How to Become a Physician Assistant in Canada
Physician Assistants (PAs) are advanced practice health care providers who work in collaboration with a supervising physician to deliver care.
PAs work within a medical team, conducing history, physical exams, ordering and interpreting investigations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, performing procedures and assist in surgery. Learn more about Physician Assistants.
This page is for informational purposes only. Visit the official Canadian Physician Assistant association and Physician Assistant programs in Canada have the most up-to-date information about PAs and admissions process.
In this article:
We outline the 7 steps to become a PA in Canada:
Step 1: Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
If you are considering applying to a Canadian PA program, it is imperative to assess your citizenship or residency status before proceeding further.
Canadian PA programs uniformly mandate that applicants must be Canadian citizens or hold permanent residency status in Canada. This criterion serves as the cornerstone of the application process and is non-negotiable.
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The same rule still applies. You MUST be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
If you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident of Canada, you can move on to Step 2.
Step 2: Fulfill PA School Admission Requirements
The road to PA school requires careful planning and adherence to specific admission requirements:
There are a few key steps and considerations to take during this process:
Explore the different PA programs in Canada
Canada boasts a range of PA programs, each with its own unique characteristics and admission criteria. Exploring the diversity of programs allows applicants to find the best fit for their career goals and aspirations.
Familiarize yourself with Canadian PA Program Admission Requirements
The first crucial step in your journey to PA school is to thoroughly understand the admission requirements of the program you wish to apply to. This includes identifying required courses, health care experience hours, and the minimum GPA needed for consideration. Each program may have unique criteria, so meticulous attention to detail is essential.
Tailor Your Pre-PA Academic Journey
PA programs in Canada typically require applicants to complete 2-4 years of undergraduate study at the university level. The specific duration and coursework can vary between schools, emphasizing the need for aspiring PAs to tailor their academic journeys to meet the prerequisites of their chosen programs. Whether it's biology, chemistry, or other specified courses, careful planning ensures you're on the right track.
Continue reading about:
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As long as you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, and you meet admission requirements you can still apply!
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For Ontario PA programs (McMaster University and University of Toronto’s PA program) college level experience DOES NOT COUNT towards fulfilling admission requirements. You must have ~2 years of undergraduate study at a University level.
For Manitoba’s MPAS Program, they have specified candidates who have completed a college/university degree that is approved by the University of Manitoba apply. Visit the Manitoba PA Admissions page to learn more.
Once you have fulfilled admission requirements of the PA program(s) you hope to apply to, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: Apply to a PA Program, and get into PA School!
The path to PA school involves meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence at every stage of the admissions process.
Here is a general outline of what to expect.
Gather and Submit Essential Paperwork: The first crucial step in the PA school admissions process is the meticulous gathering and submission of essential paperwork. This includes providing your GPA transcripts, completing supplementary applications, and, if applicable, submitting proof of English proficiency. For detailed information on specific requirements and deadlines, refer to our Canadian PA Admissions Guide.
First Stage Admissions - Submit Documents + Supplemental Application: Upon submission of your application, the initial stage of admissions begins. This is a critical phase where your academic achievements, supplementary materials, and language proficiency are carefully reviewed. Ensure that all aspects of your application reflect your dedication and suitability for a career as a PA.
Second Stage Admissions - PA School Interviews: Successful candidates in the first stage receive an invitation to the interview process, a pivotal gateway to securing a spot in a PA program. PA programs in Canada commonly utilize the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) format, a series of short, structured interviews designed to assess key competencies and attributes. Prepare thoroughly for this stage to showcase your communication skills, critical thinking, and suitability for the profession.
The Invitation to Join the PA Program: Post-interview, successful candidates anxiously await the outcome. Those who receive invitations to join the PA program have not only demonstrated academic prowess but have also showcased the personal attributes essential for a successful career as a Physician Assistant.
Once you successfully gain acceptance into PA school, move onto step 4.
Step 4: Complete a PA Program
Physician Assistants (PAs) embark on a rigorous educational journey and are educated following the same medical model that physicians undergo during their training. This occurs within a physician-directed and patient-centered healthcare team.
1st year of PA School
The first year, known as the didactic year, serves as the foundation for aspiring PAs. Here's what to expect during this phase:
Comprehensive Coursework: Intensive study of medical foundations covering various body systems and medical domains, including anatomy & physiology, cardiology, respirology, hematology, GI, oncology, infectious disease, and more.
Clinical Skills Development: Acquisition of essential clinical skills, such as history taking, performing physical exams, interpreting lab results, and reading x-rays & imaging.
