Southwestern Gains Approval to Open First Kansas-Based Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Program

Innovative Doctoral Program Offers Two Specialized Tracks to Advance Physician Associate Leadership and Excellence

In an exciting development for healthcare education in the Midwest, Southwestern College proudly announces the launch of the first Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program based in Kansas. The program is specifically designed for practicing Physician Associates (PAs) seeking to elevate their clinical expertise, leadership capabilities, and educational impact.

This pioneering post-professional doctoral program marks a significant milestone for Kansas, positioning the state at the forefront of advanced PA education. The DMSc program addresses the growing demand for doctoral-prepared PAs who can lead healthcare innovation, shape policy, advance clinical practice, and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.

[PHOTO: Dr. Liz Frombgen, President] "This is truly a historic moment for Kansas and for the PA profession in our region," said Dr. Elizabeth Frombgen, Southwestern College President. "As the first DMSc program in Kansas, we are not just offering a degree – we are creating a hub for PA excellence and innovation. Our graduates will be uniquely positioned to address the complex healthcare challenges facing our communities, from rural health disparities to healthcare system transformation. This program represents our commitment to elevating the PA profession and improving patient outcomes across Kansas and beyond."

The College received final approval to fully launch the program from the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission on January 12. The application to enroll is now open for prospective students. The program will fill a first cohort to begin the 36-credit-hour program in August of 2026. 

The program offers two distinct tracks, each tailored to meet specific professional goals:

1. Clinical Leadership Track: Designed for PAs who aspire to leadership roles in healthcare systems, this track emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making, healthcare administration, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. Graduates will be prepared to serve as chief medical officers, clinical directors, department chairs, and healthcare system executives.

2. Education Track: Perfect for PAs passionate about shaping future healthcare professionals, this track focuses on curriculum development, educational leadership, instructional methodology, and academic scholarship. Graduates will be equipped to serve as PA program directors, clinical coordinators, faculty members, and educational innovators.

“What makes this DMSc program particularly exciting and attractive to PAs is its innovative approach to doctoral education,” adds Frombgen.

Key program features include:

• Fully online, asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals
• Dedicated doctoral-trained PA mentors providing personalized guidance
• Small cohort to enable close connections with students and faculty
• Case-based curriculum incorporating real-world issues in healthcare administration and education
• Capstone project that will be tailored to your future career aspirations

“The curriculum has been designed to integrate evidence-based practice, implementation science, case-based learning, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to lead meaningful change in healthcare delivery. The program's flexible online format allows working professionals to advance their education without interrupting their clinical practice, while maintaining rigorous academic standards and personalized mentorship,” said Frombgen. 

The establishment of Kansas's first DMSc program addresses a critical need in the state's healthcare landscape. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 28% growth in PA employment through 2033 and increasing demand for doctoral-prepared PAs in leadership and education roles, this program positions Kansas as a leader in advanced PA education in the Midwest.

[PHOTO: Chandra Lynch] “Advancement of the the DMSc program will provide a natural progression for our own future students, as we are working to fully launch a Physician Associate program in Winfield,” said Chandra Lynch, MSHS, MBA, PA-C, director of Southwestern’s prospective PA program.

The College has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Associate (ARC-PA) and anticipates matriculating its first class, a cohort of up to 40, in January 2027, pending the achievement of “Accreditation – Provisional” status at the June 2026 ARC-PA Commission meeting. In preparation, the college has begun significant renovations at the 800 Main Place Building where the PA program will eventually be housed. 

“Once PA is launched, the DMSc program will be a natural next step in advancement for our own Southwestern PA program graduates,” added Lynch. 

Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural DMSc cohort beginning August 26, 2026. The program welcomes NCCPA-certified PAs with master's degrees from ARC-PA accredited programs who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey.

About the DMSc Program

The Doctor of Medical Science degree at Southwestern College is a 36-credit-hour post-professional doctoral program designed exclusively for Physician Associates. The program can be completed in 12-24 months while maintaining full-time clinical practice. For more information about admission requirements, curriculum details, and application deadlines, visit www.sckans.edu/dmsc to learn more. 

About the Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at www.sckans.edu.