Program Overview

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Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program Information

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) degree is a nationally accredited coursework-based graduate program, designed to educate generalist medical providers who are eligible for the national certification exam and qualify for PA licensure in Manitoba.

Admission Information

Admission to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Application and Admission Procedures are found in the Academic Guide. Admission requirements for Master's students are found in the Master's Degrees General Regulations section of the Guide.

M.P.A.S. Admission Requirements

This program is open to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada who are graduates of four-year bachelor's degrees from recognized colleges and universities, with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 in the most recent 60-credit hours of study (full time or part-time study). Note that a GPA of 3.5 or better is competitive. Completion of the required courses, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Biochemistry, from an accredited university or college, is required. Undergraduate level asset courses include Microbiology and Psychology. All courses require at least three credit hours each for consideration. MPAS uses the Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI) Panel Interview and a Written Essay as part of the selection process for candidates. The program also requires Situational Judgement Testing (e.g., Canadian Professional Health Sciences CASPer test). On enrolment, accepted students must be eligible for the Educational Register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

Application Information

Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the M.P.A.S. program of study page.

Degree Requirements

The MPAS is a two-year program. The first year consists of 56 credit hours of coursework, delivered in three semesters from September - July as a combination of lecture, clinical skills training, and seminars. The second year includes 30 credit hours (48 weeks) of core clinical rotations. All courses are required major courses, and students must maintain full-time registration throughout the Program. Expected Time to Graduate: 26 months inclusive of the National Certification Examination

Progression Chart

• Year 1
  • PAEP 7230: Fundamental in Pharmacology for Health Care I (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7000: Physiology and Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7010: Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7030: Professional Studies of Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7042: Biochemistry for Physician Assistants (1 cr)
  • PAEP 7045: Research and Clinical Practice for Physician Assistants (1 cr)
  • PAEP 7052: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants I (2 cr)
  • PAEP 7084: Microbiology for Physician Assistants (1 cr)
  • Curriculum Integration (0 cr)
  • PHAC 7240: Fundamentals in Pharmacology for Health Care II (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7002: Physiology and Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants II (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7054: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants II (2 cr)
  • PAEP 7090: Principles of Psychiatry for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7068: Adult Medicine for Physician Assistants 1 (6 cr)
  • PAEP 7110: Emergency and Critical Care for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • Early Exposure (0 cr)
  • Curriculum Integration (0 cr)
  • PAEP 7046: Genetics for Physician Assistants (1 cr)
  • PAEP 7082: Diagnostic Imaging for Physician Assistants (1 cr)
  • PAEP 7050: Obstetrics and Gynecology for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7056: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants III (2 cr)
  • PAEP 7100: Principles of Surgery for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7078: Adult Medicine for Physician Assistants II (6 cr)
  • PAEP 7048: Pediatrics for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7150: Year 1 Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail) (0 cr)
  • Procedures Lab (0 cr)
  • Early Exposure (0 cr)
  • Curriculum Integration (0 cr)
• Year 2
  • PAEP 7202: Family Medicine for Physician Assistants (6 cr)
  • PAEP 7210: Clinical Internal Medicine for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7220: Clinical Surgery for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7240: Clinical Pediatrics for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7250: Clinical Psychiatry for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7260: Community Health for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7270: Clinical Emergency Medicine for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7280: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology for Physician Assistants (3 cr)
  • PAEP 7204: Clinical Elective for Physician Assistants I (1.5 cr)
  • PAEP 7206: Clinical Elective for Physician Assistants II (1.5 cr)
  • PAEP 7300: Comprehensive Assessment of Clinical Skills (0 cr)
  • PAEP 7350: PAEP Final Project (0 cr)
  • PAEP 7212: External Electives for Physician Assistant Students (0 cr)

Registration Information

Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies 'GRAD' courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.

Regulations

Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.

Supplementary Regulations

Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.

Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)

Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills. All students must successfully complete:

• GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student's research or within the student's first year, whichever comes first; and
• GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration; unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course. Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.

General Regulations

All students must:

• maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
• meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
• meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).

