online DHSc, NO Dissertation or Capstone, EVMS?

[sanantone]

Interesting that Northeastern has a DMSc for non-PAs. I am certain most people who see the DMSc on a resume will assume the person is a PA, as I do. The DNP, DMSc, and DHA are basically focused on leadership in the healthcare sector and fall under the category of doctorates, which are a nice feather in the cap but nonessential to practice. That is why I mentioned the Ed.D at ACE. At least it has more excellent utility.

I will say that the DNP is now an entry to practice doctorate as a nurse practitioner degree for many NP programs. There are still master NP programs out there, but many are changing to the DNP.  The PA and NP are well-trained at the master's level. Still, universities have found an opportunity for a "money grab" by unnecessarily adding the doctorate, which is nothing more than a master's on steroids that costs twice as much. I am happy with my DHA from VUL but will consider a "real" doctorate like an Ed. D or PhD if I pursue further education. The added effort of pursuing a PhD or EdD far outweighs the utility of any DHSc, DMSc, DHA, DrPH, or DNP from an RA or NA school, especially if you are in the healthcare sector.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8120902/

The EdD, DBA, DHA, DHSc, and DrPH are all applied doctorates. I believe the DSc is the only doctorate that is intended to be the equivalent of a PhD, but Middle Georgia State University's DSc programs are not equivalent to a PhD based on the requirements. While some EdD programs require a dissertation, there are also EdD programs that require a capstone or some other culminating experience. 

ACE doesn't really carry a stigma, I guess, because it's unknown. But, for utility in higher education, I'd rather have a degree from a traditional state or non-profit university.

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I was shocked that they started having financial problems after they started offering the cash cow DHA program. I would have thought that had made them more financially secure. Some former and current VUL employees have accused the president of stealing funds and engaging in nepotism. Aside from VUL not being regionally accredited, I wouldn't consider them an option until they remove the president. The school might never be stable until they replace the leadership.

I agree with both of you, however VUL is currently 10,000 cheaper than OK State. Despite being RA and reasonably priced, unfortunately I feel that will mean that unknowing students will continue to pick the cheaper program.

incorrect, if you transfer 30 credits from a healthcare related masters degree cost is about 17k for the remaining 32 credits plus it is regionally accredited.

Isn't the VUL program also more expensive if you don't have two master's degrees, or did they adjust the requirements?

Look, as a healthcare provider, if you are interested in management or "leadership," the MBA is still king! If you are interested in teaching, the PhD or EdD is king. If you want a career in research, the PhD or perhaps the DSc is the right track for you. If you just wish post-nominals, then take a pick because these degrees really don't have "utility" as you may think in the healthcare sector. For example, I will not make any more money or get promoted with the DNP or DMSc, but with an MBA...yes! Example 2: I want to get into research, the PhD will get you the job. Example 3: I want to teach in a tenured faculty university. The EdD of PhD greatly increases your chances. The verdict is still out for a PA with a DMSc getting full tenure but I know PAs with PhD that get tenured. What I am saying is, "what are your goals?"

I haven't seen any bias against a DrPH or DHA for tenure-track positions; they just aren't as numerous as PhD and EdD programs. Considering that EdD programs rarely have a lot of relevant healthcare courses in the curriculum, I can't think of a reason why any public health or healthcare administration/management program would prefer the EdD over a DHA or DrPH. Outside of teaching in education degree programs, the EdD is the generic degree people get when doctorates are rare in their field. 

At most 4-year colleges and universities, even if they're not research-focused, a tenure-track professor is expected to publish. I don't think an EdD program is well-suited for preparing a person for advanced research or teaching in health and medicine.