The Clinical Medicine Major within the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) degree program, established in 2016, provides Physician Assistants (PAs) with advanced, comprehensive training in clinical medicine. This major integrates foundational elements of systems-based medicine to deliver a broad-based and flexible curriculum tailored to diverse clinical interests. In addition to rigorous clinical content, all DMS students in the Clinical Medicine major participate in a longitudinal leadership curriculum designed to strengthen communication, team dynamics, and high-level decision-making skills essential for clinical excellence and organizational leadership.
The DMS curriculum is designed to deepen the PA’s medical understanding through collaborative scenarios, case-based learning, problem-solving, and diagnostic exercises.
The DMS Clinical Medicine curriculum is designed with efficiency and value in mind, offering high-quality resources while minimizing out-of-pocket costs. Aligned with this approach, the curriculum includes access to a range of robust academic and clinical tools, enabling students to earn all required CME for NCCPA certification maintenance while enrolled in the program.
All our clinical courses, carefully crafted and refined since 2016, are led by board-certified physicians who bring years of practical experience to their teaching. Integrated within the nine core modules, students also benefit from focused content in radiology, anatomy, and pharmacology, ensuring a well-rounded mastery of clinical medicine.
Nine Core Modules:
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS): We also offer 45 hours of unparalleled hands-on ultrasound training and advanced imaging, led by a board-certified radiologist, within the Medical Conference I course. The training can be completed on campus in Harrogate, TN, or virtually.
The DMS Clinical Medicine major offers a structured, yet flexible curriculum designed to support working clinicians. While a recommended course plan guides students through each semester, the program allows for individualized pacing to accommodate professional and personal responsibilities. Whether full-time or part-time, students can expect a rigorous academic experience grounded in clinical relevance, leadership development, and scholarly growth, all tailored to meet their unique goals and schedules.
A sample curriculum plan is included below:
