Applications for the first intake of this new program in Fall 2025 opens on September 18, 2024 and closes on November 18, 2024.
Program overview
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.P.A.S. | 2 years |
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, is a two-year graduate program designed to foster excellence in training, research, and clinical practice.
Our innovative curriculum will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies, with the second year of the program devoted to clinical placements throughout Saskatchewan, where travel will be expected. A research capstone project will be completed throughout the two years of the program.
As the inaugural program in our province our goal is to prepare physician assistants (PAs) to be key contributors to healthcare teams across the province.
Location |
Year 1: Saskatoon Year 2: At least 50% of second-year clinical placements are being planned to be located outside Saskatchewan's major urban centres (Saskatoon and Regina) |
Accreditation |
The program will seek accreditation through Accreditation Canada's EQual program, adhering to standards for Canadian PA programs |
Why choose the MPAS program?
As the first of its kind in our province, the MPAS program is more than just training healthcare professionals; it’s about driving a transformative shift in healthcare delivery across Saskatchewan. Launched at a time when the need for change in our healthcare system is critical, our program is designed to equip you to be a key player in this evolution.
Immediate Workforce Entry: Graduate fully prepared to step directly into the healthcare workforce, with no need for additional certifications or post-graduate training. Whether in primary care or specialized fields, physician assistants are in high demand across diverse healthcare settings.
Personalized and Practical Training: Benefit from small class sizes, a favorable faculty-to- student ratio, and early clinical exposures. Our strong emphasis on practical clinical skills development is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and nation-leading point-of-care ultrasound training.
Balanced Lifestyle: Enjoy a rewarding career with more predictable hours and a focus on work-life balance compared to traditional physician roles.
Patient-Centered Care: Become a vital member of the healthcare team, working closely with physicians to deliver comprehensive, patient-focused care.
Commitment to Social Accountability: Our program’s mission is aligned with the healthcare needs of Saskatchewan, with a particular focus on improving access and quality of care for underserved and vulnerable populations.
This is a historic moment for healthcare in Saskatchewan. By joining the MPAS program, you’ll be part of a pioneering effort to improve healthcare across the province. We look forward to welcoming you as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Tuition and funding
Funding
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Physician Assistant Studies | ||
*This program is only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. |
||
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Please note that there may be additional costs, including expenses related to clinical rotation travel, textbooks, professional registration, and criminal record checks.
Admission requirements
- A four year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university awarded prior to entry into the program
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units)
- Must be a Canadian citizen or premanent resident of Canada
- Language Proficiency Requirement: Proof of English proficiency may be required for applicants to graduate programs.
- A minimum of three consecutive years of full-time study or completion of a graduate degree at a recognized post-secondary institution, where the exclusive language of instruction and examination of the program and/or institution is English; or,
- Provision of evidence of English language proficiency, using one of the approved tests listed in the English Language Proficiency Policy
- Demonstration of full course load (30 credit units in a year) in at least two years of undergraduate degree, one of these two years needs to be included in the last sixty credit units. Exceptions may be considered.
- Completion of 3 credit units in each of the following areas, with a minimum grade of 75%:
- Indigenous Studies (list of approved courses or Indigenous Canada MOOC)
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Additional coursework in the following areas is highly recommended, but not required: biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, psychology, statistics
For more information on language proficiency requirements, see the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
All applicants must meet the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of 75%. Below is the list of course equivalencies that fulfill these requirements:
- 3 Credit Units of Indigenous Studies (List of approved courses or Indigenous Canada MOOC)
- 3 Credit Units in Human Anatomy (List of course equivalencies)
- 3 Credit Units in Human Physiology (List of course equivalencies)
Important Notes:
- If you have not yet completed the required prerequisite courses, you may enroll in them during the 2024-25 academic year. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the Winter Term (T2) of the 2024-25 academic year. You will have an opportunity to include your plan to complete these courses as part of your application to the MPAS program.
- If the courses you plan to take are not listed in our approved courses or course equivalency list, you must email the syllabi and course outlines (including lab components) to the MPAS program office for written approval at mpas.admissions@usask.ca.
- We will accept the free version of the Indigenous Canada MOOC offered by the University of Alberta, provided you can submit confirmation of completion with your full legal name.
