University of Tampa

What you'll study

The program combines a three-part scholarly project with substantive topical courses. Core and required courses include:

• Scholarly Project I (DMS 901) — 3 credits, Term 1: introduces research methods, qualitative and quantitative designs, statistical assessment, PICO and PDSA frameworks, and elements of successful publication.
• Scholarly Project II (DMS 902) — 5 credits, Term 3: focuses on writing a literature review or conducting original research, including study execution, data collection and analysis.
• Scholarly Project III (DMS 903) — 3 credits, Term 4: finalizes research and prepares dissemination to journals.
• Global and Community Health (DMS 910) — 5 credits, Term 1: covers social and behavioral determinants of health, epidemiology, disaster situations, population health, diversity, equity, advocacy and interprofessional communication (note: not required for UT PA program graduates).
• Healthcare Law and Systems (DMS 911) — 5 credits, Term 2: addresses ethical and legal issues, healthcare policy, and roles of PAs in U.S. and global systems.
• Healthcare Administration and Management (DMS 931) — 5 credits, Term 3: examines organizational structure, legal frameworks, management styles, financial and human resource management, conflict and change implementation, and team development.

Students also complete one of two concentrations (each includes two named courses):

• Higher Education in Healthcare: Curriculum Design for Adult Learners (DMS 920, 5 credits, Term 2) and Health Profession Program Development and Implementation (DMS 922, 5 credits, Term 4).
• Healthcare Leader and Entrepreneurship: Healthcare Finance (DMS 930, 5 credits, Term 2) and Healthcare Economics (DMS 932, 5 credits, Term 4).

Entry requirements

The program targets practicing physician assistants. A master's degree is typically expected; however, applicants without a master's may be considered if they meet specified equivalency items: an approved military or civilian post-professional PA residency or fellowship, a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) from the NCCPA, at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary education toward a master’s degree, current NCCPA certification with a minimum of ten years of continuous certification maintenance, and an active, nonrestricted state license.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that leverage advanced clinical knowledge plus skills in education, leadership, administration or entrepreneurship. Typical career directions include academic faculty positions in PA or medical programs, leadership or managerial roles within healthcare organizations, program development and accreditation work for health profession programs, and practice-level innovation or business ventures in healthcare.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The published program information lists a total tuition cost for the full 36-credit curriculum and notes the possibility of reduced cost when approved transfer credit is applied. No additional program-specific scholarships or funding details are provided on the source page; prospective applicants should contact the program for financial aid, institutional scholarships, or transfer-credit evaluations that could lower the total cost.