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Discount overview PA military roots Leadership shaped by service Hear from alumni Beyond the classroom Doctor of Medical Science Veteran Benefits Military tuition assistanceTake your PA experience further
A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) offers a 20% tuition discount to eligible active-duty military members and veterans from the U.S., Canada, or UK/Ireland who are interested in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program.
Designed exclusively for practicing and retired physician assistants, the online DMSc program provides a flexible way to advance your education while continuing your career. Choose from multiple concentration tracks, including education and leadership, and gain the skills and expertise to expand your role, lead with unique insight, and improve the delivery of healthcare.
Military members and veterans may also have access to additional veteran benefits and military tuition assistance that may help support the cost of their education.
The military roots of the PA profession
The physician assistant profession has a long history intertwined with the military. The first PA program was modeled after the fast-tracked medical training of physicians during World War II, and the first class of PAs included four Navy Hospital Corpsmen who participated in medical training during their military service.
Today, military PAs continue to serve in a variety of roles while pursuing opportunities to advance their education and careers. Depending on the branch, military PAs may have access to education loan repayment, financial assistance, residency programs, scholarships, and continuing education opportunities.
PAs in the Air Force
The military physician assistant program was first developed by the United States Air Force in 1971 under the direction of the Air Force Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Alonzo Towner. By 1978, the Air Force had 275 commissioned officers who were physician assistants.
PAs in the Army
In 1971, the United States Army established the Medical Field Services School PA Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, marking the beginning of its physician assistant program. The U.S. Army offers education loan repayment programs, residency programs, and continuing education opportunities to support continued career growth and development as a PA.
PAs in the Navy
The Navy implemented its physician assistant program in 1971 as a trial program. The following year, the Navy and Air Force began educating PAs at Sheppard Air Force Base, and by 1973, the Navy and George Washington University had developed a partnership to train PAs.
The Navy offers scholarships, financial assistance, and continuing education programs. Students can complete their education with little or no debt, develop leadership skills, further distinguish their careers, enhance their credentials, and expand their expertise.
Graduate students
Through the Navy Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of their graduate education. Benefits may include:
- A monthly military salary in excess of $2,200 for up to 24 months
- 100% tuition assistance
- A housing allowance
- A comprehensive healthcare benefits package
Note: The Navy HSCP housing allowance is based on the location of the graduate school. Higher allowance amounts may be available in areas with a higher cost of living.
PAs in the Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard has not developed its own PA program but has been accepting PAs from the civilian sector since 1974.
Leadership shaped by service
Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, began his healthcare career as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Air Force in 1970. He served 28 years with the Air Force and Army National Guard, retiring in 1998 as a Desert Storm veteran with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Danielsen graduated from the University of Utah MEDEX PA Program in 1974 and went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with an emphasis on medical education. His career has included clinical practice, PA education, authorship, and editing.
Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA
DMSc Program Director and Professor
Read Faculty Feature
Among the first PAs to receive NCCPA certification in 1975, Dr. Danielsen has been clinically active for more than three decades. His military service and advocacy for veteran PAs have remained an important part of his career.
Hear from military PAs
Learn how military experience shaped the journeys of DMSc graduates and how ATSU’s program helped them take the next step in their careers.
Gregory Mangione, DMSc ’21, PA-C, USAF (Ret.)
DMSc Alumnus
“I committed to the Doctor of Medical Science program at ATSU for two reasons: I wanted to continue my career in PA education and felt it was important to earn a terminal degree, and the program was specifically designed for working PAs. After retiring from the Air Force after 21 years of active-duty service, this provided a great opportunity for me. I am blessed to have been trained in the military and to have finally earned a doctoral degree.”
– Gregory Mangione, DMSc (’21), PA-C, USAF (Ret.)
“I chose ATSU’s Doctor of Medical Science program for its practical, real-world curriculum that I could immediately apply to my practice. As a veteran, I also benefited from the 20% tuition discount. I highly recommend this program to PAs in both military and civilian sectors who want to advance in leadership, education, or their clinical field. The independent, asynchronous format and supportive instructors made it a rewarding experience.”
– Rebecca Loomis, DMSc ’23
Rebecca Loomis, DMSc ’23
DMSc Alumnus
Support beyond the classroom
Designed and developed by Student Life, the Military and Veteran Room was created to show appreciation for A.T. Still University’s military community. Students, faculty, and staff can use the space for studying or relaxation, with access to military email and documents without leaving campus.
Resources:
Military and Veteran Room
A.T. Still Memorial Library
Take the next step in your PA career
The online Doctor of Medical Science program gives practicing and retired PAs the flexibility to advance their education while continuing their professional careers.
Explore the DMSc program