Understanding Physician Assistant Programs Across Canada
Welcome! This page provides a high-level overview and summary points regarding the accredited Physician Assistant (PA) programs currently offered in Canada. Understanding each program’s unique focus and specific admission requirements is crucial.
All accredited programs allow graduates to write the PACCC Exam. Once successful in the PACCC, you receive the title of Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) and can practice anywhere in Canada.
IMPORTANT: The application requirements for all schools change constantly. Always check the official program websites for precise definitions, calculation methods, and requirements in each category.
Consortium of PA Education
Bachelor of Physician Assistant (BScPA)
Minimum Education
At least 10 full-year undergraduate courses (or equivalent) completed with grades before the application deadline
GPA Guideline
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 OMSAS scale (using all completed undergrad studies)
Prerequisites
No required courses, but preference may be given for 1 full course equivalent each in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology (university level)
Healthcare Experience
Minimum of 350 hours required (various forms accepted; preference noted for recent, direct patient care, paid roles)
Supplementals
Requires a Supplementary Application (includes essays) and one Applicant Reference Form. Uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Application via OUAC
Official Admissions Link
Official PageMcMaster University
Bachelor of Physician Assistant (BScPA)
Minimum Education
At least 2 years of undergraduate university study (10 full courses/20 half courses)
GPA Guideline
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 OMSAS scale required for consideration; competitive GPA is typically much higher
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite.
Healthcare Experience
Work and/or volunteer experience is not required.
Supplementals
Requires completion of a Supplementary Application (potentially via Kira Talent) and uses online Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Application via OUAC.
Official Admissions Link
Official PageUniversity of Manitoba
Masterof Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Minimum Education
Requires a completed 4-year Bachelor’s degree (can apply in final year).
GPA Guideline
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (Manitoba scale) in the last 60 credit hours; competitive GPA is typically 3.5 or higher.
Prerequisites
Requires specific undergraduate courses (min 3 credit hours each, minimum grade may apply – check official site) in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Biochemistry. Microbiology and Psychology are assets.
Healthcare Experience
Work and/or volunteer experience is not required but an asset.
Supplementals
Requires the CASPer test (TakeAltus). Also requires a Statement of Intent, CV, and 2 Letters of Recommendation
Official Admissions Link
Official PageUniversity of Saskatchewan
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Minimum Education
Requires a completed 4-year Bachelor’s degree (can apply in final year).
GPA Guideline
cumulative weighted average of Minimum of 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units).
Prerequisites
Completion of 3 credit units in each of the following areas, with a minimum grade of 75%:
Indigenous Studies, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology.
Additional coursework in the following areas is highly recommended, but not required: biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, psychology, statistics
Healthcare Experience
Work and/or volunteer experience is not required but an asset.
Supplementals
Supplemental written and video assessment. Multiple Mini Interviews conducted by diverse panel.
Official Admissions Link
Official PageDalhousie University
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Minimum Education
Completed 4-year undergraduate degree (90-120 credits).
GPA Guideline
Min. 3.0 (4.0 scale) or ‘B’ average in last 60 credit hours.
Prerequisites
Requires undergraduate Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Physiology.
Healthcare Experience
Work and/or volunteer experience is not required.
Supplementals
CASPer, Short-Answer Questionnaire/Supplemental and MMI
Official Admissions Link
Official PageUniversity of Calgary
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Minimum Education
Completed 4-year Bachelor’s degree (can apply in final year).
GPA Guideline
Min. 3.20 (UCalgary 4.0 scale) based on last 2 years / 60 units
Prerequisites
Requires Human Anatomy (3 units) & Human Physiology (3 units) with min grade ‘B’/3.0. Also requires completion of an Indigenous Education Requirement before program start (check official site for options).
Healthcare Experience
Work and/or volunteer experience is not required.
Supplementals
Requires CASPer test. Requires Personal Statement (500 words), 2 References. Uses online interviews.