Author:
Gillette Chris,Bodner Gayle B.,Bell Sisson Caroline Grey,Bates Nathan,DeTroye Alisha,Hussaini Sobia S.,Crandall Sonia
Abstract
Purpose
The physician assistant (PA) literature has focused on the implications of creating an entry-level doctoral degree; however, there is scant primary literature on postprofessional doctorates, which are becoming more popular as the number of institutions offering them increases. The purposes of this project were to: (1) describe interest and motivation of currently practicing PAs to enroll in a postprofessional doctorate program and (2) identify the most- and least-preferred attributes of a postprofessional doctorate program.
Methods
This was a quantitative cross-sectional survey of recent alumni from one institution. Measures included interest in obtaining a postprofessional doctorate, a nonrandomized Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) exercise, and motivators for enrolling in a postprofessional doctorate. The main outcome of interest was the BWS standardized score for each attribute.
Results
The research team received 172 eligible responses (n = 172, response rate = 25.83%). Results indicate that 47.67% of respondents (n = 82) expressed interest in a postprofessional doctorate. The most preferred doctorate program attribute was a clinically based program, ending with a residency, conferring a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, with a hybrid course delivery.
Discussion
This sample included various interests, motivations, and preferred program attributes. Understanding these factors may help inform the design and redesign of doctoral programs.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Subject
Medical Assisting and Transcription,Education