According to the 2022 salary report from the American Academy of Physician Associates, one in three PAs currently holds a leadership position, primarily as PAs or lead advanced practice providers, directors, managers, or chiefs.
However, only a small fraction (4.5%) serve at the executive or vice-president level. Enhancing leadership capacity within the profession is crucial for shared governance and advancement. While one in five PAs in administration report having received formal leadership training, there's a recognized need for more comprehensive leadership development, as indicated in the strategic plans of both the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Physician Assistant Education Association. Nonetheless, formal leadership training remains limited in traditional master's PA programs.
The DMSc aims to prepare master’s prepared graduates from accredited US PA programs to serve as preceptors, team leaders, and administrators in inpatient, outpatient, community, and educational settings.