Doctorally trained PAs employed in clinical practice must possess the knowledge and skills to practice in various situations and provide care tailored to patients’ needs. They may also be called on to effectively teach future PAs and manage healthcare delivery organizations. To complete the DMSc program, students must demonstrate proficiency in the competencies outlined below.

• Observation: Students must possess adequate sensory capacity and have access to the internet to effectively engage with an electronic, cloud-based, asynchronous educational environment.
• Communication: Students need to communicate proficiently in oral and written English and demonstrate sufficient reading skills to meet curricular requirements.
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: Students must show skills in measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem-solving requires the ability to interpret dimensional and other relationships and incorporate new information from various sources, including peers and medical literature.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes: Essential qualities for doctoral PA success include compassion, integrity, ethical standards, interpersonal skills, and motivation. DMSc candidates should demonstrate maturity, emotional stability, a commitment to learning, and sound judgment when interacting professionally and respectfully with others. They must manage multiple priorities, function under stress, and adapt to changing environments. Successful candidates contribute to collaborative learning, accept feedback, and take responsibility for personal growth.
• MBKU Student Disabilities Services: Individuals with disabilities, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, are qualified to study and work as health care professionals with the use of reasonable accommodations. To qualify for health sciences programs at MBKU, applicants must meet both academic and technical standards, which may include accommodations. For more information or to request accommodations, contact the Student Disability Services at studentdisabilityservices@ketchum.edu.

Student Work Policy: Students are not permitted to serve as faculty or staff unless authorized by the Program Director. Students with specific prior knowledge, experiences, or skills may assist faculty in select sessions to share their expertise. While the program accommodates students working part-time or full-time, DMSc candidates must manage their time effectively to engage in instructional activities and meet educational requirements.