Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the University of Calgary is committed to equitable and inclusive admissions. The program offers parallel pathways to reflect this commitment, including the Equity Admissions Pathway and the Indigenous Applicant Admissions Pathway.

Parallel Admissions Pathways

The MPAS program provides two parallel admissions pathways: the Equity Admissions Pathway and the Indigenous Admissions Pathway.

Equity Admissions Pathway

The Equity Admissions Pathway is designed for applicants from historically underrepresented communities. Applicants who are members of equity-deserving groups, including 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
• their vision of health service to their identified community and populations
• personal privileges and structural and historical barriers they have faced related to their identity

Indigenous Admissions Pathway

The Indigenous Admissions Pathway 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
• their vision of health service to Indigenous populations
• personal privileges and barriers related to their Indigenous identity
• how they can or will contribute to the health and flourishing of Indigenous populations

Support for Students in Parallel Admissions Pathways

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 both the Indigenous Admissions Pathway and the 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.