Review of Post Professional Doctoral Education for the Physician Assistant/Associate: Recommendations for Entry-level Curriculum

Abstract

The Physician Associate (PA) profession has undergone significant educational evolution, culminating in the emergence of PA-specific post-professional doctoral degree (PPDD) programs. Amid growing interest in transitioning to an entry-level doctoral degree (ELDD), this manuscript provides a comprehensive review of current PPDD curricula, analyzes thematic trends across programs, and proposes strategic curricular expansions for entry-level PA education. The analysis includes data from 33 PA PPDD programs, revealing consistent emphasis on scholarly writing, healthcare leadership, advocacy, and administrative competencies. Drawing on bridge program models and stakeholder initiatives including the American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates and the Physician Assistant Education Association Doctoral Commission, the manuscript recommends a 9–12 credit hour curricular augmentation, achievable within 1–3 months, to align master’s-level instruction with doctoral-level rigor. Suggested revisions to Accreditation Review Commission-PA standards aim to ensure curricular compliance and feasibility. The proposed model seeks to enhance the leadership, policy-making, and scholarly capacities of future PA graduates while preserving clinical excellence. These findings contribute to an evidence-informed dialogue around ELDD feasibility and offer actionable pathways for advancing PA education.