Degree Pathways
This program is for PAs who want to advance their careers in areas of clinical and nonclinical medicine by pursuing advanced study. You will complete an AAPA-approved Degree Pathways Program focused on various leadership and management subjects to prepare you to pursue additional study toward an advanced degree.
How It Works
When you purchase the Degree Pathways Program, you will express your interest in one or more of the programs offered by our academic partners. Your selection(s) will generate a notification to the academic partner(s) to follow up with you.
Our academic partners have agreed to provide discounts to PAs who enroll through this program. Most often, this is in the form of discounted tuition; however, in other cases it could be discounted program fees or a fixed scholarship. These discounts are offered at the sole discretion of the participating institutions, and we encourage prospective students to confirm the details directly with the institution upon enrollment.
Take the first step toward your degree and purchase the Degree Pathways Program today!
Academic Partner Degree Pathways
Contact: Kristen Will
Arizona State University
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Graduate Credit Hours:30 credits in 10 courses
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Time Commitment:2 years
Description: The MS program in the Science of Health Care delivery focuses on the study and design of systems, processes, leadership and management used to optimize health care delivery and health for all. Designed to augment the knowledge and skills for PAs and NPs already practicing in the healthcare industry, this degree program will provide additional knowledge and competencies to lead in a patient-centered, safe and cost-effective health care system.
Related Positions: Chief Quality Officer, Chief Experience Officer, Administrative leadership roles, Systems Engineer
Application Deadlines: 5 times per year; 2 fall starts (August and October), 2 spring starts (January and March), 1 summer (May)
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative
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Graduate Credit Hours:30 credits in 10 courses
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Time Commitment:2 years
Description: PAs and NPs understand the health care delivery system and with specialized training in informatics, can become leaders in this expanding field. The MAS degree in health informatics is a flexible program formatted to meet the needs of working professionals. Core courses provide a background in clinical informatics, while electives allow students to specialize in focus areas such as data science or mobile health. Taught by national thought leaders, this degree program prepares graduates with skills for careers in a wide range of health care settings.
Related Positions: Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, other lead roles in Data Management
Application Deadlines: 5 times per year; 2 fall starts (August and October), 2 spring starts (January and March), 1 summer (May)
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative, Clinical, Entrepreneurship and Industry
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Graduate Credit Hours:84 credits (30 credits awarded for Masters; 54 credits doctoral courses)
Description: The DBH program prepares graduates to deliver integrated behavioral care treatment programs in primary care and other medical settings. The DBH track specifically offers training in business entrepreneurship skills, health care systems, policy, economics, and finance in order to respond to emerging opportunities in health care reform. With a focus on behavioral health and offering both clinical and management concentrations, this professional doctorate provides PAs and NPs with training in healthcare management that can be utilized to lead in many diverse healthcare settings.
Related Positions: Clinic Director, Director of Integrated Behavior Health Programs
Application Deadlines: 5 times per year; 2 fall starts (August and October), 2 spring starts (January and March), 1 summer (May)
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative, Clinical, Entrepreneurship and Industry
Contact: [email protected]
A.T. Still University
Contact: DMSAdmissions
@butler.edu
Butler University
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General Information:100% online, asynchronous program, 50 credit hours, rolling admissions
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Program Begins:6 entry points/year
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Tuition Benefit:10% tuition benefit
Description: The fully online Butler University Doctor of Medical Science program is designed for PAs to build upon their previous education and experiences and gain a greater depth of medical knowledge, business acumen, and leadership skills.
Curricular Design:
- 50 credit-hour program, comprised of 17 modules taught by nationally recognized doctorate-level faculty
- Six hours of coursework per week for each 3 credit-hour module. Module areas include Foundational Sciences, Medical Science, Patient Populations and Patient Safety, and Business and Leadership
- Required Capstone project
Concentrations: Healthcare Practice and Administration, Foundations in Critical Care, Foundations in Orthopedics, and PA Educator
Application Information:
- PAs who have successfully graduated from an entry-level PA program, accredited by the ARC-PA (includes certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees)
- Currently hold a NCCPA certification/recertification or a state license to practice as a PA
- Updated CV, complete transcripts, and Professional Statement
The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
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General Information:Hybrid 22-month program
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Students take 1 course at a time
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3 on-campus sessions per year
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Program Begins:Early August
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Tuition Benefit:Up to two $15,000 scholarships will be awarded per year for two years (~$30k)
Description: At Dartmouth, you will learn how to use data, impact policies, and lead change to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of improving health and healthcare. We work to improve patient care by researching how healthcare systems are performing, and then we use that information to develop and test new models for health care delivery and payment. Our online MPH program is designed specifically for working professionals who are not afraid to ask tough questions and who are passionate about challenging the status quo. The 22-month program enables you to pursue your MPH online with minimal time away from your job.
Related Positions: Healthcare Consultant, State Epidemiologist, Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Instructor, Chief of Clinical Operations, Policy Analyst, Clinician-Researcher
Application Deadlines: February 1: priority deadline for scholarship consideration | April 15: final deadline for scholarship consideration
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative, Clinical, Education, Research, Industry
Contact: Joseph Tommasino
Touro University Worldwide
Contact: Roger Japp
University of Colorado Denver
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General Information:Offered in a hybrid format consisting of both on-campus and online instruction. Students travel to Denver semi-annually to receive introductory lectures from faculty during the on-campus session. Course work is then completed online for the semester.
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Students come on campus two times during the program
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24-month program commitment
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Program Begins:January and July
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Tuition Benefit:10% tuition discount
Description: The Executive MBA in Health Administration program provides healthcare professionals the knowledge and tools to manage complex issues within the healthcare industry. Accelerate your career with a specialized MBA degree in two years. On campus and online format.
Related Positions: CEO, CMO, CFO, Service Line Directors, Practice Administrators
Application Deadlines: October 31 for January start and May 30 for July start; rolling admissions
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative, Clinical, Industry
Contact: Tripp Jones
University of Lynchburg
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General Information:12-month online program
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Cohort-based
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37 credits
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Program Begins:Rolling admission every quarter
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Tuition Benefit:15% tuition discount and application fee waived
Description: The DMSc postgraduate doctoral degree prepares PAs for upper-level positions as leaders, administrators, educators, and in industry. The degree opens possibilities for advanced careers for PAs, not solely as clinicians, but as innovators of the healthcare system and the PA profession. The Lynchburg DMSc program builds on what PAs have already learned, already experienced, and already accomplished, and results in a well-deserved professional doctoral degree. Please note this program is exclusively for PAs.
Leadership & Management Track(s): Administrative, Clinical, Education
Have questions or need additional assistance?
Contact the AAPA Customer Care team at [email protected], or 703-836-2272, Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.