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.
Quick Facts
Program Type |
Course-based with a research capstone project |
Program length |
24-month, full-time program (96 Weeks, 6 semesters in total) |
Start Date |
Fall 2025 |
Application Timelines |
Applications to be accepted in Sept 2024 - Nov 2024 for Fall 2025 start |
Residency eligibility |
Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligibly to apply for the MPAS program. |
Prerequisites and Admissions Information |
Please review all admissions requirements, including prerequisites courses and deadlines to submit them, on our Admissions Page. |
Tuition |
The estimated tuition rate for each academic year is approximately $15,000 to $16,500. In addition to tuition, students are required to pay Graduate Student Fees. For more information about these fees, please visit our Graduate Tuition and Fees page. Please note that there may be additional costs, including expenses related to rotation travel, textbooks, professional registration, and criminal record checks. These figures are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year will be reviewed and potentially updated in March - April 2025. Please check our website regularly for the most current information. |
MPAS Scholarship Funding |
Available, but not guaranteed. For more information, visit Scholarships and Awards. |
CASPer Requirement |
No |
English Language Requirement |
Proof of language proficiency is required. More details at USask Graduate Admissions |
Location |
Year 1: Saskatoon Year 2: At least 50% of second-year clinical placements are being planned to be located outside Saskatchewan’s major urban centres (Saskatoon and Regina) |
Potential Career Paths |
Numerous diverse career paths in all areas of medicine are possible after completing MPAS and the national PA licencing examination. No additional formal training is required after completing MPAS program to enter the health care workforce. |
Accreditation |
The program will seek accreditation through Accreditation Canada’s EQual program, adhering to standards for Canadian PA programs |
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:
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. These profiles, courtesy of Canadian PA Blog, offer a glimpse into the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of PAs, illustrating their vital contributions to health care. We thank Canadian PA Blog for allowing us to link to these inspiring stories. To explore the varied and impactful careers of these health-care professionals, please click on the profiles below.
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| Aurthi, Emergency Medicine PA | Andrew, Orthopaedic Trauma PA | Maureen, Infectious Disease PA |
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.
For additional resources and community engagement, CAPA recommends visiting the following:
- CAPA Facebook Page: Visit here for inquiries about PAs available for shadowing in your area.
- Canadian Pre-PA Student Network: Join the community here.
- Canadian PA Blog: Explore detailed insights and information here.
- Physician Assistant Podcast: Listen to discussions and updates here.
- ‘PA Dani’ YouTube Channel: Watch informative videos here.
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.
Admissions requirements for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program include:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- A four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any discipline from a recognized college or university, awarded prior to entry into the program.
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last 60 credit units of study (i.e. equivalent to 20 courses).
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for applicants to graduate programs. Proof of English proficiency may be demonstrated through:
- A minimum of three consecutive years of full-time study or completion of a graduate degree at a recognized post-secondary institution, where the exclusive language of instruction and examination of the program and/or institution is English; or
- Provision of evidence of English language proficiency, using one of the approved tests listed in the English Language Proficiency Policy.
- Demonstration of full course load (30 credit units in a year) in at least two years of the undergraduate degree, one of these two years needs to be included in the last sixty credit units. Exceptions to this requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis after reviewing a written explanation by the applicant.
- Completion of 3 credit units in each of the following areas, with a minimum grade of 75% in each course:
- Indigenous Studies (List of approved courses or Indigenous Canada MOOC)
- Human Anatomy &
- Human Physiology (List of course equivalencies)
Additional coursework in the following areas is highly recommended: biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, psychology, statistics.
For more information on language proficiency requirements, see the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies for more information.
If you haven't yet completed the required courses, you can enroll in them during the 2024-25 academic year, but they must be completed by the end of Winter Term (T2). For more details on this and how to submit syllabi for course approval, click the link above.
