Canadian Physician Assistant Programs

University of Toronto

• The University of Toronto offers a Bachelor of Science physician assistant degree. It is a “second-entry” program, meaning that prospective candidates are required to have at least two years of university-level study with a minimum GPA of 3.0 that includes prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology and chemistry. A letter of reference and interview are also required in order to be considered for admission. This two-year program consists of both theoretical and practical hands-on training in anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic techniques and procedures, primary care and behavioral medicine, health promotion and education, medical ethics and clinical applications.

  University of Toronto

  1 King’s College Circle

  Toronto, ON M5S 1A8

  416-978-6585

  utoronto.ca

McMaster University

• McMaster University offers a two-year physician assistant training program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Candidates are required to have two years of university-level coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 in order to be considered for admission. Prospective students are contacted for a series of “mini-interviews” that assess the applicant’s communication and team work skills, critical thinking abilities, awareness of health issues in Canada and knowledge of health policy and ethics. The first year of the program is comprised of didactic coursework in patient care and clinical science. The final year is devoted to practical training through supervised clinical placements in the areas of family medicine, surgery, emergency medicine and psychiatry.

  McMaster University

  1280 Main Street West

  Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8

  905-525-9140

  mcmaster.ca

University of Manitoba

• The University of Manitoba offers Canada’s only graduate-level-two physician assistant training program. Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in a health sciences field, that includes prerequisite coursework in human anatomy and physiology and biochemistry with a GPA of at least 3.0. The Master of Physician Assistant Studies consists of two years of comprehensive advanced coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology, anatomy, biochemistry, statistics and research methods, epidemiology, genetics, emergency and critical care, adult medicine, microbiology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgical principles, pediatrics, patient assessment and clinical applications. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program.

  University of Manitoba

  770 Bannaytne Avenue

  Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3

  204-272-3094

  umanitoba.ca