PA Education Programs

The following are the minimal entrance standards published on the Program sites or utilized in Program materials as at January 21, 2011.  Please understand that the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants is not an educational agency and the information provided is our attempt to provide the most current information possible.  For further information and to verify the information provided here please visit the programs sites or contact them directly.

McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program

Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree (Physician Assistant) requirements:

• Academic:  A minimum of 10 full-courses or 20 half courses (two years) are required.  Courses that employ small group, self-directed or inquiry learning are excellent preparation for the McMaster's PA program.  Applicants are expected to have achieved an overall simple average of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale for consideration.  Higher grades may be required.  
• McMaster has always been an innovator in the field of medical education and invited applicants will participate in The Multiple Mini-Interview, or MMI.  The MMI increases the overall reliability of the interview in judging an applicant's merits.

The Consortium of PA Education (University of Toronto, Northern Ontario School of Medicine and The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences)

Bachelor of Science Physician Assistant Degree (BScPA) requirements:

• Academic: Minimum 10 full-courses or equivalent academic credits at a recognized university is required.  Cumulative average GPA of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS (Ontario Medical Schools Application Service) 4.0 scale is recommended. All applicants are preferred to have completed one FULL course (post-secondary level) or equivalent in each of Human Anatomy, Chemistry, and Physiology.
• Non-academic : Experience as a Health Care Professional in good standing with minimum 1680 hours (1 year full-time)of direct patient contact in a professional setting
• These are only a selection of the criteria.  Please see the official website (www.PAConsortium.ca) for additional information.

Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre Program

Physician Assistant Program  Physician Assistant Baccalaureate in an allied health program requirements:

• Must be a member of the Canadian Forces
• Graded entry based on prior learning will be available for candidates with advanced standing or experience such as other allied health professionals, or paramedics.
• Qualification Level 6 Medical Technician qualification; rank of Sergeant; and successful completion of the Junior Leadership Course or Professional Level
• Qualifications (12-15 years of service). In addition, candidate must be merit listed for promotion to Warrant Officer.
   

University of Manitoba's Physician Assistant Education Program
 

Master of Physician Assistant Studies requirements:

• This Program is open to graduates of a four year Bachelor's degree, preferably in a health sciences field, from a college or university recognized by the University of Manitoba, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two full years (60 credit hours) of study.
• Undergraduate courses in Human Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry are required if they were not taken in the Bachelor's degree. Microbiology and Psychology are asset courses.
• It is strongly recommended that applicants have 2000 hours (1 year full time) of directpatient contact, i.e. direct involvement in treatment and/or care planning and delivery for patients in hospital, medical office/clinic, nursing home, care home or other care facility.
• The PAEP admission requirements are described on the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements web page