Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025

DIPLOMA Approach for Standardized Pathology Assessment of Distal Pancreatectomy Specimens
Published on: February 1, 2020
The PA postprofessional doctorate
Robert E McKenna1, Roderick S Hooker
1Robert E. McKenna is director of the Doctor of Medical Science Program and an assistant professor at Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton, Calif. Roderick S. Hooker is a US-based health policy consultant. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Abstract:
The American physician associate (PA) profession is evolving and now includes the potential for postgraduate doctorates that align with other healthcare disciplines. This educational trend is expanding: The number of PA doctoral degree programs doubled between 2022 and 2024. A census assessment of postgraduate doctoral degrees was conducted to document this movement. In 2024, we identified 28 postprofessional PA doctoral degree programs, most conferring a Doctor of Medical Science. Tuition for an online PA doctorate ranges from $15,240 to $47,880, and most programs require at least 12 months to complete. Nearly all are online and designed for working PAs. Within these 28 doctoral programs for PAs, the most common areas of study include PA education, healthcare administration, leadership, management, and several clinical and administrative concentrations. All programs are accredited by one of six federally recognized agencies. The social, professional, economic, and financial factors pertinent to a PA considering a clinical doctorate are of interest to PA graduates, educators, and social scientists.
Related Concept Videos
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Healthcare Agencies II
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources,...
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Methods of Documentation III: PIE
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...

