The History and Development of Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Programs in the United States - Past, Present, and Future PART II – Present – Comparing DHSc programs

Authors

Helen Ewing, MCPHS UniversityFollow
Richard Davis, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Randy D. Danielsen, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Eric Sauers, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Robin ReesalFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This three-part article series will advance the understanding of the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs in the United States. Method: Part I discussed relevant historical information about Higher Education and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to reach this goal. It described the transition of PhD philosophies to professional doctorates by following the historical postgraduate program paths in Education, Nursing, and Public Health. There was a brief discussion about the rapid growth of professional doctorates. Part I ended by identifying the origins of DHSc programs in the United States. Part II looks at the evolutionary stages of professional doctorates and DHSc programs. This section compares the DHSc degree to a PhD degree and examines the recent state of DHSc programs. Part III discusses present and future trends among DHSc programs in the United States. It focuses on workplace expectations of doctorate graduates, changing learner demographics and needs, essential curriculum designs for students, competency-based learning and assessment for future learners, the design of culminating projects critical for prospective DHSc learners, and the importance of third-generation style DHSc programs.

Conclusion: These are the first papers that record the origins, development, current state, and trends of DHSc programs in the United States.

Author Bio(s)

Helen Ewing, DHSc, MN, RN, is the Senior Director of Program and Education at Seed Global Health. She is an adjunct faculty with Nova Southeastern University, MCPHS University, and A.T. Still University and teaches in doctorate programs.

Richard E. Davis, EdD, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, is retired from the positions of Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing (Dean Emeritus) and Vice President for the Regional Campus System at Nova Southeastern University.

Danielsen, PhD, DHL(h), PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, is the director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at A.T. Still University. His accomplishments include being a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor.

Eric L. Sauers, PhD, is an innovative leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education administration and non-profit association leadership. Currently, he is a tenured Full Professor and Dean of the College for Healthy Communities (CHC) at A.T. Still University in Santa Maria, California.

Robin Reesal, MD, DABPN, FRCPC, is a retired Clinical Associate Professor who has taught healthcare professionals at many levels of training at several Universities in North America and Internationally. He has written over a hundred articles for academic and non-academic publications. He is now a medical researcher and writer.

Recommended Citation

Ewing H, Davis R, Danielsen RD, Sauers E, Reesal R. The History and Development of Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Programs in the United States - Past, Present, and Future PART II – Present – Comparing DHSc programs. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Oct 04;22(4), Article 2.