- If the Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses you have already completed are not listed in our course equivalency list, please submit supporting documentation, including syllabi, course outlines with lab components, or any relevant work-related experiences demonstrating how you have applied your anatomy and physiology knowledge, for written approval from the MPAS program office at mpas.admissions@usask.ca.
Considerations Prior to Application:
Key competencies and essential skills and abilities are required for learners in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. These standards ensure that all candidates possess the necessary attributes to successfully complete the program and excel in their roles as competent and compassionate Physician Assistants.
The MPAS program at the University of Saskatchewan is open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents only. Proof of documents is required to meet the eligibility requirement.
The MPAS program at the University of Saskatchewan is committed to promoting diversity and ensuring educational equity throughout the admissions process. Although there will be no transfer students or reserved seats for specific groups of applicants, the admissions process will consider factors such as Saskatchewan and rural connectedness, Indigenous background, and various intersections of diversity. These considerations are applied at every stage of the admissions process to ensure representation of these important groups and to foster an inclusive learning environment.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to complete the verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship through the University of Saskatchewan deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapewin: Indigenous Truth policy. Indigenous applicants will have their applications reviewed by Indigenous reviewers through a holistic lens and will have the option to have their interview conducted by members of the Indigenous community.
Please visit the Indigenous Membership/Citizenship Verification channel in PAWS and proceed through the verification system.
If you have any questions or require additional information about deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin please contact: indigenoustruthpolicy@usask.ca.
The University of Saskatchewan, as outlined in the Duty to Accommodate Policy, is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that promotes equitable opportunities for academic success and personal development, free from discrimination or harassment.
Applicants to the MPAS program requiring accommodations for the admission process must self-identify and request these accommodations. They will be referred to Access and Equity Services (AES) at the University of Saskatchewan, where their specific needs and abilities will be confidentially reviewed, and recommendations will be proposed to the admissions committee. Information related to accommodations will be kept confidential and separate from the student’s program file if offered admission.
Please note that applicants who do not self-identify and request accommodations cannot appeal the admissions decision later based on grounds of accommodation. If admitted, students will need to consent to or initiate the process with AES if they require accommodations for their training program. For further information and assistance, please contact Access and Equity Services.
Selection criteria
Please note that this is a non-direct entry program, and admission will be determined through a competitive process that assesses both academic performance and personal qualities.
At each stage of the selection process, factors such as Indigenous ancestry, Saskatchewan and rural connectedness, and Diversity and Social Accountability will be considered. These elements align with our program's commitment to social accountability and our mandate to ensure that our matriculants reflect the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
Ranking applicants prior to interview (first file review)
- Verification that all admissions requirements are met, or a plan is in place to meet them by the time of admission.
- Cumulative weighted average (CWA) of the most recent 60 credit units.
- Supplemental written and video assessment.
Ranking applicants after interview for acceptance to program (second file review)
- Cumulative weighted average (CWA) of the most recent 60 credit units.
- Supplemental written and video assessment.
- Interview performance.
- Reference review: While references are not scored, input from references is considered in the final file review and may be reviewed by the MPAS Admissions Committee.
- MPAS Admissions Committee Review: The committee will make final admission recommendations to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Application process
Important dates
- Applications Open: Sept. 18, 2024
- Application Deadline: Nov. 18, 2024
- Supplemental Assessments: Oct.–Nov. 2024
(Invitations for written and video assessments will be sent out for qualified applicants) - Interview Invitations: Jan. 2025
(Invitations for interviews will be sent out for selected applicants) - Interviews: Mid-Feb. 2025
- Admission Offers: Early June 2025 Program Start: Fall 2025
Applying to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program involves several important steps. To ensure your application is considered, please follow these procedures:
Step 1. Review requirements and prepare documents
Before you start, please be sure to review all information carefully, such as program details, admissions requirements, and other relevant information. If you need any assistance, please contact us.
Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts and any other required materials.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal Information: Your name, address, and other contact details.
- References: Include contact information for three references.
- Complete Academic History: Provide details for all post-secondary institutions attended, including required course prerequisites.
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee unless you qualify for an application fee waiver*.
