Why ODU for Medical & Health Professions Education?

Educating future health professionals requires not only subject matter expertise but also the ability to lead scholarly inquiry and contribute to educational research. ODU’s PhD in Medical & Health Professions Education is a research-based terminal degree that prepares individuals to pursue academic or research careers at the university level.

Students in this program explore topics such as:

  • The impact of AI and machine learning on anatomy curriculum development
  • Longitudinal studies on burnout, belonging, and resilience in health professions education
  • Theory-driven evaluation of microlearning effectiveness in clinical settings
  • Investigating how learner dispositions influence academic recovery and performance
  • Validating structured debriefing tools for clinical skills assessment

In addition to these focus areas, students choose a concentration in Contemporary Human Anatomy Education, Higher Education, or Simulation Education.

Whether you choose the standard program pace (3.5 to 4 year completion) or the extended program pace (4.5 to 5 years), you will be prepared to lead academic programs, conduct original research, and contribute to the advancement of health professions education with your PhD from a respected R1 research institution.

Want to explore the MPHE Ed.D. program instead?

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Program Information

Total
48 Credit Hours

Become an educator, leader and scholar. Earn your doctoral degree in Medical & Health Professions Education online. Our program can be completed in 48 credit hours. 

Courses include:

  • Contexts of Teaching and Learning
  • Applied Statistics
  • Advanced Research Methods

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

 

Additional Information

The program can be completed on a standard (3.5–4 years) or extended (4.5–5 years) timeline as part of an interprofessional learning community committed to ethical, community-oriented education.

By the time students complete coursework, they are fully prepared to continue on with their dissertation. Because dissertation work is unique, we offer students the choice, in consultation with their dissertation chairs, to enroll in the dissertation class at either 2, 4, or 6 credits. Students must complete a minimum of 6 dissertation credit hours.

Higher Education
Prepare to lead and evaluate health professions education programs through research, curriculum design, and academic leadership.
 

Contemporary Human Anatomy Education
Develop advanced skills in anatomy instruction, lab management, and modern teaching modalities for diverse academic settings.
 

Simulation Education
Train to lead simulation-based education and manage simulation centers using instructional, assessment, and operational best practices.

This online Medical & Health Professions Education (PhD) program is designed for professionals who are passionate about teaching, research, and leadership in health professions education. It is ideal for clinicians, faculty, instructional designers, and academic leaders seeking to advance their careers through doctoral study.

Applicants with prior teaching experience in medical or health professions education are especially encouraged to apply. Those interested in the Contemporary Human Anatomy Education concentration will benefit from experience in cadaver dissection and coursework in clinical gross anatomy, embryology, or histology.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Peggy E. Gesing, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
GesingME@odu.edu
757-446-0524

Robert K. Armstrong
Assistant Professor
Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning at EVMS: Professional Skills Center
armstrrk@odu.edu
757-446-7121

Amanda K. Burbage, Ph.D.(she/her)
Assistant Professor
Medical and Health Professions Education
burbagak@odu.edu
757.446.0598

Diane R. Holland, MPA, MHRM
Director, Training and Workforce Development
Community Health, Education, and Training
hollandr@odu.edu
757.446.6089

Kara A. Kelton
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
keltonka@odu.edu
757-446-0524

Laura R. Soulsby, PhD
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
soulsblr@evms.edu

Jennifer L. Styron, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning at EVMS: Professional Skills Center
styronjl@odu.edu
757-446-8457

Tiffany S. Wiggins, PhD
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
wiggints@evms.edu

Total
48 Credit Hours

Become an educator, leader and scholar. Earn your doctoral degree in Medical & Health Professions Education online. Our program can be completed in 48 credit hours. 

Courses include:

  • Contexts of Teaching and Learning
  • Applied Statistics
  • Advanced Research Methods

Explore Courses in the Graduate Catalog

 

Additional Information

The program can be completed on a standard (3.5–4 years) or extended (4.5–5 years) timeline as part of an interprofessional learning community committed to ethical, community-oriented education.

By the time students complete coursework, they are fully prepared to continue on with their dissertation. Because dissertation work is unique, we offer students the choice, in consultation with their dissertation chairs, to enroll in the dissertation class at either 2, 4, or 6 credits. Students must complete a minimum of 6 dissertation credit hours.

Higher Education
Prepare to lead and evaluate health professions education programs through research, curriculum design, and academic leadership.
 

Contemporary Human Anatomy Education
Develop advanced skills in anatomy instruction, lab management, and modern teaching modalities for diverse academic settings.
 

Simulation Education
Train to lead simulation-based education and manage simulation centers using instructional, assessment, and operational best practices.

This online Medical & Health Professions Education (PhD) program is designed for professionals who are passionate about teaching, research, and leadership in health professions education. It is ideal for clinicians, faculty, instructional designers, and academic leaders seeking to advance their careers through doctoral study.

Applicants with prior teaching experience in medical or health professions education are especially encouraged to apply. Those interested in the Contemporary Human Anatomy Education concentration will benefit from experience in cadaver dissection and coursework in clinical gross anatomy, embryology, or histology.

Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Peggy E. Gesing, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
GesingME@odu.edu
757-446-0524

Robert K. Armstrong
Assistant Professor
Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning at EVMS: Professional Skills Center
armstrrk@odu.edu
757-446-7121

Amanda K. Burbage, Ph.D.(she/her)
Assistant Professor
Medical and Health Professions Education
burbagak@odu.edu
757.446.0598

Diane R. Holland, MPA, MHRM
Director, Training and Workforce Development
Community Health, Education, and Training
hollandr@odu.edu
757.446.6089

Kara A. Kelton
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
keltonka@odu.edu
757-446-0524

Laura R. Soulsby, PhD
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
soulsblr@evms.edu

Jennifer L. Styron, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning at EVMS: Professional Skills Center
styronjl@odu.edu
757-446-8457

Tiffany S. Wiggins, PhD
Teacher
Medical and Health Professions Education, PhD or EdD
wiggints@evms.edu

Cost & Aid

Doctor and nurse collaborating in the hallway
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$486 per credit hour*
Out-of-State Students
$817 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore evms Tuition & Fees

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Medical & Health Professions Education

Our MHPE Ph.D. graduates are prepared to conduct original research, teach in academic settings, and lead scholarly initiatives in health professions education.

Career paths include:

  • Faculty or research director at medical and health sciences institutions
  • Academic program evaluator or curriculum specialist
  • Director of health professions education research
  • Principal investigator in medical education research
  • Consultant in educational assessment or faculty development
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
18.8%
Median Salary
$105,650
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
17.9%
Median Salary
$80,780
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Growth
2.9%
Median Salary
$102,610
Instructional Coordinators
Growth
1.8%
Median Salary
$74,620

Ready to Apply?

Applicants must have:

  • A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • One year of teaching experience in health professions or higher education (preferred)

Additional requirements for International applications include a course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts (WES or ECE preferred), TOEFL scores (if applicable), and translated transcripts if not originally in English.

Explore all admission requirements in the Graduate Catalog.

Apply by March 15 for early consideration. Applications will be reviewed until all spots are filled. Students seeking financial aid are encouraged to apply early.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

Apply Now
Request Info

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