Michigan Health and Medical Doctorate Programs
With the advances in medicine and medical technology, Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine might help keep you abreast of current research and prepare you to practice your profession at its highest level. The complexities in the healthcare industry means that the skills necessary to work in it have also become more sophisticated. From audiologists, to pharmacists and advanced practice nurses, many professionals are encouraged to earn a PhD or Doctorate degree in their field, especially as their duties expand.
Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine: Essentials
Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine are available in a wide variety of programs, as healthcare is one of the fastest growing fields today. Some are doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs; these emphasize academic research. Others are clinical doctoral programs in various health fields. These focus on the skills and knowledge students need to excel in their profession (e.g. Doctor of Chiropractic D.C.)
From Undergrad to Graduate Student in Health and Medicine Fields
Not all Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine are created equal: Two paths commonly lead to a clinical doctoral degree: one for practicing professionals who may already have a master's degree, and another track for students just getting started in the field.
Someone coming out of college wanting a doctor of physical therapy degree, for instance, might enter the three-year program with any undergraduate major as long as he or she has completed some prerequisites. Also, there are some medical schools that offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that take around 6 to 7 years to complete.
In some instances, you really do need your undergrad degree to be in your chosen field. For instance, in the nursing profession, prospective students wanting to enter a doctor of nursing practice program as a recent
graduate need a bachelor's in nursing and an RN license. Pharmacy students must complete at least two years of targeted undergraduate coursework before beginning a four-year clinical doctoral program.
FUN FACT:
Some Pharm.D. schools admit high school graduates into a 6-year program.
Take-away? Look ahead and research the academic tracks necessary to practice your chosen career. If you are an undergraduate, your doctorate degree may seem far ahead, but you can still lay the foundation for it by taking appropriate courses ahead of time.
Which Fields in Health and Medicine Require Doctorate Degrees?
Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine are most widely used in the medical specialties and patient-centered fields or wherever advanced scientific research is used and conducted. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
Communication Science & Disorders Graduate Programs: Audiology: doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.).
Medical Specialties Graduate Programs:
- Chiropractic: Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
- Dentist: The degrees awarded are the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), and Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
- Medicine/Medical Doctors & Surgeons (plus internship, residency Medical Doctor (M.D.)
- Podiatry: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Veterinarian: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.)
- Osteopathy: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- Optometry: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
Nursing: APRN roles now require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D
Physical & Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs:
Pharmacology Graduate Programs: Pharmacists: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs:
- Biochemist/Biophysicist: PhD in Toxicology, Genetics, Bioinformatics
- Medical Scientist: PhD in Biology or life science and or M.D.
Healthcare Administration Graduate Programs: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)-Health Care Administration, Doctor or Healthcare Administration (DHA) depending on the role/setting
Weighing Your Options: On-Campus or Online Study
Not all Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine are available online, however distance-learning is becoming mainstream as educational technology advances. Essentially, online healthcare degrees appeal to the working professional. If they are delivered 100% online, it gives you the ability to study from wherever you are. If the delivery is partially online (hybrid) there are onsite requirements which means you benefit from the convenience of online study plus the social learning environment of the campus. Naturally, attending graduate school means that you benefit from hands-on learning in real-time, and access to the school’s facilities (think libraries and laboratories!). Best to evaluate your needs against the curriculum and format to make sure you align. In the end, you earn a “PhD” or “Doctor of”, the program format does not usually show in your transcript.
Accreditation for Programs and Institutions
According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation is a way to assess and ensure the quality of programs and institutions. Institutional accreditation focuses on things like standards in administration, resources, faculty and facilities. Specialized (programmatic) accreditation examines specific schools or programs within an educational institution.
There are different accrediting bodies for the various professions; The Council on Chiropractic Education accredited 15 Doctor of Chiropractic programs on 18 campuses in 2014. There were 130 Doctor of Pharmacy programs fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Since accreditation often goes hand in hand with licensing and many of the areas in healthcare and medicine are highly regulated and have differing licensing requirements by state, check within your field to see what is necessary in terms of accreditation, licenses, certifications and registrations.
Putting It Together: Finding a Medical Doctorate or Healthcare Degree
GrradSchools.com helps you navigate the spectrum of Doctoral Degrees in Health and Medicine by providing some really useful search tools. Here are some useful steps to get you closer to pinpointing the best option for your education.
Look through the subject selection. These are just categories, so for instance, Medical Specialties hosts:
- Alternative medicine
- Chiropractic
- Dental Medicine
- Medicine and Premed programs
- Optometry
- Physician Assistant
Once you have found the subject for your doctoral degree, choose your program format. If you select ‘campus’ you might want to select doctoral degree programs in your field by location; use the city, state or country tabs.
