Sacred Heart University Launches Connecticut's First Doctor of Medical Science Program for Practicing Physician Assistants
核心洞察
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, is launching the state's first Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) program for practicing physician assistants and associates.
The 30-credit, fully online, asynchronous doctoral program allows working PAs to advance their skills in leadership, health policy, population health, and quality improvement.
Students can choose between two specialized tracks—education or healthcare leadership—and complete a capstone project addressing real-world clinical or academic challenges.
Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, has announced the launch of a new Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) program for practicing physician assistants and associates (PAs), marking the first such program in the state and one of only a few in New England. The fully online, asynchronous doctoral program is designed to equip working PAs with advanced skills in leadership, health policy, population health, and quality improvement while allowing them to continue clinical practice.
"The Doctor of Medical Science program is an important extension of the university's broader strategy to advance graduate education in the health professions," said Karl Minges, dean of the College of Health Professions at Sacred Heart University. "It reinforces our commitment to preparing clinicians who can work across disciplines, contribute to system-level improvement and respond to evolving workforce needs."
Program Structure and Specialized Tracks
The 30-credit doctoral program is built around a flexible, fully online asynchronous format tailored for practicing PAs who hold a master's degree. The curriculum begins with foundational coursework in leadership, health policy, population health, and quality improvement. Students then select from one of two specialized tracks—education or healthcare leadership—before completing a capstone project that addresses a real-world challenge in clinical or academic practice.
Reynold Jaglal, chair and program director of SHU's physician associate studies program, described the launch as an important milestone. "This program represents an important milestone, as it will be the first Doctor of Medical Science program in Connecticut," Jaglal said. "It reflects Sacred Heart University's mission to prepare compassionate, forward-thinking leaders. We are giving physician associates the opportunity to take the next step in their careers while continuing to serve their patients and communities."
Addressing Regional Workforce Needs
The new program responds to a growing demand for PA-specific doctoral education in the region. As Connecticut's first D.M.Sc. program, Sacred Heart's offering provides working professionals a flexible path to doctoral study while preparing leaders to drive change across healthcare systems, classrooms, and communities. Graduates will be positioned for roles in academia, executive and organizational leadership, health systems management, and policy development.
Eric Nemec, director of research and assessment and associate professor at SHU, emphasized the practical orientation of the program. "Health care is evolving rapidly and there is an increasing need for highly trained professionals who can lead change," Nemec said. "Students in this program can expect a rigorous, yet flexible, learning experience that connects directly to their professional goals. Through coursework in leadership, policy and education, along with a hands-on capstone project, they will gain practical skills they can immediately apply in their workplaces."
Compassion-Centered Leadership Focus
Sacred Heart's D.M.Sc. program distinguishes itself through an emphasis on compassion-centered leadership, aligning with the university's Catholic mission to serve the common good. The program aims to prepare graduates not only to lead but to lead with purpose.
"At its core, this program is about advancing health care in a way that aligns with our values of compassion, service, and equity," said Jaglal. "Our graduates will be prepared not only to lead, but to lead with purpose—improving systems of care and the communities they serve."
As one of the nation's largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the United States, Sacred Heart University offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges and schools, serving nearly 10,000 students on its Fairfield campus and through online offerings.