FAQ
1. How many students will be admitted to the program?
The Dalhousie MPAS program will support a class size of 24 seats.
2. When does registration open?
The first section of the application process will open February 2, 2024 and close March 15, 2024 at 11:59 PM AST for the January 2025 start. The first section must be completed to access section 2.
3. Will the program offer a September cohort?
Currently, all cohorts will start in January.
4. How many physician assistants are currently working in the province?
There are currently 12 civilian physician assistants working in NS.
5. Is the program accredited?
The MPAS program has been approved by Dalhousie Senate and approved by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC). The Commission assesses academic programs prior to implementation to ensure they meet agreed-upon standards and to provide quality assurances to students, governments and the public.
6. What is the cost of the program? What financial support is available?
The application fee for the MPAS program is $115. The cost of tuition is expected to cost approximately $16,000 per year plus incidental fees applicable to all graduate students at Dalhousie. PA students will also receive compensation of approximately $50 per week if clinical rotations are required outside of the Halifax area. Students will also be responsible for their own housing and transportation during Clerkship. Click here for information on financial support.
7. What prerequisites are required to apply for the program?
At least three credit hours of coursework each in human anatomy, human physiology, and biochemistry are required at the undergraduate level or higher. Any course in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry at any level (i.e. first, second, third, or fourth-year level courses) will meet this requirement (excluding BIOC1420, or equivalent, at Dalhousie University). These courses must be completed by August 31, 2024, to be eligible for the 2025 intake. Click here for transfer credit equivalencies. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0.
8. What additional documentation might I be required to provide in my application? Is there anything that may benefit my application?
Applicants will be asked to provide transcripts and references during the application's second section. Applicants who have attended university outside of Canada must submit their transcripts for a Course-by-Course evaluation via WES at their own expense and sent directly to the address below. (It may take several months to obtain WES transcripts)
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Clinical Research Centre
5849 University Ave., Room C-124
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
B3H 4R2
9. Will any supplemental assessment, such as CASPER, MCAT, MMIs, personal statement, be required?
Applicants are required to complete CASPER testing at their own expense. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) as part of the selection process. The MCAT or personal statement will not be required.
The dates for CASPER testing are:
- February 22, 2024, 9 PM AST
- March 5, 2024, 6 PM AST
The date of May 2, 2024, 6 PM AST as posted on the CASPER site will not allow enough time to receive scores.
10. Do students in the MPAS program get time off during training?
In year one of the MPAS program students will have one week off at the end of semester one, one week off mid-summer during semester two, and one week at end of the first year for Christmas break.
In the second year, there will be a two-week break at end of sixth clinical rotation break and after the twelfth rotation. The students will not get the usual Dalhousie breaks (Christmas, reading week, etc.)
11. What if I am not from Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia residents will be prioritized during the application process. If all 24 seats are not filled by Nova Scotian candidates, Maritime Canadian applicants will be considered. Applicants from outside of the Maritime Provinces, and those who are not permanent residents, will not be considered. For more information on the place of residence requirement click here.
12. Is there an opportunity for distant learning or part-time studies?
No, this program is not available by distance, or in a part-time capacity.
13. Do applicants need to have a background in medicine or healthcare to apply?
No, but applicants must meet all the requirements listed here.
14. If I am a non-native English speaker, do I have to prove my language competency?
Yes, if English is not your first language OR you are applying as a permanent resident, you are required to submit an IELTS assessment.