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

Applicants must achieve a minimum GPA average of 3.0 by February, and complete a minimum of 2 years undergraduate coursework by June - this criteria must be met to start the program in September of the same year. 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. Applicants are expected to have achieved an overall simple average of at least 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale for consideration, but higher grades may be required to be competitive with other applicants.

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 is required by February 1^st. for admission into the September class of the same year. Access to the supplementary application will be sent by email in mid-February. Please refer to the program’s web site for full application details and information regarding the supplementary application form. Upon receipt of the application, supplementary 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 2017-18 the tuition fee for a student in Year I of the PA Education Program is expected to be approximately $13,200 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)

The Honours Biology & Pharmacology Program at McMaster University combines courses from the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science with those from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Biology courses provide wide exposure to modern biological concepts and techniques, while specialized Pharmacology courses provide students with skills in theoretical and practical aspects of the actions and uses of drugs.
The program offers a unique blend of instruction that utilizes the principles of Problem-based Learning and an extensive Co-operative Education Component.
Students enter the Honours Biology & Pharmacology Program after completion of two years of an Honours Biology (or equivalent) program. Candidates are interviewed to ensure their suitability for co-operative work term placements, and begin their first co-op work term after completing at least three full years of university level preparation.

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

Medical Radiation Sciences Program

Medical Radiation Sciences (MRSc) encompasses the health professions that employ various forms of radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic care of patients, and is one of the fastest growing primary health care fields.
The attainment of both an Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Medical Radiation Sciences degree is achieved through a fully integrated program offered jointly through Mohawk College and McMaster University. The MRSc program promotes skills in its graduates to prepare them for lifelong, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and to become an integral part of the health care team. After completing their first year, students are streamed into one of three professional specializations: radiography, ultrasonography or radiation therapy.

Please see Medical Radiation Sciences (School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS) ) in the Faculty of Science section of this Calendar for admission requirements.