For some professions, pursuing a clinical doctorate degree is a requirement for practicing their profession. For others pursuing a research doctorate is a way to be able to potentially share their knowledge via teaching or researching. Whether you are looking for a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a Doctor of management-Healthcare Management Leadership (Executive Format), the possibilities in the field of Health and Medicine abound.
Sponsored Listings
- Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
Berrien Springs, MIAndrews University
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.
- Oakland University Rochester, MIRochester, MI
Oakland University
Doctor of Physical Therapy
This program prepares individuals for licensure and entry into the physical therapy profession.
- Rochester, MI
- Rochester, MIRochester, MI
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
These courses will transition an entry-level BSPT, MPT or MSPT physical therapist to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Rochester, MIRochester, MI
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences: Biological Communication
Biological communication refers to the mechanisms of production of and response to signals in biological systems.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Rochester, MIRochester, MI
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal degree for nurses in clinical practice.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Rochester, MIRochester, MI
Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy
The program is designed for physical therapists who received an entry-level degree in physical therapy...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Online
- OnlineOnline
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal degree for nurses in clinical practice.
Program: Online
Degree: Doctorate
- University of Michigan - Flint OnlineOnline
University of Michigan - Flint
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT)
This online, post-professional t-DPT program is offered for currently practicing physical therapists.
- Online
- OnlineOnline
Transitional Physical Therapy
The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program is offered for currently practicing physical therapists who are interested in augmenting their bachelor’s or master’s education to earn a DPT.
Program: Online
Degree: Doctorate
- OnlineOnline
Nursing (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides the skills necessary for advanced nursing practice in primary health care.
Program: Online
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MI
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Anesthesia (Entry-Level DNAP)
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Entry-Level Program at UM-Flint prepares you to become a registered nurse anesthetist capable of providing quality anesthesia care...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Physical Therapy/Master of Business Administration (Dual DPT/MBA)
The DPT/MBA program is for UM-Flint Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and graduates with an interest in Business/Healthcare Administration and/or private practice.
Program: Hybrid
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Nursing Practice/Business Administration (Dual DNP/MBA)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice/Master of Business Administration Program is for UM-Flint Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students and graduates with an interest in Business/Healthcare Administration.
Program: Hybrid
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Occupational Therapy
The University of Michigan-Flint is proud to have the first entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in the state of Michigan.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Physical Therapy (DPT)
The DPT program at UM-Flint employs a life-span approach and as a result you will be competent to treat persons of all ages.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Flint, MIFlint, MI
Physical Therapy (Ph.D.)
This program will prepare graduates to perform research and teach in their chosen area of Specialization/Advanced Practice.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
University of Detroit Mercy
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a terminal professional degree representing the highest level of clinical nursing competence.
- Detroit, MI
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
The goal of the program is to graduate dentists who have a foundation in the scientific and biologic basis of dentistry.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Online
- OnlineOnline
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a terminal professional degree representing the highest level of clinical nursing competence.
Program: Online
Degree: Doctorate
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Biomedical Sciences
Graduate students entering the Program in Biomedical Science (PIBS) at the University of Michigan are offered flexibility in the choice of any of the...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Medical Scientist Training Program
The University of Michigan Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is a dual degree MD-PhD program.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Health Behavior and Health Education
Multi-disiplinary program which focuses on social and behavioral factors associated with health status and behavior; and to develop programs to promote health, prevent disease, and manage chronic illness. Most students receive two-year training at the m...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Immunology
The Immunology Program is an interdepartmental, doctoral degree-granting program in Immunology.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Pharmacology
This program of study draws upon the broad research interests of the faculty in the Department of Pharmacology and thus provides students with a multi...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Kinesiology
Study of human movement with research in sport medicine, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and development, and sport management...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Our program offers graduate students an opportunity to do research in a broad range of sub-specialties, all leading to a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Scien...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Health Services Organization and Policy
The Doctoral Program in Health Services Organization and Policy is offered by the Department of Health Management and Policy in the University of Mich...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Pharmacy Administration
The focus of the program in social and administrative sciences is on assessing and improving the quality of medication use and pharmacy practice. The program helps students develop strong methodological skills and to understand the larger health care e...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Oral Health Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Health Sciences (OHS) is a program of the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies offered through the School of...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Medical Doctor
The University of Michigan Medical School has been recognized as a definitive site for state-of-the-art research activities, innovative medical educat...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Biostatistics
The Department of Biostatistics brings biostatistical expertise to a wide spectrum of health-related problems. It seeks to advance knowledge in biostatistics and health through educational programs for students in biostatistics and applied researchers.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Ann Arbor, MIAnn Arbor, MI
Industrial Hygiene
Industrial Hygiene (IH) is a health profession that applies knowledge and principles from the natural sciences, engineering, environmental health, statistics, psychology, and program management to the protection of workers and the public from chemical,...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIMount Pleasant, MI
Central Michigan University
Graduate Program - Speech-Language Pathology
An masters in Speech-Language Pathology focuses on preparing students to assess, diagnose and treat people with a variety of communication disorders.
