Episode #31: McMaster, Manitoba & UofT, PA Admissions Overview
The University of Manitoba, McMaster, and the University of Toronto hosted a collaborative webinar featuring first-year students and practicing professionals to demystify the Physician Assistant (PA) career path. This session provides a high-level technical breakdown of current application cycles, including specific GPA thresholds, standardized testing requirements like Casper, and the nuances of program-specific supplemental applications. Students from diverse backgrounds in engineering, nursing, and kinesiology share their successful strategies for navigating the admissions timeline and mastering the Multi-Mini Interview (MMI) format.
Practicing PAs from emergency medicine and surgical specialties further illustrate the profession's impact through details on their daily interprofessional collaborations and clinical responsibilitie.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARNHow to navigate the specific admission requirements for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Manitoba versus bachelor-level programs at McMaster and UofT
Resources and tips successful applicants use to prepare for Kira Talent and Casper Test
How to structure a professional Pre-PA CV and compelling 1000 word Written Statement of Intent
Daily workflow and scope of practice for PAs working in specialties such as Emergency medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery
ABOUT THE PA STUDENT PANELISTSThis episode features first-year PA students from the University of Manitoba and three practicing PAs working in emergency medicine, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. The students share their experiences with the PA application process, including tips on the CASPer exam, statement of intent essays, and building a competitive resume. They discuss what admissions committees look for and what they wish they'd known earlier.
PRACTICING PAsThe practicing PAs bring real-world perspective from their careers. Doris Hanson has over 10 years of experience in plastic surgery in Toronto. Carmen works in emergency medicine in Manitoba. The third PA graduated from McMaster in 2011 and now practices orthopedic surgery in Ontario. Together, they talk about what PA school actually entails, how to choose a specialty, and what makes a sustainable career in this field.
-
Panelist Introductions
Pradha[0:29] Welcome everyone. Today we have an incredible panel of PA students from across Canada joining us to answer your questions about the application process.
Dana[0:29] My name is Dana. I am a first-year student at the University of Manitoba in their Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. I did my undergrad at the University of Manitoba — my bachelor of science in psychology and biology.
Laurel[0:41] My name is Laurel. I am also a first-year student at the University of Manitoba in their Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. I'm 29. My background — I've been a paramedic in rural Manitoba for about seven years and I just completed my undergraduate degree in nursing. I'm still working as a paramedic and a nurse throughout my program. This was my first year applying and I got accepted, so I'm really thankful and excited to be here.
Pradha[1:29] Up next are our McMaster PA students: Heidi, Jamin, Olivia, and Selena.
Heidi[1:37] My name is Heidi. I'm a first-year McMaster student. I'm 24. I graduated with my undergrad in chemical engineering from Laurentian University and also did a certificate in — during my time there. So I'm approaching my PA journey from a little bit of a different route. For those of you coming from a non-biology background — it's okay, you can do it. I'm originally from Whitby but I now call Sudbury home. I went to school in the States for two years and did varsity running there, then transferred to Laurentian and finished my degree.
Jamin[2:26] My name is Jamin. Today is actually my birthday! I did my bachelor of science at Mac — honours biology, psychology, neuroscience and behaviour. I was also working on campus as a tour guide. Any questions about Mac in general or about the PA program, feel free to message me.
Olivia[2:57] My name is Olivia. I'm 25 years old. I did my bachelor of science specializing in kinesiology at Queen's University, and I'm now a first-year student at McMaster. I applied to all three schools and was fortunate to be accepted at U of M and McMaster. I'm originally from Toronto. Some of my extracurriculars include competing in Olympic-level windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Selena[3:34] My name is Selena. I'm 23 years old and also a first-year PA student at McMaster. I have an honours bachelor of sciences degree from Brock University in medical sciences and recently graduated from my Master of Public Health, also at Brock. I applied to McMaster and the University of Toronto and was fortunate to receive acceptances from both, but ultimately chose McMaster. I'm from Hamilton, Ontario — specifically Stoney Creek, about 15 minutes toward Niagara.
Pradha[4:36] Last, representing the University of Toronto, we have Carolyn and Casey.
Carolyn[4:43] My name is Carolyn. I'm 23 years old and from Thunder Bay, Ontario, where I also did my undergrad at Lakehead University in honours biology with neuroscience. I only applied to the University of Toronto and I'm a first-year student there. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and spending time with my new puppy.
Casey[5:16] My name is Casey. I'm 26, from Orangeville — about an hour north of Toronto. I was accepted to the University of Toronto. This was my first time applying to U of T but my second year applying to PA school overall. Some of my hobbies are watching and playing sports, fitness, health, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors. I went to the University of Western Ontario for my undergrad.
Webinar Audience Overview
Pradha[5:53] In the registration form I asked about age, education, whether you are a new or re-applicant, and which schools you'll be applying to. Here's what that looks like: 46% of you are between the ages of 20 and 22, with almost 14% between 23 and 25, and 32% are 32 and over. 34% of you are currently in your fourth year of undergrad, 24% are done undergrad and working. Almost three-quarters of the audience are new applicants. 86% and 83% are applying to McMaster and U of T respectively, with 42% applying to U of M.
PA Application Process and Timeline
Pradha [7:02] We're now moving on to the application process and timeline. We'll do an overview of each university's application requirements and then go through their deadlines. I really want to emphasize that these requirements are specific to the 2021–2022 application cycle and may change for future cycles.
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA — MPAS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Pradha [7:32] First is the Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Manitoba is the only university that graduates students with a master's degree. We'll have Dana presenting this.
Dana [7:41] These are the eligibility requirements for this year's application cycle. The first requirement is that you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Second, you need to be a graduate of a four-year bachelor's degree — and it doesn't necessarily have to be a science degree. It can be any degree you are passionate about. If you did not do your degree from a Canadian or Group of Eight country, you will need to complete the English language proficiency test.
Looking at the minimum GPA requirements: the minimum to apply for graduate studies is a 3.0 out of 4.5 in your last 60 credit hours. You do need to have three minimum courses regardless of your degree: human anatomy, human physiology, and biochemistry — with at least a B+ in all of those courses.
You will also need to write the CASPer exam, complete a CV or resume, a statement of intent, and two letters of recommendation.
In terms of preferred criteria: the program prefers students from Manitoba as well as rural residents. A competitive GPA is 3.5 out of 4.5. Psychology and microbiology are listed as asset courses — not required, but they will definitely help once you're in the program.
Pradha [9:48] Before we get to the timeline, we received additional tips directly from Ian Jones, who is the MPAS Program Director. He clarified that although the minimum GPA is 3.0 out of 4.5, previous students have had GPAs greater than 3.5. An academic CV of less than four pages is recommended. He emphasizes the importance of originality in the statement of intent — make sure you proofread it and have it reviewed by a critical friend. Also make sure to get the program name correct: it's not "Masters" — it's Master of PA Studies.
Regarding the MMI: Ian confirmed that on-campus MMI will not occur at U of M. He does not recommend over-rehearsing, as it should feel natural and reflective. When responding to questions, ensure you clarify what is being asked, use personal experiences, offer and recognize opposing views, and conclude with a "this is what I would do" statement. Keep responses to four to five minutes when possible.