Curriculum
Overview
Our curriculum is structured to ensure students benefit from interprofessional education, allowing them to collaborate and learn alongside students from various health care disciplines. They will engage in a multi-layered learning environment that integrates classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical practice. Students will build connections through national networking with professionals and peers across Canada, fostering a network that supports career growth and development. Additionally, they will embrace innovation by adopting cutting-edge practices and technologies that prepare them for the evolving landscape of health care. This innovative curriculum prepares our graduates to excel as competent and compassionate Physician Assistants, ready to meet the health care needs of diverse populations.
In the first year of the MPAS program, students will immerse themselves in foundational medical knowledge and skills essential for their future roles as Physician Assistants. The first-year courses include:
⦁ Medical Foundations
⦁ Clinical & Procedural Skills
⦁ Physician Assistant Professional Practice
⦁ Research and Evidence-based Medicine (spanning in both Year 1 and Year 2)
The second year focuses on applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the first year through various clinical placements. Learners will gain clinical experience in diverse health care settings, enhancing their clinical expertise and professional practice. The second-year courses include:
⦁ Clinical Placements
⦁ Research and Evidence-based Medicine (continuing from Year 1)
Please note that additional details regarding program specifics will be made available at a later date. For the most current information, please continue to visit our website.
Our People
Welcome from the MPAS Academic Director
As the inaugural Academic Director of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Saskatchewan, I'm excited and energized to work with our team and partners to develop and implement this important training program—the first of its kind in our province. The MPAS program is being launched at a time when the need for change in health care delivery has never been greater in Saskatchewan.
Our program is more than just training skilled health-care professionals; it’s about sparking a transformative shift in how health care is delivered across our province. As the future of the new Physician Assistant workforce in Saskatchewan, our graduates will be equipped to work collaboratively and effectively within health-care teams with the goal of alleviating pressures and improving access and quality of health care. Central to our mission is a commitment to social accountability, where the program goals and outputs align with the health care needs for everyone in Saskatchewan, especially our most underserved and vulnerable populations.
Our inaugural MPAS program offers a robust, engaging, and innovative curriculum that seamlessly integrates knowledge with practical, hands-on clinical experience. We want to empower our learners with the experiences, tools, and technology to be successful, capable, and adaptable practitioners in various clinical environments now and into the future.
If you are considering a career change or establishing a career in health care, please strongly consider the MPAS program as your path to a fulfilling and challenging career. This is a historic moment for health care transformation in Saskatchewan and a tremendous opportunity to be part of the change.
The MPAS team is looking forward to welcoming applicants and our future students with the launch of the program in 2025. We are excited to embark on this important journey together – a journey to improve health care in Saskatchewan.
Sincerely,
Trustin Domes MD, MEd, MCPM, FRCSC
Academic Director, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Program
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Meet The Team
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FAQs
No, the MPAS program is a full-time, academically rigorous program that spans 24 months (96 weeks). It is designed to be completed on a full-time basis only.
No, transfers into the MPAS program or advanced standing are not granted. All students must complete the full two years of study as the program is structured to build competencies progressively.
Working while enrolled in the MPAS program is not recommended due to its rigorous nature. The program demands a significant commitment to fully engage with the intensive coursework and clinical experiences.
Admissions to the MPAS program are highly competitive, with only 20 learners accepted per cohort. Applicants are selected based on a rigorous evaluation of their qualifications and suitability for the demands of the program.
The review of your application starts with your very first communication with the MPAS program office. It's important to maintain respectful and professional behavior throughout the admissions process to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
No, the MPAS program does not require applicants to take the CASPer or MCAT exams.
No, the MPAS program is only open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Upon completing our MPAS program, graduates must pass the national PA Entry to Practice Certification Examination (PA Cert Exam). This exam is administered by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC) and is required to practice as a PA in Canada. The certification confirms that the individual has met the necessary competencies to provide high-quality healthcare.
No, admission deferrals are not granted for the MPAS program. Applicants must apply and be ready to commence studies in the cohort year they are accepted.
Yes, the free certificate version offered by the University of Alberta is accepted.
Physician Assistants can earn ~$106,288 - $130,000 per year working full time not including opportunities for overtime.
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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