Program Overview

Introduction to the Support to Entry Program (STEP) for Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Applicants

The Support to Entry Program (STEP) is designed to provide support for applicants to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program who belong to groups that are traditionally under-represented in medicine. These groups include, but are not limited to, individuals who self-identify as Black, racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, from a rural or remote community, persons with diverse abilities, or those facing financial barriers.

STEP-MPAS Application Cycle

The STEP-MPAS program provides supports to individuals who will be submitting their MPAS application by the January 9, 2026 deadline. It is essential to note that the application is valid for the MPAS admissions cycle only, and interested individuals will need to apply annually to STEP-MPAS for future years.

Eligibility and Requirements

• The program is open to applicants who belong to groups that are under-represented in medicine.
• Applicants must be submitting their MPAS application by the specified deadline.
• The application is valid for one admissions cycle, and annual re-application is required for continued support.

Equity Admissions Pathway Essay Support

Applicants to MPAS through a Parallel Admissions Pathway are required to submit a 500-word essay. Guidance on preparing the Admissions Pathway essay is available.

Program Details

• The program aims to support individuals from under-represented groups in their application to the MPAS program.
• The application deadline for STEP-MPAS is January 9, 2026.
• Annual re-application is necessary for continued support.

University Acknowledgement

The University of Calgary acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. The university is situated on land traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina, and strives to learn, walk, and grow together “in a good way.”