Program Overview

Pre-Physician Assistant Program

Program Overview

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional dedicated to supporting a physician. The role encompasses various responsibilities, including conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses, writing prescriptions, and providing education on preventive healthcare measures. It is important to note that PAs operate under the supervision of a physician and are not independent practitioners.

Educational Pathway

Years 1-4: Pre-Physician Assistant at The University of Winnipeg

To qualify for admission to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Manitoba, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a four-year or honours Bachelor's degree from The University of Winnipeg, including all specified MPAS prerequisite courses.
• Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0/B+ in the last 60 credit hours completed within two years. It is crucial to highlight that admission is highly competitive, and a GPA of 3.5 or higher is strongly encouraged.
• The specific degree (BA, BSc, etc.) is chosen by the student, contingent upon personal course selection and interests; however, degrees in health science-related fields are recommended. All necessary courses for the MPAS program must be completed.

Years 5-6: Professional Studies - Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

After the completion of pre-professional studies at UWinnipeg, students can apply for the MPAS program through the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba. Key details include:

• Enrollment is limited, with only highly qualified applicants selected.
• Eligibility extends to Canadian citizens and Permanent residents.
• Admission is based on academic achievement, results from the CASPer Situational Judgement Test, a statement of intent (formal essay), and two letters of reference.
• The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program spans a duration of 25 months.

Pre-Professional Requirements

The following courses at The University of Winnipeg fulfill the University of Manitoba's prerequisite courses for the MPAS program:

• BIOL-1112 (6) Human Anatomy and Physiology (minimum grade B)
• CHEM-3502 (3) Intermediate Biochemistry I or CHEM-3503 (3) Intermediate Biochemistry II (minimum grade B)

It is also recommended that students complete at least 3 credit hours in Psychology and 3 credit hours in Microbiology, with courses such as BIOL-2902, BIOL-3901, and BIOL-3303 fulfilling this recommendation.

CPSM Registration Requirement: All students must be eligible for and registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) by the beginning of classes.

Required High School Courses

Prospective students must meet the general admission requirements of The University of Winnipeg, including:

• Chemistry 40S
• Either Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S or Applied Mathematics 40S

Additionally, Biology 40S and Physics 40S are prerequisites for enrollment in certain required courses relevant to admission into the Physician Assistant program.

Important Considerations

Admission to The University of Winnipeg does not guarantee admission to the MPAS program. Students are encouraged to consult the university's academic resources to ensure their course selections align with the entrance requirements for their intended Physician Assistant program.