Guide to Canadian PA program Admission Requirements
Pursuing a career as a PA in Canada can be an incredibly rewarding path. However, gaining admission to a Canadian PA program is a competitive and rigorous process, necessitating a clear understanding of the application requirements and preparation strategies.
This PA Admissions Guide aims to assist aspiring PAs in navigating the intricacies of applying to Canadian PA programs. Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced healthcare professional seeking a career change, having a thorough grasp of the admission prerequisites and application process is essential to maximize your chances of securing a spot in your desired program.
PA Admission Requirements
I. McMaster PA program (BHScPA)
Overview
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Degree: Bachelor of Health Sciences in PA Studies (BHScPA)
Class size: 40 students (Class of 2025 was 35 students)
Duration: 2 year program, full-time, in-person
Start Date: September
McMaster PA Admission Requirements
Status:
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
International students are not considered.
Coursework: Minimum of 2 years of undergraduate study completed by June in any area, no required courses.
Minimum GPA to apply: 3.0 (out of 4.0 on the OMSAS scale) all undergraduate coursework is included in the calculation by February 1, including summer courses, repeat courses, etc.
No specific course prerequisites
No health care experience or work/volunteer hours required to apply
No preferred admission criteria
Reference letters are not required and not reviewed.
McMaster PA Application Process
McMaster PA Live Supplemental Application:
The application process involves submission through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) by January 15, Kira Talent supplementary application completion by end of February, and a non-refundable $125 supplementary application assessment fee.
PA School Interview:
~140+ selected applicants will be invited to a virtual Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) in May. The MMI, pioneered by McMaster in 2002, assesses various aspects, including communication, collaboration, ethics, health policy, critical thinking, and personal qualities.
The innovative MMI approach enhances reliability in evaluating applicants' merits and minimizes the impact of single misrepresentative interactions.
The virtual MMI is supported by the KIRA talent (online) platform, allowing applicants to participate remotely.
II. University of Toronto PA Program (BScPA)
Overview
School Name: PA Consortium
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Degree: Bachelor of Sciences in PA Studies (BScPA)
Class size: 48 students
Duration: 2-year full-time program with a mix of in-person and distance education in the first year In-person clinical rotations in the second year.
Start Date: September
UofT PA Admission Requirements
Status:
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
International students are not considered.
Approximately 2 years of undergraduate study to appy: Minimum 10 full-year courses (20 half-year courses) or equivalent of 4 semesters of undergrad study
Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 on the OMSAS scale, all undergraduate coursework calculated
A minimum of 350 healthcare experience hours is required. Can be paid, volunteer, or part of educational placement.
Preferred Admission Criteria: UofT also includes Preferred admission requirements outlining criteria on how candidates can be more competitive
No required coursework
UofT PA Application Process
Step One: University of Toronto Online Application (OUAC)
Deadline: January 17, 2024 (11:59 PM EST)
New applicants create an OUAC account, select BScPA Program.
Previously registered U of T students use internal application.
Application fee: $156 + $90 + transcript fees payable to OUAC.
Step Two: Enable Your JOINid
Applicants receive JOINid and UofT applicant number after Step One.
Enable JOINid to access the join.utoronto.ca admissions portal.
Monitor application status online via the join.utoronto.ca portal.
Step Three: Transcripts and Proof of English Language Proficiency
Deadline: February 1 (11:59 PM EST)
Submit transcripts and required documents to U of T Admissions.
Electronic submission preferred; out-of-province applicants may upload unofficial copies.
Notarized translations for non-English/French documents.
English facility proof required if first language is not English.
Step Four A: Supplemental Application
Deadline: February 1 (11:59 PM EST)
Link sent to applicants ten days after U of T applicant number is received.
Submit original work; plagiarism checks performed.
Application fee: $142.95 (non-refundable).
Step Four B: Applicant Reference Form
Deadline: February 1 (11:59 PM EST)
Applicants secure three referees; provide UofT Applicant Number.
Referees complete online form with specific requirements.
Referees not accepted: family, personal friends; must have known applicant for at least 3 months.
Step Five: Virtual Multiple Mini Interview (vMMI)
Invitation-only in mid-April 2024 (exact dates to be confirmed).
Assesses communication skills, cultural sensitivity, empathy, and leadership qualities.
Virtual platform, no need to travel to Toronto.
Invitations sent approximately 2 weeks before vMMI date.
Alternate arrangements for Canadian Forces personnel outside Canada.
Acceptance
Offers released in mid-May by U of T, McMaster, and University of Manitoba.
Conditional acceptance possible.
Applicants notified by email if placed on wait-list.
III. Manitoba Master of PA Studies (MPAS)
Overview
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Degree: Master of PA Studies (MPAS)
Class size: 15 students
Duration: 2-year program (96 weeks), full-time, with capstone project.
Start Date: Late August
Manitoba MPAS Admission Requirements
Status:
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada to apply
International students are not considered.
Graduate of 4-year Bachelor’s degree. Students in their fourth and final year of study can apply.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.5 on Manitoba’s GPA Scale in the most recent 60 credit hours.
Human Anatomy, Human Physiology & Biochemistry: Minimum of 3 credit hours each. Online study is also acceptable.
Preferred Admission Criteria: a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.5 is considered competitive. Microbiology and Psychology are considered asset courses.
No health care experience hours are required to apply
Manitoba MPAS Application Process
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Manitoba accepts applications for Fall entry only. The application process is online and includes the following components:
Application Fee:
A non-refundable $125 application fee.
Documentation:
CV/Resumé
Statement of Intent
Self-declaration Statement
Completion of Casper test by the application deadline
Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
Two letters of recommendation (requested within the application)
Application Deadlines:
Applications are reviewed by the Admissions committee for Physician Assistant Studies in April.
