Program: Doctor of Medical Science-Bridge Program - Butler University

Apr 05, 2025

Butler University Bulletin 2024-2025

The DMS Bridge Program provides an avenue for those interested in expanding their understanding of issues of clinical practice, developing leadership skills, and achieving the end point of earning a Doctor of Medical Science degree. The DMS Bridge Program differs from the standard DMS Program by focusing on developing targeted research skills for clinically focused PAs. The DMS Bridge Program is designed as a professional, doctoral degree developed exclusively for PAs who have graduated within the past 6 months from an ARC-PA accredited, entry-level program.

Program Goals

Build on an intensive, entry-level, curriculum to ensure PAs meet the changing demands of the healthcare environment
Provide a rigorous, professional doctorate curriculum that focuses on a greater understanding of medicine, research, and leadership skills for PAs
Demonstrate application of knowledge by producing targeted clinical research
Create opportunities for developing enhanced decision-making skills and upward mobility in the workplace

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Medical Science–Bridge program will be able to:

Identify and implement systems for patient and provider satisfaction
Demonstrate leadership skills, including decision making, problem solving, communication, and corrective strategies that promote patient safety
Perform and interpret results from descriptive and inferential statistical analyses
Design a targeted research study to address a research question

Admission

Application to the Bridge Program is limited to NCCPA-certified PAs who must have graduated within the past 6 months from an ARCPA accredited entry-level physician assistant program.

Students enrolled at an ARCPA accredited programs may initiate the admission process once matriculated into an entry-level PA program. Admitted students must earn certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants prior to matriculating into the 700 level courses of the program.

Applicants must be able to meet University technology requirements during the entirety of the doctoral program. Students will need access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Strong computer skills and/or the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology is necessary for success.

Curriculum

The DMS Bridge Program incorporates 36-credit hours already completed during supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE) from your entry-level master’s degree program.

The previously earned SCPEs are combined with 14-credit hours of online, 700-level Bridge courses.

DMSBR 778 - Issues in Clinical Practice Min Units: 3
DMSBR 780 - Biostatistics Min Units: 3
DMSBR 782 - Research Design Min Units: 3
DMSBR 784 - Capstone Project Min Units: 5
During the initial seven-week DMS Bridge courses, the student is encouraged to not work due to the intensive, full-time nature of the program. Students must be available for synchronous and asynchronous online course components. The initial seven-week courses are followed by a semester long Capstone Project.

The Program’s Capstone Project is firmly grounded in biostatistics and research design and can be taken on a part time basis. It is a full semester in length. It is anticipated that the typical student will complete their Capstone Project in one semester. If the Capstone Project is not completed at the end of the term, students will be required to enroll in a Capstone Continuation Course (DMSBR 786 - 3 credit hours) to maintain active enrollment with the program. The Capstone must be completed within one year of starting the project or permission will be required to continue. During the semester-long Capstone Project, students may choose to work clinically.