There are 3 PA programs in Canada. Each PA Program differs in terms of what they want submitted (e.g. transcripts, letters of reference), pre-requisite courses, GPA, supplementary application format and even the format of the Multi-Mini Interview.

Please note: There are NO required written tests (e.g. GRE, MCAT, etc.), nor will those test scores be considered for the programs.

The most common questions we get in our Canadian Pre-PA Student Networking Group often have to do with, “I have a GPA of X, is this good enough to get in? What courses do you recommend taking? Do I need health care experience to apply to the PA Programs in Canada?”

If you have specific questions, post your question over in the Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group:

Notes:

• Does getting a Masters or Bachelors in PA studies affect employment opportunities? Whether you obtain a Masters of Bachelors of PA Studies does not affect your ability to obtain employment in the Canadian PA Job Market.
• Who determines the class sizes of PA programs? Class sizes in Ontario are determined not by the programs, but by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

When should I start the application process? I recommend getting ready for PA admissions the FALL (or September) before the deadline. E.g. if you are applying for September 2022 entry, you can start to prepare for the process September the year before (September 2021).

Each school is slightly different depending on the school and the year. Always check the PA program websites for the most up to date information. 

Don’t forget to download our free Canadian PA Admissions Cheat Sheet.

Answering some Questions about PA Admissions:

• Which PA programs have prerequisite courses to apply? Only the University of Manitoba’s PA program has required courses you must take before applying. For tips, read Undergrad Courses to take for Canadian PA Admissions.
• Which PA programs require health care experience hours to apply? Only PA Consortium (UofT’s PA program) requires Health Care Experience Hours. Read How to Meet University of Toronto’s Health Care Experience Hours Requirements.
• Cumulative GPA is the average of ALL undergraduate coursework you have taken. This includes courses you have repeated (the old and new grade for that course), courses that are taken in the summer, etc.

NOTE: This is a summary of the application process. Always visit the Canadian PA program’s official websites for the most up-to-date information.

• Are PA program interviews virtual? In the past, the Multi-Mini Interview was in-person. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the interviews went virtual for the first time for the 2020-2021 PA School Admissions Cycle. PA programs will indicate on their websites and/or communicate to applicants directly what the format of PA school interview will be.
• What if I identify as indigenous? McMaster offers a facilitated admissions process for First Nations, Inuit and Metis applicants. See their website for more information.

The University of Manitoba MPAS and the University of Toronto/PA Consortium PA program have outlined preferred admission requirements that may make your application more competitive.

Note: These are NOT required, and there are examples of PA applicants who got in without those requirements!