Courses

• PAEP 7000: Physiology and Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants (3 cr) This brief introduction is designed to impart an understanding of normal physiological functioning of the human body. This basic science course builds upon the entry knowledge of the Physician Assistant student, by presenting the pathophysiology of disease by organ systems. The emphasis is on the homeostatic mechanisms for all the major organ systems. Evaluation will be by successful completion of exercises, class participation and written examination, demonstrating to faculty proficiency in course principles.
• PAEP 7002: Physiology and Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants II (3 cr) A continuation of the material presented in Physiology and Pathophysiology for Physician Assistants. A basic science course which builds upon the entry knowledge of the PAEP learner by presenting normal physiology and the pathophysiology for disease by organ systems.
• PAEP 7010: Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants (3 cr) This brief comprehensive introduction is designed to impart an understanding of gross functional anatomy of the human body. This basic science course builds upon the entry knowledge of the student by presenting clinical human anatomy, correlated to clinical applications, assessment and pathology of disease. Evaluation will be by successful completion of exercises, class participation and written examination, demonstrating to faculty proficiency in course principles.
• PAEP 7030: Professional Studies of Physician Assistants (3 cr) This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the role the Physician Assistant plays within the structure of the Canadian Health Care System. This introduction is designed to impart an understanding of the interaction between the various stakeholders. Ethical considerations in health care and the legal aspects of the PA role in Canada will be addressed. Evaluation will be by successful completion of a presentation (evaluated by classmates), participation in ethical problem solving exercises and written examination, demonstrating to faculty proficiency in course principles. Students are expected to submit a research paper on an ethics topic of choice and write a short-answer examination at the end of the course.
• PAEP 7042: Biochemistry for Physician Assistants (1 cr) A brief introduction to medical biochemistry.
• PAEP 7045: Research and Clinical Practice for Physician Assistants (1 cr) An introduction to the skills required for quality improvement efforts and critical appraisal of medical literature in clinical practice and evidenced based medicine.
• PAEP 7046: Genetics for Physician Assistants (1 cr) A brief introduction to medical genetics.
• PAEP 7048: Pediatrics for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, comprehensive didactic introduction to the field of pediatrics designed to prepare the physician assistant to diagnose and treat, within his or her scope of practice, common pediatric conditions as would be encountered in a primary care setting.
• PAEP 7050: Obstetrics and Gynecology for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, comprehensive didactic introduction to the field of obstetrics and gynecology designed to prepare the physician assistant to diagnose and treat, within his or her scope of practice, common obstetrics and gynecology conditions as would be encountered in a primary care setting.
• PAEP 7052: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants I (2 cr) A comprehensive introduction to the clinical assessment of a patient, delivered as a group of three courses. Part I introduces basic history-taking and physical exam skills. Patient Assessment II and Patient Assessment III extend these skills to other clinical settings.
• PAEP 7054: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants II (2 cr) Continues developing the skills in history taking and physical examination introduced in patient Assessment for Pas I. Learners are introduced to the Standardized Patient Program.
• PAEP 7056: Patient Assessment for Physician Assistants III (2 cr) A brief, comprehensive introduction to diagnostic imaging techniques and interpretation of diagnostic images designed to enable Physician Assistants, within their scope of practice, to diagnose and treat medical, surgical, and infectious disease.
• PAEP 7068: Adult Medicine for Physician Assistants 1 (6 cr) A comprehensive, system-based introduction to the clinical disciplines of medicine. Adult Medicine I is the first part of a two-course sequence; content areas include endocrinological, gastrointestinal, and neurological medicine, ophthalmology, and hematology/oncology.
• PAEP 7078: Adult Medicine for Physician Assistants II (6 cr) A comprehensive, system-based introduction to the clinical disciplines of medicine. Adult Medicine II is the second part of a two-course sequence; content areas include cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal, dermatologic, and respiratory medicine, and otolaryngology.
• PAEP 7082: Diagnostic Imaging for Physician Assistants (1 cr) A brief, comprehensive introduction to diagnostic imaging techniques and interpretation of diagnostic images designed to enable Physician Assistants, within their scope of practice, to diagnose and treat medical, surgical, and infectious disease.
• PAEP 7084: Microbiology for Physician Assistants (1 cr) A brief introduction to Medical Microbiology.
• PAEP 7090: Principles of Psychiatry for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, comprehensive introduction designed to impart an understanding of mental and behavioral health. Based on the special needs of a patient population, the patient's presentation and unique contributing factors, the PA will be able to evaluate and analyze the patient's needs, providing the required specialty assessment for the psychiatric patient. Evaluation will be by successful completion of a practical and written evaluation, demonstrating the faculty proficiency in the course material.
• PAEP 7100: Principles of Surgery for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, comprehensive introduction designed to impart an understanding of surgical diseases. Upon completion, the Physical Assistant student, with their scope of practice, will be able to diagnose, refer, and treat the medical, surgical, and infectious diseases from a surgical perspective. Evaluation will be by successful completion of a practical and written evaluation, demonstrating to faculty proficiency in the principles of surgery and application of surgical skills.