Communication Skills: Training in effective communication, encompassing preventative health counseling, motivational interviewing, and other crucial aspects.
Medical and Professional Ethics: In-depth exploration of ethical principles integral to the medical field.
2nd year of PA School
Moving into the second year, termed the clinical year or "clerkship," PA students engage in diverse clinical rotations across different medical specialties.
Core rotations may include :
family medicine
emergency medicine
psychiatry
general surgery
and internal medicine
although specifics can vary among schools.
Each rotation, lasting 4-12 weeks, involves evaluations by a clinical preceptor (either a PA or physician), along with potential written tests called shelf exams.
Upon completing their education, PA graduates transition directly into practice. The learning journey, however, doesn't end there. Continuous learning occurs on the job, allowing PAs to expand their scope of practice as they build competencies.
Once you have completed a PA program, you will move on to step 5.
Step 5: Become a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA)
Once you have completed PA school, you qualify to write the PA Entry to Practice Examination issued by PACCC – the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada.
Eligibility: Who can write the exam?
Before delving into the exam details, it's crucial to highlight that only graduates of PA schools are eligible to undertake this examination. Additionally, aspiring test-takers must be members of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) to qualify for the exam.
Exam timing: When can you write the exam?
The PA Entry to Practice Examination is an annual event that unfolds in several cities. In recent years, the exam has typically been scheduled in late October.
What to Expect: The PA Certification Exam Experience
The examination itself is a comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge and skills acquired during your PA education. It encompasses various aspects of medical practice, ensuring that you are well-equipped to embark on your role as a healthcare professional. The exam serves as a pivotal gatekeeper, assessing your preparedness to provide high-quality patient care
The “CCPA” Designation
Upon successfully passing the PA Entry to Practice Examination, you are provided with a "CCPA" designation and a CAPA number. This information is used to verify your status as a certified PA in Canada. The "Canadian Certified Physician Assistant" title signifies that you have met the rigorous standards set by PACCC and are now ready to practice.
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American trained Physician Assistants who graduated from an Accredited Program (ARC-PA) and are certified by NCCPA (have their PA-C designation) are qualified to write the PA exam.
You must join CAPA first as a regular member.
Then you can apply to write the examination.
Once you pass, and receive your CCPA Number, include this registration number on your resume.
Keep in mind, PAs are not yet practicing in all provinces and territories across Canada. There are also differences between provinces with how PAs are integrated and paid. See What is a PA? page for more information about where and how PAs practice.
The job market and salary in Canada for PAs also differ from the United States.
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Regardless of what previous medical experience you’ve had in the past, you CANNOT skip any aspect of PA education.
Canadian PA programs do not take into consideration any USMLE scores, nor is it a requirement to become a PA.
Once you have completed and passed the PA Entry to Practice Exam, move onto step 6.
Step 6: Apply for a PA Job and Launch your PA Career
The PA job search for a Physician Assistant is a dynamic and multifaceted process. Be sure to leverage different resources to position yourself for success to finding a good fit!
View the Canadian PA Guide to finding PA Jobs in Canada.
Here’s a brief summary of where to find PA jobs in Canada:
Utilize CAPA Resources: One of the first places to explore is the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) website, which offers an exclusive job board for its members. As a member, you gain access to a curated list of positions tailored for PAs. Regularly check the CAPA website for updated job listings that align with your career aspirations.
Explore Hospital and Clinic Job Boards: Hospitals and clinics often have dedicated job boards where they post openings for healthcare professionals. Keep an eye on these platforms, as they frequently update job listings.
Your PA job search is not limited to a single specialty
One of the unique strengths of PAs is their training as generalists. This means you have the flexibility to apply for positions across different areas of medicine. Whether it's family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, or internal medicine, your skills are transferable. Embrace the diversity of opportunities and explore roles that align with your interests and expertise.
Switching Specialties: Embrace the Horizontal Mobility of the PA profession
PAs have the ability to switch specialties, adding an extra layer of versatility to their careers. If you discover a passion for a specific area of medicine after entering the workforce, don't hesitate to explore it. PAs are adaptable professionals, and this flexibility allows for continuous growth and career evolution.
Once you have obtained a PA position, move onto step 7!
Step 7: Maintain your PA Certification with CPD/CME hours
In order to maintain your “CCPA” designation, you have to be a member of CAPA and complete a number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.
The Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC) website has more details on maintaining your certification.
Read How to Enter your CPD Credits to Maintain Certification →
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