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, competent, collaborative, and caring individuals in the medical model to enhance and extend equitable healthcare delivery in Canada.

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 (PACCC) 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 Life Support Provider (formally BLS for Healthcare Providers) certification through the Heart & Stroke Foundation 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 January 12. for admission into the September class of the same year. Access to the supplementary application will be sent by email at the end of 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
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) scores

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.

Readmission after Voluntary Withdrawal

Former Physician Assistant students who voluntarily withdrew in good standing from the B.Sc(PA) Program must apply for readmission by February 1. Students previously admitted through McMaster University must apply for readmission through the Office of the Registrar. Readmission requests are carefully reviewed by the Admissions Committee and consideration will be given to evidence regarding the student’s academic performance in the program, a letter outlining the decision to return, and activities since last registered in the program. Readmission is not automatic or guaranteed. Decisions are normally communicated between May and June for September entry.

Financial Information

In 2021-22 the tuition fee for a student in Year I of the PA Education Program is expected to be approximately $12,500 for a 12 month academic term, plus supplementary fees estimated at $1,300.00 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.