* You must apply separately for the application fee waiver, and the portal to apply for the waiver will be available soon. Applicants will need to apply early to be considered, as we have a limited number of waivers available. Our Admissions Committee will review the applications based on financial need and other criteria to decide who receives the waiver.
Step 3. Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
All applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the time of application and must submit a notarized/certified photocopy of one of the following documents:
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Passport page showing Canadian Citizenship (passport must be current)
- Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides of the card)
- Permanent Resident Card (both sides of the card)
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate (both pages)
Provide three references, ideally in a supervisory or employer role, who can speak to your personal qualities in an academic, volunteer, employment, or research environment. These references should be able to provide insights into your professional abilities, interpersonal skills, and suitability for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program.
When you enter your referees' contact information in the "Recommendation requests" section under the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab, they will receive an automatic email prompting them to submit their recommendations. Your application will not be considered complete until all references have responded. Within this section, you can monitor the status of your recommendation letters, send reminders to your referees, or cancel and replace a request if necessary.
After all required supplemental items are submitted and your referees have responded, the application status on your "My Account" page will update to "Complete."
Note: It is your responsibility to follow up with your references to ensure they submit their letters promptly. The MPAS program office will not contact your references on your behalf.
Applicants must meet the prerequisite course requirements listed above. If you have completed courses not listed in our accepted prerequisites list that you would like to be considered, you must send an email request to mpas.admissions@usask.ca with a detailed course outline, including lab components.
Next Steps: Non-academic assessment
Supplementary written and video assessment
The application process for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program includes a comprehensive review that thoroughly assesses both academic and personal qualities. As part of this process, applicants will be required to complete a supplementary application designed to evaluate non-academic attributes.
The supplementary application will include both video and written responses. Qualified applicants will receive detailed instructions on how to complete the supplementary application via email. Following this, those who successfully complete the supplementary application will be invited to participate in interviews.
Multiple mini interviews (MMIs)
Interviews will be conducted by a diverse panel, and an interview fee of approximately $75 is required for applicants who are invited for an interview. If an applicant is eligible for an application fee waiver, the interview fee will also be waived. Additionally, Indigenous applicants will have the option to have their interview conducted by members of the Indigenous community.
Interviews for Fall 2025 intake are planned to be conducted in mid-February 2025, with invitations sent out in January 2025.
After you apply
Notification of admission status
Successful applicants will be notified of their admission status via email in early June for the fall intake. Applicants can also check their admission status in the application portal.
Offers of admission are pending the successful completion of the four-year baccalaureate degree and any prerequisite courses being completed during the year of application.
Accepting an offer of admission
Accept the admission offer
You must accept the admission offer by the deadline mentioned in your offer letter. Missing this deadline may result in losing your spot in the program.
Submit acknowledgement of essential skills and abilities
Submit an acknowledgement confirming that you have read and understood the Essential Skills and Abilities for MPAS learners. This is a crucial step to ensure you are aware of the requirements and expectations of the program.
Pay acceptance deposit
To secure your place in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, we require a non-refundable acceptance deposit.
- Deposit Amount: 10% of the total tuition fee.
- Payment Deadline: The deposit must be paid by the specified deadline provided in your offer letter.
- Non-refundable Policy: Please note that the acceptance deposit is non-refundable. If you choose to withdraw your admission acceptance after paying the deposit, you will not receive a refund of this amount.
This deposit will be applied toward your tuition fees and confirms your commitment to join the MPAS program. If the deposit is not received by the deadline, your admission offer will be revoked.
Other requirements
Additional documentation may be required, such as a criminal record check, immunization records, respiratory fit testing, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
More information and other requirements will be sent to accepted candidates via a pre-arrival guide. This guide will be communicated through your PAWS email, so it is important to check your USask emails regularly for updates from the MPAS program.
Contact
Remember, our application review process begins with your first communication with the MPAS program office. Maintaining respectful and professional behavior throughout the admissions process is crucial.
Questions?
All inquiries regarding your application must be emailed. Please note that we do not handle questions via phone or in-person visits. While you are welcome to stop by our office for a visit, we will not be able to answer any admission related questions during your visit.
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Room 4A20, Health Sciences Building
107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5
College of Medicine
Email: mpas.admissions@usask.ca
Telephone: 306-966-8365
- College of Medicine
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements