Rosalind Franklin University Announces Doctor of Medical Science Degree

New DMS Degree Elevates Physician Assistant Roles in Clinical Practice and Leadership

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, home to one of the top physician assistant (PA) programs in the U.S., announces a new degree program — the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) — designed to expand professional opportunities for practicing PAs.

PAs are licensed medical professionals who enter the field with a master's degree. Highly collaborative, they work across healthcare teams, settings and medical specialties and often serve as primary care providers.

"Our doctor of medical science degree is an opportunity for advanced practice providers who want to help shape the future of their profession, improve health equity and access, and transform the delivery of care," said College of Health Professions Dean Lisa Dutton, PT, MS '93, PhD. "It builds on the strengths of our top-rated Physician Assistant Practice program and our institution, which is at the forefront of interprofessional education and collaborative practice."

One of the fastest growing professions in the United States, PAs have proven to create access to care, and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Employment of PAs is projected to grow 28% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The all-online DMS program, recently approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, will help PAs advance their knowledge through small classes and supportive, flexible learning. They will be prepared to take on greater responsibility as the profession continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of patients, communities and healthcare systems.

DMS students will develop leadership and administrative skills in growth areas both within and beyond clinical practice, including personalized medicine, technology-driven care and targeted prevention through lifestyle medicine and nutrition. Areas of concentration include lifestyle medicine, nutrition, leadership and health administration or health professions education.

Program highlights include:

• 100% online, fully-remote self-paced learning. No need to attend synchronous classes
• Core courses and a practicum series with a capstone project
• Interprofessional learning with and from students practicing in other clinical fields.
• Practical instruction from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields
• Degree completion in one to two years
• Four options for program entry per year
• Small classes, offering ample opportunity to be seen and heard and to interact with faculty
• 15% discount available for eligible alumni

"RFU is educating healthcare professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical expertise and system-level change," said RFU incoming Interim Provost James Carlson, PhD, PA-C. "We're equipping them with the advanced knowledge they need to improve health care through leadership, research and evidence-based practice."

About Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

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SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science