Nawal, 1st year Calgary MPAS Student
Finding Her Way into PA School—and What She's Doing Differently in Calgary's First MPAS Class
Editor’s Note: Below is a condensed overview of Nawal’s journey, but to get the full impact—including her insights —we recommend listening to the full interview above.
Nawal Arshi didn’t plan to become a PA—but when she learned about the profession late in her undergrad, it clicked. Today, she’s part of the first ever MPAS class at the University of Calgary, helping pave the path for PAs in Alberta.
From building patient care experience without traditional connections to preparing for Casper and the MMI with reflection-heavy strategies, Nawal’s story is a great guide for first-generation, first-time applicants navigating a competitive process without a blueprint.
Learn how she made her application stand out, what life is like inside Canada’s newest PA program, and what advice she has for future applicants.
What drew you to the PA profession?
I started out studying health sciences and disability studies at Western. At first, I didn’t know about the PA profession. But working in health care settings—especially supporting my mom, who lives with a chronic illness—I saw the system gaps clearly. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. When I discovered the PA role, it felt like the perfect fit: more access, more face-to-face time, and the chance to really support underserved communities.
A lot of people struggle with healthcare experience. How did you find yours?
I didn’t have connections. I reached out cold—to clinics, to people on LinkedIn, even on Instagram. It worked. I started volunteering, then landed a paid OTA role. Every day after work, I’d journal quick notes: the date, the patient, what I learned. That ended up being my biggest resource when writing my application and prepping for interviews.
What helped your references stand out?
I kept in touch with people who actually saw me in action. One was my OTA manager, the other a disability studies professor who later hired me for research. I wasn’t scared to ask because we already had a real relationship.
What did you learn applying to multiple Canadian PA schools at once?
Start early, stay organized, and treat each school like its own project. I had different timelines, formats, and essays for every school. Calgary’s application dropped late, but I built off material I had. I also used checklists, calendar blocks, and leaned on mentorship—especially PA students who’d been through it.
How did you prep for Casper and the MMI?
What helped most was learning to speak authentically and reflect out loud. For interviews, I practiced constantly, with different people. I customized my answers for each school, focusing on how my experiences aligned with their values.
You had multiple acceptances. Why Calgary?
It felt like a calling. I’d already studied in Ontario—I wanted something new. Calgary’s program offered small class sizes, in-person learning, and the chance to be part of something new. We’re literally shaping the future of PA education in Alberta. It’s exciting, and yes, a little daunting. But we’re supported by amazing faculty and classmates.
What’s a week in the life of a Calgary PA student?
Classes run 10–5. Monday, Wednesday, Friday we cover foundations and systems; Tuesday and Thursday are med skills and small groups. Weekly quizzes, case-based learning, and simulated patients mean we’re constantly applying what we learn. I prep with my group Monday nights, then practice on Tuesday. It’s rigorous—but collaborative. We support each other.
How do you stay grounded in a fast-paced program?
I make time for what makes me feel like me. Knitting, gym sessions with classmates, Zoom calls with family. I give myself grace when things get overwhelming. The first 1.5 months were a blur. Now, I’ve got a rhythm.
What advice do you have for future applicants?
Learn the profession from the inside. Reach out. Shadow. Ask questions. Then reflect and build from your story. Keep your people close, and don’t forget—you’re more than a student. You’re a whole person. That’s who schools are admitting.
Want to connect with Nawal? You can reach her on Instagram @nawal_arshi or by email at nawal.arshi@ucalgary.ca.
