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College of Idaho

Advance your career as a physician assistant/associate (PA), a clinical officer (CO) or a clinical associate (CA) without putting it on hold. The College of Idaho’s fully online Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program empowers you to lead change in healthcare settings through evidence-based implementation science, equipping you with skills you can apply immediately.

Apply to one of the College's 18-month-track programs within our DMSc Curriculum:

  • For aspiring and current educators, we have a path for you through our Health Professions Education Track.
  • For those seeking leadership opportunities in areas like administration, policy and quality improvement, our Health System Leadership Track is the ideal path for you.
  • For clinical PAs at any stage of your career looking to enhance your clinical skills, the Lifestyle Medicine & Advanced Clinical Practice Track is a perfect option.

Explore the steps to apply, review DMSc admission requirements based on your country of origin and choose from four annual start dates.

The next start term is March 2025. Complete your application before February 24, 2025!

Admission Requirements for International Students

The DMSc program is a post-professional degree for licensed, certified and/or registered PAs or PA-like professionals (such as clinical officers (COs) and clinical associates (CAs)) ready to elevate their expertise. As an international student, to qualify for admission to the program’s 18-month tracks, you must meet all application requirements listed below pursuant to your country of origin. 

Canada, Ireland, New Zealand & the United Kingdom

For physician assistants/associates (PAs) trained and/or practicing in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), the admission criteria to the College’s DMSc program is as follows:

  1. Complete the online DMSc application for your preferred start term.
    1. Upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
    2. Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester’s tuition.
  2. Provide proof of successful passage of the associated national certification examination and current licensure/certification as a PA.
    1. Retired applicants may submit proof of previous licensure/certification.
  3. Hold a master’s degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate governmental, regional or institutional entity at the time of graduation with a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  4. Submit evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency (see below).
  5. Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s).
  6. Submit a copy of your passport for verification of identification, full name and citizenship.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
  8. For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
    2. Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone & South Africa

For physician assistants (PAs) from Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, clinical officers (COs) from Kenya and clinical associates (CAs) from South Africa, the admission criteria to the College’s DMSc program is as follows:

  1. Complete the online DMSc application for your preferred start term.
    1. Upload a current and comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
    2. Once admitted, submit a $300 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to the first semester’s tuition.
  2. Provide proof of successful passage of the associated national certification examination for PAs/COs/CAs and current licensure/certification/registration as a PA/CO/CA by the national entity that regulates health professionals in the country.
    1. Retired applicants may submit proof of previous licensure/certification/registration.
  3. Hold a PA/CO/CA-related bachelor’s AND master’s degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate governmental, regional or institutional entity at the time of graduation with a minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  4. Submit evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency (see below).
  5. Submit transcripts from qualifying degree institution(s).
    1. This should include transcripts or proof of successful completion of any required pre-bachelor’s or pre-master’s degree diplomas.
  6. Attest to having at least 3 years of clinical practice experience as a PA/CO/CA completed outside of an academic requirement and submit a narrative describing your clinical practice experience.
  7. Submit a copy of your passport for verification of identification, full name and citizenship.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to meet The College of Idaho's technology requirements for the duration of the doctoral program.
  9. For applicants who speak and/or write in English as a second language, submit one of the following:
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS or Duolingo scores.
    2. Proof of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
Degree Equivalency Evaluation

Applicants with a degree from a college or university outside the U.S. must provide evidence of U.S. degree and course equivalency for both their bachelor's and master's degrees. Approved evaluation services include:

Academic Calendar & Application Deadlines
2024-2025 AYStart TermTerm DatesDeadline
24-25 Fall Block 1July 202407/15/24-9/22/24CLOSED
24-25 Fall Block 2September 202409/30/24-12/15/24CLOSED
24-25 Spring Block 1January 202501/06/25-03/16/25CLOSED
24-25 Spring Block 2March 202503/24/25-06/01/25February 24, 2025
2025-2026 AYStart TermTerm DatesDeadline
25-26 Fall Block 1July 202507/14/25-9/21/25June 14, 2025
25-26 Fall Block 2September 202509/28/25-12/14/25August 28, 2025
25-26 Spring Block 1January 202601/05/26-03/15/26December 5, 2025
25-26 Spring Block 2March 202603/23/26-05/31/26February 23, 2026

Build Your Future: Apply Now!

Take the next step in your career as a physician assistant, clinical officer or clinical associate — apply to join The College of Idaho’s online Doctor of Medical Science program.

ELEVATE YOUR CAREER IN PA