Applications open up to 18 months prior to the start term.
For Fall (September): start, deadline is January 15
Offers of Admission
Offers of admission are released to successful applicants in May. This aligns with the University of Toronto BScPA Program and McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program, facilitating a coordinated decision-making process.
IV. Dalhousie University Master of PA Studies (MPAS)
Overview
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Degree: Master of PA Studies (MPAS)
Class size: 24 students, full-time, in-person
Duration: 2-year program
Start: January
Dalhousie MPAS Admission Requirements
Residency Requirement:
Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
Priority goes to Nova Scotian candidates.
If 24 seats are not filled, then Atlantic Canadian Applicants will be considered (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island).
Candidates outside of these provinces will not be considered.
International candidates are not considered.
Reference: See Dalhousie MPAS “Place of Residence” Admissions for the definition of Residence.
Course Requirements:
Applicants need three undergraduate-level pre-requisite courses: Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology from recognized, accredited universities.
Pass/Fail grades for pre-requisites are accepted.
Conditional admission offered to those enrolled in pre-requisite courses, contingent upon successful completion by July 31 of the application year.
Degree Requirements:
Applicants need a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized, accredited university, with 90-120 earned credit hours.
Graduate degrees from recognized universities are accepted, but applicants must provide unofficial transcripts for both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Successful applicants in ongoing studies receive a conditional admission offer, contingent upon completing their degree by July 31 of the application year.
Minimum GPA:
Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or B average.
GPA calculated using the last 60 credit hours of study.
Up to 15 credit hours from graduate degrees can be applied in GPA calculation.
Pass/Fail grades are not considered in GPA calculation.
Completion of CASPer (non-cognitive skills assessment) is mandatory for admission eligibility. This test assesses interpersonal characteristics and enhances fairness in the selection process.
Two reference letters are required: preferably from academics familiar with the applicant's work. Relevant professional references may be accepted for certain course-based professional master's programs.
Dalhousie MPAS Application Process:
Application Deadlines for January 2025 Start:
February 2, 2024 (Section 1): Online application opens; $115 application fee required.
February 9, 2024 (Section 2): Online application opens after completing Section 1.
March 15, 2024 (Section 1): Online application closes at 11:59 PM AST.
March 22, 2024 (Section 2): Online application closes at 11:59 PM AST (excluding reference letters).
May 2024: Interview invitations distributed via email.
May 10, 2024 (Section 2): Deadline for reference letters.
May 11, 2024: Admissions interviews conducted on a virtual platform.
June 2024: Decision letters distributed via email by the Registrar’s Office.
Reference Letters:
Applicants need two reference letters, preferably from academics, but exceptions are made based on academic history. Those who completed their degree within the past three years should provide two academic references, while those three to five years post-graduation may have a mix of academic and professional references. For applicants beyond five years post-graduation, two relevant professional references or a combination of academic and professional references are accepted. International applicants must submit course-by-course transcripts via World Education Services (WES).
CASPer Assessment:
The application process also includes a mandatory CASPer assessment, evaluating non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. CASPer aims to enhance fairness and objectivity in the selection process.
V. University of Calgary MPAS Program
Overview
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Degree: Master of PA Studies (MPAS)
Class size: 20 seats
Duration: 2-year program
Tentative Start: late August 2024
UofC MPAS Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
The admissions requirements for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Calgary include:
Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status. International students are not considered.
A four-year baccalaureate degree. Applicants in their final year of study may apply.
Minimum GPA of 3.20 (on the Calgary GPA scale)
English Language Proficiency for non-native speakers.
Prior client-facing healthcare experience.
Two references
A personal essay of 500 words.
Admission Prerequisites
Prerequisites include:
Courses in human anatomy (3.0 units)
Human physiology course (3.0 units)
An Indigenous education course to be completed before start of PA school (once accepted)
Completion of the Casper® assessment.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance, as applicants are evaluated holistically.
UofC MPAS Admissions Process
The application portal is expected to be open March 6, 2024. The deadline for applications is April 14, 2024.
Application Submission: Candidates must fill out and submit an online application along with necessary documents (transcripts, references, Casper test scores and 500-word personal statement) such as academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and a non-refundable application fee.
Administrative Review: Initially, the MPAS Program office reviews applications for completeness and basic eligibility.
Evaluation and Ranking: The Admissions Committee evaluates and ranks applications based on the submitted materials.
Shortlisting for Interview: Applicants with high rankings are invited to interviews.
Interviews: Selected candidates undergo interviews, a critical part of the selection process. The interview is virtual, and the format will be revealed to candidates who have been invited to the interview.
Final Decision: Based on the interviews, the admissions committee makes the final decisions on admission offers to candidates.
V. University of Saskatchewan MPAS Program (coming soon)
Overview
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
PA Program will launch Fall 2025
To be developed by the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine
2 year PA Program, you graduate with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Class size: 20 spots have been announced
Additional Resources:
Admission FAQs
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Whether you obtain a Master’s of Bachelor’s of PA Studies does not affect your ability to obtain employment in the Canadian PA Job Market.
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Class sizes in Ontario are determined not by the programs, but by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
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Only the University of Manitoba’s PA program has required courses you must take before applying. For tips, read Undergrad Courses to take for Canadian PA Admissions.
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Only PA Consortium (UofT’s PA program) requires Health Care Experience Hours. Read How to Meet University of Toronto’s Health Care Experience Hours Requirements.
Final Notes
Aspiring to become a Physician Assistant in Canada is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and meticulous preparation.
By thoroughly researching Canadian PA programs, understanding the admission requirements, and aligning your experiences and passion with the profession, you lay a strong foundation for a compelling application.
Remember that each program is unique, and finding the right fit for your career goals and personal aspirations is paramount.
Have specific questions about admissions? Post to our Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group.
