The University of Tampa Announces Doctor of Medical Science Degree

The University of Tampa will begin offering a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program that will advance the educational and professional development of healthcare practitioners. UT’s DMSc degree is tailored for working physician assistants seeking to elevate their clinical expertise with a doctorate focused on evidence-based medicine that includes concentrations in entrepreneurship and higher education. The new program will be offered 100% online and is the first of its kind to be offered in Florida. The DMSc program is set to commence in Spring 2025.

The University of Tampa will begin offering a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program that will advance the educational and professional development of healthcare practitioners.

UT’s DMSc program is an extension of the University’s existing Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Medicine program and is designed to prepare students for a range of healthcare leadership opportunities post-graduation. Some of these potential outcomes include leading a private practice, leadership roles within hospitals and healthcare organizations as well as in academia, where students can work as faculty and mentors in academic institutions or professional associations.

Key features of the DMSc program include:

100% Online Format: This program is offered completely online and asynchronous, meaning that students can complete coursework from their homes on their own time.
One Year Program: The UT DMSc is a 12-month program that consists of four terms for a total of 36 credit hours.
Two Specialized Concentrations: DMSc students can choose between the following concentration tracks to align with their interests and career goals.
1. Concentration in Higher Education in Healthcare: Students in the higher education track will learn medical program teaching strategies and curriculum design, explore educational simulation, technology in health instruction and gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and accreditation requirements for healthcare programs.
2. Concentration in Entrepreneurship in Healthcare: Students in the entrepreneurship track will learn essential business concepts to lead healthcare organizations and gain a deep understanding of healthcare administration and finance, resource allocation, management, organizational leadership and healthcare economics.

The program will be led by faculty with expertise in emergency medicine, healthcare administration, higher education and entrepreneurship. Roman Sereda, UT assistant professor of physician assistant medicine who has extensive leadership experience in both healthcare administration and higher education, will serve as program director. Sereda says there’s a growing need in today’s healthcare industry for advanced level practitioners that can deliver high quality care across various settings, and degrees like the DMSc can enhance a candidate’s earning potential and competitiveness in the job market.

“DMSc students will gain advanced professional skills, leadership abilities and specialized knowledge to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry,” Sereda said. “The program will provide students with the skills to critically appraise medical literature, conduct research and apply evidence-based approaches to patient care, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.”

Through a curriculum designed in real-world application, this program challenges students using an evidence-based education model that strengthens theoretical and practical clinical reasoning skills. Courses in this program will include:

Global and Community Health
Healthcare Law and Systems
Curriculum Design for Adult Learners
Educational Strategy, Technology and Simulation
Health Profession Program Development and Implementation
Healthcare Finance
Healthcare Administration and Management
Healthcare Economics

Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2024, with the first cohort starting in January 2025.

This program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To learn more, visit ut.edu/dmsc or contact Graduate Admissions at gradinfo@ut.edu.