to complete, but some graduates completed the program as quickly as 15 months. Students may take at most 5.5 years to complete the program.

What can you do with a Doctor of Medical Science?

There are diverse career opportunities for individuals that have completed a DMS degree. PAs can serve in both clinical and non-clinical roles in specialty fields, with nearly one-third of all DMS graduates working in primary care services.