Shenandoah University is committed to meeting the needs of practicing clinicians and performing arts educators who seek advanced education in the emerging practice area of performing arts medicine. The foundation of Shenandoah University’s mission states that the university distinguishes itself by providing opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills in a collaborative, personalized environment that intertwines professional and liberal learning. This masters certificate program embodies collaboration between various health professionals with the common goal of developing teaching practices, healthcare prevention, assessment and treatment strategies that will enhance, and potentially prolong, the career of a performing artist.

Mission of the Performing Arts Medicine Master’s Certificate Program

The mission of the performing arts medicine master’s certificate program is to educate health care professionals on the prevention, assessment and management of injuries and disorders specific to dancers, theatre artists and musicians along with promoting clinical research to determine best practices.

PAM Master’s Certificate Requirements

This 15-credit curriculum requires online/hybrid and on-campus seminars across two years. Retention in the PAM program is dependent upon successful matriculation and/or completion of a health professional program. In order to be retained in the curriculum, all courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher and a minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained at the time of program completion. All coursework must be successfully completed within four years of the start date of the program. If a student earns a failing grade, the student will have one additional year to retake the course (at the current credit rate as set forth by the university at that time) during the next regularly scheduled course offering. In the event the student is not successful upon the second course attempt, the student will be dismissed from the PAM graduate certificate program. All students are eligible to reapply for admission to the program at the next enrollment period. No exceptions to this policy will be considered.

Admission Requirements 

Application materials are reviewed as they are received. Applicants must meet and submit the following:

This program is open to the following health care professionals that would have a role in treating performing artists:

1. Medical doctors
2. Physical Therapists*
3. Certified Athletic Trainers*
4. Occupational Therapists*
5. Podiatrists
6. Chiropractors
7. Physician Assistants*
8. Nurse Practitioners*

*Current Shenandoah University enrollees and applicants from articulated programs within these health professions programs may apply to this program for study in addition to their entry-level curriculum. These students must submit a letter requesting admission into the program to the Performing Arts Medicine program director by the designated deadline and they must also have a letter of support for this endeavor from their respective dean/ program director. These students must be in good academic standing from their entry-level program in order to be considered.

All Applying Students from outside of Shenandoah University must submit:

1. A completed Shenandoah University graduate application for admission including the $30 application fee.
2. All official higher education transcripts.
3. A photocopy of your most current US/state license to practice medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, podiatry, chiropractic medicine, physician assistant, nurse practitioner.
4. Foreign-educated students must submit above information as well as verification of license/credential to practice in their respective health profession.
5. Completed program information form.

Additional Program Requirements

1. This program is offered as a hybrid of online learning coupled with three mandatory onsite seminar weekends (Friday through Sunday sessions) that will occur Fall year one, Spring year one and Spring year two.
2. In order to complete PAM 708 , the student will be required to find approved locations for clinical internship hours with a performing arts population. Hours can be acquired at Shenandoah University.
3. Students need to have updated software/hardware that is Mac compatible as online lectures use Powerpoint and Keynote.