Douglas D. Long, DMSc, PA-C
Associate Director, Doctor of Medical Science Program, The College of Idaho
In today's fast-moving healthcare world, advanced education is more than a degree; it's a catalyst for career growth. The PA profession is expected to grow by 30-35% between 2020 and 2035. For physician assistants/associates (PAs), the completion of a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree provides a doorway to enhanced professional influence, improved earning potential, and leadership roles. Although comprehensive cost–benefit analyses are forthcoming, national surveys and alumni studies recently compiled provide concrete evidence that doctoral education can significantly shape a PA's career trajectory.
Financial Benefits
The financial benefits of earning a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree include a higher salary. In a large, national PA study, 62% of respondents holding a doctoral degree reported earnings above the annual median salary for the profession. Additionally, 80% of DMSc graduates reported that their degree led directly to a pay increase, with 20% reported receiving extra compensation within one year of graduation. These findings show that, in the absence of a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis, doctoral-level education yields tangible financial benefits both immediately and over the course of a PA's career.
Career Advancement
Doctoral-prepared PAs experience notable career advancement. DMSc training emphasizes critical thinking, healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and interprofessional collaboration, which equips graduates with competencies directly applicable to administrative, academic, and systems-level roles. Research confirms that PAs with doctorates are being promoted. According to a 2025 survey of DMSc graduates, 17% received a promotion in the first year after graduation, and 76% reported that earning a DMSc contributed to the promotion. Salary also reflects this advantage; while the 2024 median full-time PA salary was $134,000, doctoral-prepared PAs report earning salaries above this level.
Leadership Opportunities
An additional measurable benefit of the DMSc is leadership growth. A DMSc alumni survey revealed that graduates experienced substantial leadership development, with more than half receiving formal leadership recognition following degree completion. Another study found that doctoral-prepared PAs held more formal and informal leadership positions than those without doctorates. The AAPA confirms that formal leadership matters financially, as PAs with formal roles reported higher annual earnings than those without.
Why Choose the College of Idaho DMSc Program?
The College of Idaho DMSc offers a flexible, fully online program designed for busy PAs ready to advance their careers. With a total tuition of around $25,000, students may leverage CME or professional development funds to help offset costs, making this a high-value, cost-conscious, and strategic investment in their future. Grounded in evidence-based practice and implementation science, the curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles, drives healthcare innovation, and makes a measurable impact, turning your educational investment into real-world career growth and professional success.
Ready to Maximize the Value of Your Education Investment?
The College of Idaho DMSc is designed to deliver maximum impact while balancing cost with rigorous academic standards and comprehensive professional preparation. Select students may benefit from accelerated pathways, helping them complete the program more quickly while maximizing their time and investment. By combining affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence, The College of Idaho DMSc ensures your education dollars go further—turning your investment today into career growth, leadership opportunities, and expanded professional potential. Whether you're looking to gain leadership skills, enhance clinical expertise, or transition into education or administration, a DMSc from The College of Idaho opens doors.
Register for an upcoming Virtual Info Session or explore our DMSc program online to learn more about our specialty tracks and accelerated pathways.
References
- Klein A, Kayingo G, Schrode KM, Soria K. Physician assistants/associates with doctoral degrees: where are they now? J Physician Assist Educ. 2024;35(1):14-20. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000549
- Kilgore JR, Colletti T, Rolfs J, et al. Characteristics and career effect on PA graduates of a doctor of medical science program. JAAPA. 2025;38(1):e16-e19. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000170
- American Academy of PAs. 2025 AAPA Salary Report. 2025. Accessed August 16, 2025. https://www.aapa.org/research/salary-report/
- American Academy of PAs. AAPA Data Dose: Physician Associates and Leadership. 2023. https://www.aapa.org/download/110065/?tmstv=1755367467