Many PAs want to continue their education but are not ready to commit to a doctoral program. Others have completed the DMSc but want to dig deeper into a particular subject matter. The Lynchburg DMSc program offers eight certificates for continuing education, described below. Each certificate program consists of three doctoral-level courses. Each of the three courses consists of three credit hours. Tuition: $718 per credit hour for the current academic year (subject to change).
Earn up to 20 AAPA Category 1 CME credits in each certificate course and 60 credits for each certificate! By completing coursework and post-course evaluations, students can earn both their certificate and significant continuing education credit.*
(*Each certificate course is designated for up to 20 AAPA Category 1 CME Credits. These activities are approved by the AAPA Review Panel and are compliant with AAPA CME criteria. Approval is valid for 7/1/2021 to 7/1/2022. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. AAPA reference numbers: CME-202726, 202902, 202909).
Executive Leadership
Every day, PAs are taking on more responsibility in healthcare settings and advancing their profession. This certificate prepares PAs to take a leadership role in their organization and advocate for themselves and the profession.
Healthcare Administration and Management
The Healthcare Administration and Management certificate is for PAs who want to assume upper-level administrative positions in healthcare systems, organizations, and industry. The courses are designed to provide PA leaders with advanced training in organizational behavior, leadership, healthcare administration, and management principles. Laura Witte, PhD, PA-C oversees this certificate.
Medical Education
The Medical Education Certificate is designed to allow clinically practicing PAs or current doctorally-educated PA faculty the option to complete doctoral level coursework designed to meet their development needs.
Emergency and Disaster Management
Many PAs know what it means to be on the frontlines of an emergency or disaster response. While no one knows the exact details of when or how they will be called upon to respond, PAs can plan for emergencies and disasters. This certificate prepares PAs to lead with preparation and clarity during times of distress. Dr. Greg Davenport, DHSc, PA-C is a faculty member for this certificate.
Telehealth
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals suddenly found themselves providing telehealth options for their patients with little or no guidance. Many PAs see telehealth as the future. This certificate is designed for those who are currently providing telehealth or desire to do so.
Public Health
Community wellness is almost always front and center in the news, from the COVID-19 crisis to the opioid epidemic. Improving and protecting a population’s health requires a multifaceted approach, and PAs have an important role to play. The DMSc Public Health Certificate prepares PAs to contribute to important discussions that keep populations safe and healthy.
Epidemiology
Analyzing determinants of health and disease conditions have become increasingly important to healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. The Epidemiology Certificate will help PAs understand the causation and transmission of diseases, who is at risk, and how to keep populations safe.
Global Health
The Global Health Certificate addresses the needs and challenges of providing medical care in under-resourced areas, to displaced refugees, and to US residents who travel internationally. Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA oversees this certificate.
Certificate Completion
Upon successful completion of a certificate program, students who meet educational or clinical practicum requirements may apply for admission to the DMSc-PA Education Concentration or the DMSc-Advanced Professional Practice Concentration.
