Curriculum Overview

Dalhousie’s Physician Assistant training is a condensed, two-year medical curriculum preparing students for direct entry into the profession. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to challenge the National Certification Exam (held annually) through the PA Certification Council of Canada (CAPA-PACCC). 

The MPAS curriculum ensures students meet the competencies required of the PA profession and obtain the necessary knowledge to successfully challenge the certification exam. This method of delivery supports the transition from student to employee in the health care system.

Year I: Building on Knowledge

The first year of the program engages learners to build on their knowledge and competencies from their relevant undergraduate study and advance their knowledge in basic medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, and pathology. They will also have clinical skills training including conducting history and physical examinations, communication skills, medical ethics, and the integration of social determinants of health.

Year II: Clerkship

In the second year, students rotate through a series of clinical rotations including family medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and psychiatry. In these rotations students work under the direction and assessment of a faculty member (physician, PA, or other interprofessional team member) and will receive practical, “hands-on” training across a wide domain of medical disciplines.

View Program Requirements and Sample Schedule [PDF - 425KB]