MPAS Admissions Pathways
Commitment to equitable and inclusive admissions
Aligned with the University of Calgary’s strategic plan "Ahead of Tomorrow", our program ensures that all applicants, irrespective of their chosen pathway, meet the same rigorous standards. We offer parallel pathways to reflect our commitment to the Indigenous strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p and to open doors for historically under-represented groups. Our Equity Admissions Pathway and Indigenous Applicant Admissions Pathway are designed to expand our reach and inclusivity, catering to the diverse needs of Alberta's population.
Parallel Admissions Pathways
Equity Admissions Pathway
The Equity Admissions Pathway is designed to provide a platform for applicants from historically underrepresented communities to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Applicants who are members of equity deserving groups including, but not limited to, visible/racialized minorities, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, those from rural and remote communities, and those facing socio-economic challenges are encouraged to apply through this pathway. Applicants choosing this pathway will be required to submit a 500-word essay describing: their identity, connections and affiliations with their identified community, reasons for wishing to become a Physician Assistant, discuss their vision of health service to their identified community and populations, and personal privileges and structural and historical barriers they have faced related to their identity.
Indigenous Admissions Pathway
This pathway aligns with the university's Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p and is tailored to applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants choosing this pathway will be required to submit a 500-word essay describing and discussing: their Indigenous identity, connections and affiliations with their Indigenous community, reasons for wishing to become a physician assistant, discuss their vision of health service to Indigenous populations, personal privileges and barriers related to their Indigenous identity, and how they can or will contribute to the health and flourishing of Indigenous populations.
*Applicants pursuing a parallel admission pathway are to submit one essay and are not required to complete the essay required for all other program applicants.
Students in the Indigenous Admissions Pathway will be supported by the MPAS program office for pathway advising and the Writing Symbols Lodge for academic, personal, and cultural support.
Students in the Indigenous Admissions Pathway and Equity Admissions Pathway will also be referred to the Support to Entry Program (STEP) offered by the Precision Equity and Social Justice Office at Cumming School of Medicine. STEP is designed to address barriers that equity-deserving groups encounter when preparing to enter medicine and health science studies. STEP participants will receive support for the application (essay, interview) and/or be part of the mentorship program.