• PAEP 7110: Emergency and Critical Care for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, systems-based comprehensive introduction designed to impart an understanding of emergency and intensive care medicine. This course will equip the Physician Assistant student with the skills necessary to diagnose, refer, and treat medical, surgical, and infectious disease emergencies and life-threatening conditions. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course is a mandatory component of the Emergency and Critical Care course. It is organized by the Department of Emergency Medicine and is designed to provide the student with advanced knowledge and experience on how to handle a cardiac arrest. Most Physician Assistant students find the course invaluable regardless of what specialty they enter. Evaluation is based on successful completion of a practical evaluation, problem-solving exercises, displaying proficiency in clinical skills, and a written examination, demonstrating to faculty proficiency in course principles.
• PAEP 7150: Year 1 Comprehensive Examination (0 cr) A pass/fail, multiple-choice examination designed to assess students' knowledge of clinically relevant Year 1 material prior to entry into the clinical year.
• PAEP 7202: Family Medicine for Physician Assistants (6 cr) A clinical rotation designed to impart a practical understanding of Family Medicine, to prepare the physician assistant, within his or her scope of practice, to diagnose and manage conditions and issues related to primary care medicine and general practice.
• PAEP 7204: Clinical Elective for Physician Assistants I (1.5 cr) This course consists of two weeks of clinical time, offering an introduction to the clinical discipline of the Physician Assistant learner's choice. Course objectives will be developed by the learner in collaboration with PAEP faculty members.
• PAEP 7206: Clinical Elective for Physician Assistants II (1.5 cr) This course consists of two weeks of clinical time, offering an introduction to the clinical discipline of the Physician Assistant learner's choice. Course objectives will be developed by the learner in collaboration with PAEP faculty members.
• PAEP 7210: Clinical Internal Medicine for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, clinical rotation designed to impart a practical understanding in the area of internal medicine. There will be an internal medicine specialty focus in this rotation versus the general exposure seen in Family Medicine. Upon completion, the Physician Assistant student will, within their scope of practice, be able to diagnose, refer, and treat the medical, surgical, and infectious conditions related to the field of internal medicine.
• PAEP 7212: External Electives for Physician Assistant Students (0 cr) A clinical rotation of varying length designed to provide a physician assistant student not from the University of Manitoba with clinical education and training in a medical discipline of the student's choice at a University of Manitoba clinical teaching unit. Course credit is assigned by the student's home institution.
• PAEP 7220: Clinical Surgery for Physician Assistants (3 cr) The 6-week General Surgery service rotation provides Physician Assistant-Student with clinical experience in a surgical learning environment. The PA-Student competencies addresses relate to the generalist role a PA requires to support surgery services and the skills required in surgical practice.
• PAEP 7240: Clinical Pediatrics for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, clinical rotation designed to impart a practical understanding of health and diseases in the field of pediatrics. Upon completion, the Physician Assistant student, within their scope of practice, will be able to diagnose, refer, and treat the medical, surgical, and infectious conditions related to the field of pediatric medicine.
• PAEP 7250: Clinical Psychiatry for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, clinical rotation designed to impart a practical understanding of mental health and psychiatric disease to the Physician Assistant. Upon completion, the Physician Assistant student, within their scope of practice, will be able to diagnose, refer, and treat the medical, surgical, and infectious conditions related to psychiatric medicine.
• PAEP 7260: Community Health for Physician Assistants (3 cr) Community Health for PAs is a 4-week clinical experience focusing on primary health care and community services. Community health focuses on the maintenance, protection, and improvement of the patient's and communities' health status. The learners' experience occurs in community health organizations that provide primary healthcare, health promotion, and community services using interdisciplinary teams of health providers. Course graded pass/fail.
• PAEP 7270: Clinical Emergency Medicine for Physician Assistants (3 cr) The Physician Assistant must have the knowledge and skills to manage life-threatening emergent medical or surgical issues. The competencies acquired during the Emergency Medicine clinical rotation build upon material taught during the academic year of the program. PAEP 7270 is a six-week rotation at designated Emergency Departments in Manitoba.
• PAEP 7280: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology for Physician Assistants (3 cr) A brief, clinical rotation in obstetrics and gynecology designed to impart a practical understanding of reproductive health. Upon completion, the Physician Assistant student, within their scope of practice, will be able to diagnose, refer, and treat the medical, surgical, and infectious conditions related to the field of reproductive, obstetrical, and gynecologic health.
• PAEP 7300: Comprehensive Assessment of Clinical Skills (0 cr) The Comprehensive Assessment of Clinical Skills is a comprehensive summary of clinical performance using information from PA-ITRES, mini-CEX evaluations, and observed histories/physical exams. This assessment will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
• PAEP 7350: PAEP Final Project (0 cr) A capstone project that may take a variety of formats as dictated by Program faculty. Students will, in consultation with a faculty mentor, develop and research a topic for presentation to faculty and peers.

