FAQ
1. How long is the MPAS program, and what is the structure?
The MPAS program is a two-year (24 month) program consisting of a didactic first year (also known as pre-clerkship) and the clinical second year (also known as clerkship).
2. Is there an opportunity for distant learning or part-time studies?
The Dalhousie MPAS program is only offered as a full-time, in-person program.
3. What are the dates of your academic year?
Our academic year goes from January to December.
4. How many students are admitted to the program?
The MPAS program supports a class size of 24 seats per cohort meaning a total of 48 students are enrolled in the program at one time.
5. What is the cost of the program? What financial support is available?
The annual cost of tuition is approximately $16,000 plus incidental fees applicable to graduate students at Dalhousie. For up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and associated deadlines, visit Dalhousie Money Matters.
Students interested in applying for scholarships and bursaries, can visit Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies applicable awards.
6. What are the admissions requirements for the program?
Please see the Admissions page for admissions requirements, details, and deadlines.
7. What courses will I complete during the first year?
Please see our PA Program page for more details on the didactic first year of PA school.
8. What kind of clinical rotations will I complete during the program?
Please see our PA Program page for more details on the clinical second year of PA school.
9. What opportunities are there for students to participate in research or scholarly activity?
All MPAS students must complete a scholarly project during the 2-year training period. Please see our PA Program page for more details on our longitudinal Research in Medicine (RIM) course.
10. What are the career prospects after graduation?
Physician Assistants are in demand in a wide range of clinical settings across Nova Scotia, the Maritimes, and Canada. Many graduates secure employment either close to completion of training or shortly after.
11. Is there a Dalhousie MPAS student group?
The Dalhousie Physician Assistant Student Association was established by the inaugural class in 2024. The association aims to enhance the PA student experience through educational and social initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the PA profession.
12. What continuing education or alumni resources are available after graduation?
New graduates are encouraged to join the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants for continuing medical education opportunities including attendance to their annual conference, job openings, and update on the progress of the PA profession in Canada.
The Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association works to develop and foster meaningful lifelong relationships among the faculty, its learners and the alumni community through communication, engagement and contributions.