Dalhousie University

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

On this Page

• Program Details

• Admission Requirements

• Admissions Process

• Dalhouse PA Student Stats

• Podcast Interviews

• Related Posts

• Contact Information

  Address:
  Physician Assistant Studies Office
  Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
  5849 University Ave, CRC Building, Room C-125
  Halifax, NS B3H 4R2

  General inquires
  Email: mpas@dal.ca

  Admissions                   
  Email: pa.admissions@dal.ca

  Ask a Dal PA StudentEmail: askadalpas@gmail.com

• Social Media

  Instagram

  • Dalhousie PA Student Association: @dal.mpas

  • Class of 2028

  • Class of 2027

  • Class of 2026

 

Program At-a-Glance

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Length: 2 years (~25 months)

Format: In-Person

Status: Full time

Class Size: 24 students

Start Date: January

Tuition: $16,000 CAD/year*

* Plus incidental fees that apply to graduate students at Dalhousie

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Dalhousie MPAS Program Details

Mission Statement

The Dalhousie Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) mission is to prepare highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who meet the demands of the Canadian healthcare system. The program is dedicated to leading innovation and transforming healthcare, particularly in the Maritimes, through patient-centered education and interprofessional collaboration.

Year 1: Didatic Phase (Pre-Clerkship)

The first year focuses on building foundational medical knowledge.

• Schedule: Runs on three 16-week semesters (January to December).
• Utilizes tutor-led, case-based learning (CBL) in small groups to discuss patient-centred clinical scenarios.
• Core Studies: Students master core concepts in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, medical ethics, and evidence-based medicine
• Clinical Labs: Includes early hands-on clinical exposure using simulations and standardized patients

Year 2: Clinical Phase (Clerkship)

The second year shifts entirely to practical, real-world application in hospital, community, and rural healthcare settings

• Rotations: A 48-week intensive schedule consisting of 8 core rotations and 2 elective placements.
• Core Rotations: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Geriatrics.
• Electives: Two 4-week periods in a student-chosen specialty.

Capstone Project

During the first year, students complete a capstone project. Rather than a traditional research thesis, this is typically an applied research paper or team-based, practical project that develops a student's research, analytical, and teamwork abilities

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Dalhousie MPAS Admission Requirements

Status

• Nova Scotia residents are prioritized during the application process.
• If seats are not filled by Nova Scotian candidates, Atlantic Canadian applicants will be considered.
• Applicants from outside the Atlantic Provinces and non-permanent residents are not considered.

Undergraduate Study

Four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized, accredited university

GPA Requirement

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or B average.
• GPA calculated using the last 60 credit hours of study.
• Up to 15 credit hours from graduate degrees can be applied in GPA calculation.
• Pass/Fail grades cannot be used in GPA calculation.

Coursework

Undergraduate-level courses in Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology from a recognized, accredited university.

Previous Experience

No previous health care experiences is required to apply.

Out of Province Students Accepted

None outside of the Atlantic Provinces

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Dalhousie MPAS Admissions Process

Registration Opens

Mid-November (for January start)

Pre-Interview Documents & Assessments

• Casper Test

Final Interview Format

Multi-Mini Interview (MMI)

References

2 letters of reference

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Dates & Deadlines

Application Deadline

• Section 1 due on December 14
• Section 2 due on January 11

Interview Invites

March 2026

Reference Letters

April 1

Interview Date

Early April

Offers of Admission

Decision letters are sent in May 2026 via email

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Dalhousie PA Student Stats

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dalhousie Physician Assistant Student Association (DPASA) (@dal.mpas)

• Accepted Students Demographics

  Infographics:

  • Class of 2028

  • Class of 2027

  • Class of 2026

Note: Information in these infographics are collected by DPASA through surveys and is not associated with the Official Admissions Committee or the Dalhousie MPAS Program office.

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