Physician Assistant (B.H.Sc.)

Program Overview

McMaster was among one of the first institutions in Canada to launch a Physician Assistant Education Program in 2008. The PA Education program will lead to the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Physician Assistant) degree. The program is taught using inquiry and problem-based learning, which enhance each student’s ability to think critically, solve problems, demonstrate initiative and independence in practice, and promote lifelong learning.

Mission Statement

The mission of the McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program is to educate energetic, innovative, committed and caring individuals to become role models in a new health care delivery model practicing medicine under the supervision of a physician to expand health care access for the people of Ontario.

Curriculum Plan

The twenty-four month program begins in September. The first year focuses on the study of the clinical sciences underpinning health care delivery. In the second year, students enter into clinical placements.

Certification

Graduates will qualify to take the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada National examination.

Admission Requirements

By June 2014, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of undergraduate work. Only degree courses at an accredited university will be considered. To satisfy the minimum requirements, academic credentials obtained from a Canadian University must be from an institution that is a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) or the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). A minimum of 10 full-courses or 20 half courses (two years) is required. Courses that employ small group, self-directed or inquiry learning are excellent preparation for the PA Education program. There is no requirement for applicants to have carried a full course load. By February 2014, applicants are expected to have achieved an overall simple average of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale for consideration. Higher grades may be required.

Upon acceptance, successful applicants will be required to provide detailed medical information, including a record of completion of required immunizations, evidence of Basic Cardiac Life Support certification (Adult and Child CPR) and a satisfactory Police Records Check (at the applicant’s expense) upon entering the program and annually thereafter.

Admission Procedures

Application (including the appropriate fee) is to be made through the:

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
170 Research Lane
Guelph, ON, N1G 5E2
http://www.ouac.on.ca

This form, as well as a supplementary application form are both required and the deadline for receipt of both applications is February 1^st (for September 2014 admission). Please refer to the program’s web site for full application details and information regarding the supplementary application form. Upon receipt of the application and certified transcripts, selected applicants will be invited to an interview.

The Admissions Committee will Consider:

• University transcripts and GPA
• Supplementary application
• Interview

Application for Deferred Registration

Deferred registrations will not normally be granted in the PA Education Program. Deferred registration may be granted only under exceptional circumstances. Request for deferral must be submitted within two weeks of the offer of admission.

Advanced Standing/Transfer

The structure of the PA Education program requires that all students complete the entire program starting with Medical Foundation 1. There is no provision for advanced standing or transfer into the program.

Full-Time Status

The structure of the program requires that all students be registered in the program on a full-time basis and attendance in all components of the program is mandatory.

Financial Information

In 2013-14 the tuition fee for a student in Year I of the PA Education Program is expected to be approximately $10,530 for a 12 month academic term, plus supplementary fees estimated at $1,000.00 per year. Additional costs include books, diagnostic equipment and other learning resources estimated at $2,500.00. Students are also responsible for their transportation costs related to clinical study.

There is a bursary program which has been developed by the University. Bursaries may be awarded to students who are Canadian citizens based on demonstrated financial need. Bursaries are intended to offset provincial financial assistance and cannot supplement the full cost of education. For further information, please contact the Education program web site or the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at McMaster University.

Honours Biology and Pharmacology Program (Co-op)

This is a joint program between the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science (Department of Biology). The Pharmacology courses, which are run in a small group, problem-based format, are the responsibility of the Faculty of Health Sciences, drawn from the following departments: Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pathology.

Please see the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology  section of this Calendar for admission requirements.

Medical Radiation Sciences Program

This Diploma-Degree program is offered jointly in a fully integrated format by McMaster University in partnership with Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology. Graduates are awarded the McMaster Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences degree as well as the Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Medical Radiation Sciences from Mohawk College.

Please see Medical Physics (Dept. of Med. Physics & Appl. Radiation Sciences)  in the Faculty of Science section of this Calendar for admission requirements.