Patrick Fergus
@Fergus5Fergus
Springfield College announced a new, entirely online and asynchronous Doctor of Medical Sciences program last month.
The course of study was fully developed by Springfield’s own physician assistant faculty, with the chair of the PA department, Meghan Migeon, spearheading the concept based on her own learning experience.
“I went through a similar program in 2019 and really thought it would be a great addition to the program we already have,” Migeon said.
The need to meet the growing demand for doctoral-level PAs was also an impetus to expand the opportunities to develop into a qualified healthcare professional, especially with a distressing shortage of physicians.
According to research by the Bureau of Health Workforce, in 2022, there is a projected shortage of 81,180 full-time physicians by 2035. The deficit leaves a considerable hole in leadership positions in the field, something that Migeon wanted to address in the new DMSc program.
“It is not more medicine and is rather geared towards building on the medical skills they already have,” Migeon said. “It is uniquely designed for practicing PAs who are either interested in going into education, or practicing clinically and want to gain healthcare leadership and administrative skills.”
Accordingly, the two different concentrations of the program, education and clinical, give students two distinctive tracks to choose from and further enhance the profession through education, direction and the application of their craft.
The education lane will include focused courses in curriculum design and development, program success and upkeep and the accreditation process’s intricacies that demand a certain level of education standards. On the other hand, the clinical track is rigidly designed to create a compelling blend of enhanced medical knowledge and the ability to employ that knowledge in leadership positions.
Graduates will be enabled with the ability to contribute to healthcare policy decisions and shape the future of medical professionals.
The fully online feature is something that Migeon and her colleagues thought would benefit a rising generation of prospective students who may opt for a lower-cost option. With the rapid rise of technology and demand for education, online courses have continued to increase in popularity, leaving them essential to specific individuals in the academic world.
However, the already active workforce is also a part of the consideration, as the asynchronous nature of the scheduling is intended to meet the needs of PAs who hold professional jobs.
“It’s not just aimed at the younger generation, but also the PAs that are already out there working and want to further their education without overwhelming themselves,” Migeon said.
In other words, earning your Doctorate in Medical Science is achievable while working a full-time job, and the course load is offered full-time and part-time. The 37-credit program can be completed in 12-15 months while working full-time.
“You don’t have to take time off to come take classes on campus and can do it during off hours and free time,” Migeon said.
Officially opening in July of 2024, students can choose between the summer semester, or a spring semester that begins in January.
With a program already renowned for its combination of academic austerity and valuable hands-on experience, studying to become a physician’s assistant at Springfield College is now more widely available than ever before. For any further information, visit springfield.edu/dmsc.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martin