Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Calgary aspires to empower students with essential knowledge and skills, fostering an inclusive community of collaborative and compassionate Physician Assistants (PA). Our mission focuses on lifelong learning and ethical practice, aiming to advance structural competence and diversity in health care, ultimately preparing graduates for transformative roles in the evolving health care landscape of Alberta and beyond.
The program is a 93-unit, course-based, graduate degree program that is the first of its kind in Alberta. The program educates PAs — highly skilled health-care professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians in a variety of settings including hospitals, health-care clinics and physician offices.
MPAS graduates will be eligible for the national PA certification exam and qualify for registration with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
The MPAS program was approved by Alberta Advanced Education in March 2024 and welcomed its inaugural cohort of 20 students in August 2024. The program provides students with a holistic educational experience that will not only train technically competent practitioners, but also prepare them to enter practice aware of the social determinants of health and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) issues in the health-care system, as well as the health care needs of specific populations in Canada.
What is a Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who work with physicians to provide health care. Under the overall supervision of a physician, PAs conduct patient interviews, take histories, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, counsel on preventive health care and may assist in surgery. A PA’s practice may also include education, research and administration.
More information on the role of the Physician Assistant in Alberta can be found on the Alberta Health Services website.
Career prospects after graduation
Graduates of the MPAS program are well-prepared to enter clinical practice as Physician Assistants across various healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, and community settings. They can expect to engage in patient care, diagnosis, management, and interprofessional collaboration within the scope of the PA profession in Canada.
Graduates may also choose to be employed in more than one setting, depending on personal preferences (specialty of choice, combination of part-time roles, role flexibility, etc.)