Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The MPAS program spans two years. The first year focuses on core medical knowledge and skills, while the second year involves clinical rotations across various specialties and settings. 

Our program accepts 20 students each admissions cycle. The class size is designed to ensure an optimal student-to-faculty ratio, facilitating personalized learning and optimal supervision. 

The MPAS program is structured as a full-time course of study. Due to the intensive nature of the curriculum and clinical training requirements, we are unable to offer a part-time option. The program is designed to be completed within the standard two-year timeframe.

Given the intensive nature of the MPAS program, working is not recommended. 

At the moment, our program cannot be completed remotely or via distance learning. Our curriculum includes a significant amount of hands-on clinical training and in-person collaboration, which are essential components of the program and require physical attendance.

Your tuition fee for the first year (2024/2025) is $18,750. The tuition fee for the 2nd year (2025/2026) is projected at about $20,000. 

As a graduate student, you are also required to pay general fees which includes student service fees, health/dental insurance, UPass and other fees. Please note that the fees are subject to change. 

To practice as a PA in Canada, graduates must pass the national PA Entry to Practice Certification Examination (PA Cert Exam), written upon the successful completion of a Canadian PA program recognized by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC).  

Graduates of the MPAS program are well-prepared to enter clinical practice as Physician Assistants across various healthcare settings. They can expect to engage in patient care, diagnosis, management, and interprofessional collaboration within the scope of the PA profession in Canada. 

The program has received approval from Alberta Advanced Education for a July 1, 2024 implementation. The program is also registered with Accreditation Canada, and will undergo an accreditation review once the first student cohort has completed the program.

Admission to the MPAS program will be highly competitive, reflecting the high standard of our curriculum and the limited number of seats available. We consider various factors including academic performance, relevant experience, and personal attributes in our selection process. 

Details on specific admission criteria are available on the admissions portal. Requirements include: 

• Completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum admission GPA of 3.20 on the University of Calgary four-point system
• Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary
• Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status in Canada
• Prior client-facing healthcare experience

Generally, applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, relevant healthcare experience, and a commitment to pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. 

The MPAS program currently only accepts applicants with Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status in Canada.

Applicants are evaluated based on evidence from multiple sources, including reference letters, personal essays, Casper score, and GPA. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance, as the selection is competitive.

There is a minimum 3.2 GPA requirement for applications to undergo file review. Meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee an interview, as we consider all aspects of your application to assess overall suitability for the program.

Applicants must complete post-secondary coursework with a minimum grade of B in Human Anatomy (3.0 units) and Human Physiology (3.0 units) before the application deadline. 

Casper® is an online evaluation that assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics crucial for success in the MPAS program. Registration and more information about the Casper exam can be found at the link below.

You must have prior healthcare experience to apply for the MPAS program. Candidates with healthcare experience tend to demonstrate a practical understanding of the field and are often more prepared for the rigorous demands of an intensive professional program. 

Students in their final year of a bachelor's degree program must complete their degree before the application deadline, along with all other admission requirements. 

Accepted English language proficiency tests include TOEFL (minimum internet-based score of 105), IELTS Academic (minimum overall band score of 7.5), CAEL (overall score of 70), PTE Academic (score of 75), Duolingo (score of 145), and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (score of 200). Alternatively, completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course also meets this requirement.

IMGs may apply provided you meet all admission requirements and criteria. However, you must get your credential evaluation through World Education Services (WES) and submit your evaluation with your application. 

Please use your Bachelor Degree to do GPA calculation. If you have more than one Bachelor Degree, please use the most recent completed Degree for GPA calculation.

Requests for late application submissions and/or late document submissions will not be reviewed.

The application portal opens in November and closes in January for the following Fall intake. Please check the Future Students page for more information.

Applications and all supporting documents are submitted at ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/apply. 

The admissions process for the MPAS program is multi-faceted and includes the following: 

1. Submission of Application: Applicants must first complete and submit the online application form along with all required documentation, including: 

• Academic Transcripts: All applicants are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. This includes transcripts from any institution where the degree was awarded from, any institution where a transfer credit was received towards a program of study, or where any independent course work was completed.  
• Reference Forms: Two references with names and professional email addresses provided in your application. These references will be contacted to submit their recommendations online. 
• Casper® Assessment: Complete the Casper® test and submit your score. 
• Personal Statement: As required by the application process, detailing your motivation and suitability for the program. 
• Application Fee: Payment of the non-refundable application fee. 

2. Administrative Review: The MPAS Program office initially reviews all applications for completeness and basic eligibility. 
3. Evaluation and Ranking: The MPAS Program Admissions Committee then evaluates and ranks the applications. 
4. Shortlisting for Interview: Applicants who rank highly in the initial evaluation are invited for interviews. 
5. Interviews: Selected candidates are invited to participate in interviews, which are a crucial component of the admissions process. 
6. Final Decision: After the interviews, the admissions committee makes final decisions on which candidates will be offered admission to the program. 

Applicants are evaluated based on evidence from reference letters, personal essays, experiences described in the application, Casper score, and GPA. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee an interview, as the selection is competitive. 

Two referees are required, and applicants must submit their names and professional email addresses. Referees may include prior employers, supervisors, and other professional colleagues.

Interviews will be conducted online. The virtual format ensures accessibility and convenience for all candidates, regardless of their geographic location. Applicants invited to interview for the program will receive additional information about the format of the interview.

No, offers of admission to the MPAS program are expected to be accepted for the academic year in which they are granted. 

In the first year, students engage in three primary courses that repeat throughout the fall, winter, and spring/summer terms. These courses are: 

1. PA Fundamentals: This course lays the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of essential clinical knowledge, covering a broad range of topics necessary for effective clinical practice. 
2. Foundations of Practice: This course is designed to provide students with a deep dive into the multifaceted aspects of healthcare practice. It focuses on developing a holistic understanding of patient care, ethical considerations, and the interprofessional dynamics within healthcare. 
3. Clinical Skills: A critical component of the first year, this course equips students with practical skills necessary for clinical practice. It involves hands-on training and simulation exercises to prepare students for real-life patient interactions and procedures. 

The second year is characterized by an immersive clinical experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. The year includes core clinical rotations, two elective rotations, and a longitudinal Foundations of Practice half-day. 
 

The program employs a blend of teaching methods including large group learning, small group learning, hands-on clinical skills training, simulations, and work integrated learning. 

In the second year, students will complete clinical rotations covering various medical specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and two four-week elective rotations. 

Our assessment philosophy is anchored in principles of competency-based medical education and programmatic assessment. We focus on ensuring that students not only acquire essential knowledge but also demonstrate the competencies required for professional practice as Physician Assistants. This approach emphasizes continuous development and application of skills across time and contexts. 

While the primary focus is on clinical training, students interested in research may have opportunities to participate in scholarly projects or activities depending on availability and alignment with program objectives. 

For further inquiries, please contact the MPAS program office at mpas@ucalgary.ca.