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- Mount Pleasant, MIMount Pleasant, MI
Graduate Program - Physical Therapy
The professional graduate portion of the curriculum is 3 years in length.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- Wayne State University Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Wayne State University
Medical and Radiological Physics, Radiation Oncology and Radiology
Lecture and lab courses, supplemented by a clinical internship (for MS and PhD) and dissertation research (for PhD). Graduates should be ready to take Part I of the Board exam immediately, and Part II after suitable clinical experience.
- Detroit, MI
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Cancer Biology Graduate Program
Wayne State University School of Medicine offers a program of study leading to a PhD in Cancer Biology.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Medical Doctor (M.D.)
You will find that our excellent facilities, renowned faculty, and diverse patient population combine to make our medical school one that provides out...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MI
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Immunology and Microbiology
The department offers a diversified program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The Masterof Science degree is available under special circums...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBS)
Current biomedical research is characterized by its highly interdisciplinary nature. Ph.D.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Wayne State University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offers an exciting array of clinical, educational, and research opportunities. WSU is a comprehensive research university. The CSD department has 12 full-time faculty,...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Pharmaceutical Sciences
This graduate program provides contemporary graduate education in the Pharmaceutical Sciences including Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Pharmaceutics for students interested in research careers in a range of academic, industrial an...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Pharmacology
The Department of Pharmacology offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree and tothe Doctor of Philosophy degree. In general, it is not recommended that students elect to register fora master's degree program, except under unusual circumstan...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Cellular and Molecular Pathobiology
The Department of Pathology offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in cellular and molecular pathobiology.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Psychiatry
The teaching program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences provides themedical student with an awareness of psychiatric problems as they are experienced in the practiceof medicine, regardless of whether the student plans a general...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MI
- Detroit, MIDetroit, MI
Molucular and Cellular Toxicology
Wayne State University offers a research intensive graduate program leadingto a Ph.D. degree in Molecular and Cellular Toxicology through the Institut...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- Detroit, MI
- Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIBig Rapids, MI
Ferris State University
Pharmacy
The track-in Pharm.D. program requires that the prospective candidate be admitted to the B.S. program, choose the accelerated curriculum, and make app...
- Big Rapids, MI
- Big Rapids, MI
- Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MIGrand Rapids, MI
Grand Valley State University
Nursing - DNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice.
- Madonna University Livonia, MILivonia, MI
Madonna University
Nursing
The graduate nursing program at Madonna University prepares nurses for a variety of roles. Adult Nurse Practitioner specialty prepares the advanced practice nurse to diagnose and manage primary health needs of adults, especially those of the vulnerab...
- Andrews University Berrien Springs, MIBerrien Springs, MI
Andrews University
Physical Therapy
Christian Oriented Physical Therapy Education...
- Michigan State University East Lansing, MIEast Lansing, MI
Michigan State University
Graduate program in Audiology and Speech Sciences
The master's degree program in speech-language pathology and audiology provides academic and practicum experiences for students preparing for professional careers as speech-language pathologists or audiologists in settings such as schools, clinics, hosp...
- East Lansing, MI
- East Lansing, MIEast Lansing, MI
Kinesiology
The Department of Kinesiology offers: (a) undergraduate programs in athletic training, exercise science, and physical education/teacher education; (b) master's degree concentrations in adapted physical activity, athletic training, biomechanics, coaching...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- East Lansing, MI
- East Lansing, MIEast Lansing, MI
Osteopathic Medicine
As the first state-assisted and university-based osteopathic school, and as the first new osteopathic college in 50 years, MSUCOM broke new ground.
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate
- East Lansing, MI
- East Lansing, MIEast Lansing, MI
Ph.D. Program in Environmental Toxicology
Multidisciplinary Program in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences. Students complete Ph.D. requirements in a selected department and also complete environmental toxicology requirements and receive a joint degree eg. Cell and Molecular Bi...
Program: Campus
Degree: Doctorate