Welcome to the MPAS Program
Program Overview
Welcome to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. As the inaugural program in our province, we are committed to fostering excellence in training, research, and clinical practice. We aim to prepare Physician Assistants who will become key contributors to collaborative health-care teams, significantly improving service efficiency and patient care.
Physician Assistants are health care professionals that work under the supervision of licensed physicians, but have autonomy to perform a wide range of clinical tasks and procedures. By nature, Physician Assistants work in teams with many other health professionals in clinics, hospitals and communities. Learning alongside and from other health sciences students will strengthen interprofessional relationships that can support stronger, more team-based health care in the workplace.
Mission, Vision, Beliefs
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Our Mission Provide a comprehensive |
Our Vision Train and produce Physician Assistants who will lead innovative, collaborative health care delivery, |
Beliefs Dedicated to social accountability by addressing health care disparities and |
About the Profession
Physician Assistants (PAs) are clinicians who practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. They are highly skilled and can work in any clinical setting, including on multidisciplinary health teams. They can extend the reach of a physician, and their scope of practice is determined by supervising physicians.
Under the supervision of a physician, PAs key functions can include:
- Conducting patient interviews, histories and physical exams
- Ordering and interpreting tests
- Prescribing medications
- Counselling patients on preventive health care
- Performing diagnostic/therapeutic procedures or assisting in surgery
- Performing other tasks within the supervising physician’s scope of practice that the physician deems the PA qualified to complete.
PAs are trained as generalists and can seamlessly fit into many areas within the health system.
Canadian Physician Assistant Profiles:
To better acquaint our community with the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, newly introduced in our province, we are featuring profiles of Canadian PAs and PA students, shared by Canadian PA Blog. These profiles highlight the vital contributions PAs make to health care.
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| Aurthi, Emergency Medicine PA | Andrew, Orthopaedic Trauma PA | Maureen, Infectious Disease PA |
For additional resources and community engagement, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) recommends visiting the following:
- CAPA Facebook Page: Visit the page for inquires about PAs available for shadowing in your area
- Canadian Pre-PA Student Network: Join the community
- Canadian PA Blog: Explore detailed insights and information
- Physician Assistant Podcast: Listen to discussions and updates
- ‘PA Dani’ YouTube channel: Watch informative videos
Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is a professional association dedicated to advocating for the introduction and expansion of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession in Canada. Serving as the national voice for PAs, CAPA promotes the role of PAs within the national health care framework and champions the profession's growth. While membership in CAPA is optional, it supports the establishment and maintenance of quality standards and competencies for PAs. New graduates may be eligible for reduced membership rates.
CAPA Code of Ethics
The CAPA Code of Ethics, adapted from the Canadian Medical Association’s guidelines, sets the ethical standards for PAs, ensuring they prioritize patient well-being, maintain professional integrity, and practice medicine competently. It emphasizes lifelong learning, confidentiality, equity in health care, and accountability in various professional scenarios.
For more information, visit Code of Ethics
Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC)
The PACCC certifies Canadian PAs, ensuring that they maintain the necessary competencies throughout their careers, which are essential across all areas of practice.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS)
The CPSS is the regulatory body that licenses and oversees medical professionals in Saskatchewan, including Physician Assistants (PA). Their responsibilities include:
⦁ Ensuring safe and competent care by setting standards for practice and conduct.
⦁ Facilitating information exchange on regulatory matters among members.
⦁ Protecting public interest through rigorous licensure processes.
⦁ Administering assessments and certifications for practice eligibility.
For more detailed information about the regulations and standards, visit the CPSS website.
Admissions Process
Thank you for your interest in our MPAS program. As the province's only Physician Assistant training program, we are deeply committed to supplying the health care workforce with well-trained, highly competent professionals. Our program emphasizes strong connections to Saskatchewan, including our rural roots.
The MPAS admission requirements at the University of Saskatchewan are defined by the rigorous standards set by both the College of Medicine and the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Emphasizing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous (EDIAI) values, our program is dedicated to providing equitable access to education for all, mirroring the University's commitment to creating a varied and inclusive academic environment.
Aligned with the College of Medicine’s commitment to social accountability, our program aims to significantly increase the representation of Saskatchewan residents, especially those from underserved communities. This initiative underlines our strategic goal to address local health care needs and promote a diverse range of perspectives within our academic community. We actively invite applicants from varied geographical and educational backgrounds to enhance our program and deepen our collective understanding of global and community health challenges.
Prospective students are advised that the MPAS curriculum is intensive, fast paced, full-time, and designed to prepare graduates for the complexities of the health care field with rigor and depth.
The admission requirements currently displayed are for the Fall 2025 intake. The 3-credit unit Human Anatomy requirement is under review and maybe updated for the Fall 2026 intake (pending academic approval). Please continue to visit the MPAS Program admissions requirements on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for the most-up-to-date information regarding future admission cycles.
For more information, please view the MPAS Program Indigenous Studies Pre-Requisite Requirement document on USask's Programs website. (Please note that this document will be updated as soon as we have the new Indigenous Studies-approved courses).
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Contact Us
Remember, our application review process begins with your first communication with the MPAS program office. Maintaining respectful and professional behaviour throughout the admission process is crucial.
Questions?
All inquiries regarding your application MUST be emailed. Please note that we do not handle questions via phone or in-person visits to ensure clarity and consistency for all prospective students. While you are welcome to stop by our office for a visit, we will not be able to answer any admission related questions during your visit.
Office of Physician Assistant Studies
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Room 4A20, Health Sciences Building
107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5
: mpas@usask.ca
: 306-966-8365