Help me understand

[GS112]

Perhaps I'm still behind the times, but why would practicing PAs require a doctorate? Is it to compete with DNP? For DMSc programs to make money? To be paid more? Because a Master's degree is no longer respected or acceptable? Will PA degrees soon become doctorates rather than master's?

I can understand getting a doctorate if you are in education, administration, etc. But what good is a DMSc if it is only 12 months and does not specifically boost your skill set as a provider, educator, etc.? Furthermore, why not get a PhD or EdD if you're pursuing PA education or administration? These 27+month doctorates are tried, true, and respected worldwide.

I want PAs to succeed and to be given every opportunity earned, but please enlighten me. I'm a little skeptical right now.

Thank you in advance!

[DiggySRNA]

The credit hours PAs obtain during their Masters education is beyond appropriate to be awarded a doctorate instead. I'm still confused why these Universities/Colleges only give a MS...

In sum...it's degree creep and an attempt to level the playing field with DNPs. At this time, PAs do not require a doctorate to practice.

[Hope2PA]

Some of the DMSc/DMS programs actually do increase clinical knowledge. I've heard of PAs who work a lot remotely or rurally and it has helped them clinically. Some for the potential to move into academics or administration. If you work for the government, it is an automatic boost in salary, as it is in some private or hospital systems, not all. As it is, NPs are pushing for DNP as base, and they already advertise that their MS degree is better than PA MS. In reality their DNP has less requirements than PA masters. However it's all about perception and if people are told many times Thant practitioner is better than assistant, they believe that. Just look at legislation when PAs try to increase scope to compete and get shut down because they are assistants. 

[mooredc]

Mine was purely personal. I did Butler's DMS program and loved the curriculum. I thought the EBM core content was really well done. While I wouldn't say I learned any "new medicine" from the program, I am significantly more confident in my ability to interpret and apply new research to practice. 

At the end of the day I knew that my DMS wasn't to expand my scope, get a raise or compete with the DNP. For me it was a personal goal.