Academic Schedule

Dates Applicable to Physician Assistant Studies

Orientation

• Clinical Year: TBA
• Academic Year: TBA

Start and End Dates

• Fall Term Academic Year: TBA
• Winter Term: TBA
• Fall Term Clinical Rotations: TBA
• Winter Term Clinical Year 2 Rotations: TBA

Term Breaks

• The academic and administrative offices will be open during this period, but there will be no classes/examinations held for students.
• Fall Term Break: N/A
• Winter Term Break: N/A

Examination and Test Dates

• Fall Term: TBA
• Winter Term: TBA

Convocation Ceremony

• Bannatyne Campus: November 6, 2025

Summer Dates Applicable to Physician Assistant Studies (Mandatory Term)

Start and End Dates

• Academic Year: TBA
• Exams: TBA
• Clinical Year: TBA

Dates for Summer Term

Start and End Dates (Generally Monday to Thursday classes)

• May - June: May 4 to June 12, 2026 - 6 hours instruction/week
• July - August: June 29 to August 7, 2026 - 6 hours instruction/week
• May - August (3 credits): May 4 to August 7, 2026 - 3 hours instruction/week
• May - August (6 credits): May 4 to August 7, 2026 - 6 hours instruction/week

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Regular Registration Period

• May - June: Ends May 3, 2026
• July - August: Ends June 28, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): Ends May 3, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): Ends May 3, 2026

Late Registration/Registration Revision Period

• May - June: May 4 to May 7, 2026
• July - August: June 29 to July 2, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): May 4 to May 15, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): May 4 to May 15, 2026

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

• May - June: May 7, 2026
• July - August: July 2, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): May 14, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): May 14, 2026

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

• May - June: June 2, 2026
• July - August: July 28, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): July 16, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): July 16, 2026

Fee Payment Deadlines

• May - June: May 20, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): May 20, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): May 20, 2026
• July - August: July 9, 2026

Examination and Test Dates

• Winter/Summer Term Spanning distance and online courses: July 3 to 4, 2026
• May - June: June 15 to 20, 2026
• July - August: August 10 to 15, 2026
• May - August (3 credits): August 10 to 15, 2026
• May - August (6 credits): August 10 to 15, 2026

Challenge for Credit

• Challenge for credit application deadline: April 25, 2026

Academic Schedule Fall/Winter Term

Dates Applicable to all UM Students

University Closure

• When the University is closed no classes/examinations will be held
• Canada Day: July 1, 2025
• Terry Fox Day (Civic Holiday): August 4, 2025
• Labour Day: September 1, 2025
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025
• Thanksgiving Day: October 13, 2025
• Remembrance Day: November 11, 2025
• Winter Holiday: December 24, 2025 to January 2, 2026
• Louis Riel Day: February 16, 2026
• Good Friday: April 3, 2026
• Victoria Day: May 18, 2026
• Canada Day (Holiday Observed): July 1, 2026
• Terry Fox Day (Civic Holiday): August 3, 2026

Dates Applicable to most UM Students

Some additional or differing date information is included in separate sections for: Agriculture Diploma, Art (School of), Dental Hygiene, Dentistry (includes IDDP), Education (B.Ed. only), Management, Medicine (excludes Family Social Sciences), Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician's Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Orientation

• Welcome Day Fall Term: September 2, 2025
• Welcome Day Winter Term: January 5, 2026
• Faculty of Architecture: August 22, 2025
• Pre-Term ED2 Start: August 25, 2025
• Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management: TBA

Start and End Dates

• Fall Term: September 3 to December 8, 2025
• Winter Term (no classes, examinations or tests will be held March 29, 2024): January 6 to April 9, 2026
• Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: January 6 to July 2, 2026

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Regular Registration Period

• Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes: Ends September 2, 2025
• Winter Term classes and Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: Ends January 5, 2026

Registration Revision Period

• Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes: September 3 to 17, 2025
• Winter Term classes and Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: January 6 to 20, 2026

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

• Fall Term: September 16, 2025
• Fall/Winter Term classes Part A: September 16, 2025
• Fall/Winter Term classes Part B (VW recorded if dropped after September 16, 2025): January 19, 2026
• Winter Term classes and Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: January 19, 2026

Last Date to Register/Registration Revision Deadline

• Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes: September 17, 2025
• Winter Term classes and Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: January 20, 2026

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

• Fall Term classes: November 18, 2025
• Fall/Winter Term spanning classes: January 19, 2026
• Winter Term classes: March 19, 2026
• Winter/Summer Term spanning distance and online courses: May 14, 2026

Fee Payment Deadlines

• Fall Term: October 1, 2025
• Winter Term: February 4, 2026

Term Breaks

• The academic and administrative offices will be open during this period, but there will be no classes/examinations held for students.
• Fall Term Break: November 10 to 14, 2025
• Winter Term Break: February 16 to 20, 2026

Examination and Test Dates

• Fall Term (includes tests and mid-term exams for Fall/Winter Term classes): December 9 to 20, 2025
• Winter Term (includes final exams for Fall/Winter Term classes): April 11 to 25, 2026

Challenge for Credit Application Deadline

• For classes offered Fall Term 2025 and spanning Fall/Winter: September 17, 2025
• For classes offered Winter Term 2026: January 19, 2026

Final Grade Appeal Deadlines

• For Final grades received for Fall Term 2025 classes: January 23, 2026
• For final grades received for Winter Term 2026 and Fall 2025/Winter 2026 classes: June 8, 2026

Graduation and University Convocation

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates will be awarded at Convocation. Graduation date may differ from Convocation Ceremony date.

For students graduating Fall 2025

• Deadline to apply online to graduate for most Undergraduate students: July 25, 2025
• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Submission Deadline: August 27, 2025
• Convocation Ceremony (Fort Garry Campus): October 21 to 23, 2025
• Convocation Ceremony (Bannatyne Campus): November 6, 2025

For students graduating February 2026

• Deadline to apply online to graduate for most Undergraduate students: September 16, 2025
• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Submission Deadline: January 6, 2026
• Graduation date for students graduating in February: February 4, 2026
• Convocation Ceremony (Fort Garry Campus): June 1 to 5, 2026

For students graduating Spring 2026

• Deadline to apply online to graduate for most Undergraduate students: January 16, 2026
• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Submission Deadline: March 26, 2026
• Convocation Ceremony (Fort Garry Campus): June 1 to 5, 2026
• Convocation Ceremony - Université de Saint-Boniface: June 8, 2026
• Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Submission Deadline for students graduating Fall 2026: August 26, 2026
• Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow in honour of Indigenous graduates: May 2, 2026