Why Study Here?
Leading the Way in Physician Assistant Education in Atlantic Canada
The Dalhousie Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is the first and only Physician Assistant (PA) training program offered on the Canadian East Coast and fourth program established in the country. We are proud to be at the forefront of PA education and advancement by leading the way in expanding access to high-quality healthcare training in our region. Our program reflects Dalhousie’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and shaping the future of the PA profession in Canada.
Comprehensive, Hands-On Clinical Training
Our dynamic, up-to-date PA curriculum is grounded in best practices in medical education, incorporating case-based learning, high-fidelity simulations, and hands-on skill development to prepare students for the realities of modern medical practice. Throughout the intensive first year, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios that build critical thinking and clinical reasoning from day one. In the second clinical year, you’ll apply that knowledge in a variety of healthcare settings through core rotations and electives, working alongside expert physician and PA clinicians.
State of the Art Simulation Facilities
The Centre for Collaborative Clinical Learning and Research (C3LR) is a cornerstone of clinical education at Dalhousie, offering some of the most advanced simulation experiences available in the Maritimes. Through its innovative programming, students refine their communication skills with patients, master essential medical procedures, and engage in rich interprofessional and team-based learning that mirrors the collaborative nature of today’s healthcare systems.
Expert Faculty and Supportive Learning Environment
As a student in the Dalhousie MPAS program, you’ll benefit from close collaboration with our expert physician and PA faculty who are deeply committed to your success. With a wide range of clinical, academic, and research experience, our faculty provide personalized mentorship and meaningful guidance to support your unique academic and professional goals.
National Collaboration, Local Impact
As of early 2025, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) formally integrated Canadian Physician Assistant training programs under its national oversight. This milestone marks a significant advancement for PA education in Canada, reinforcing the profession’s place within academic medicine and enabling greater collaboration, curriculum alignment, and sharing of best practices among medical schools and our sister PA programs across the country.
As the PA profession continues to grow nationwide, our program is actively partnering with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to embed our students within the local healthcare system. This ensures that our learners gain hands-on experience with the everyday health concerns affecting Maritime communities and populations. You will complete core clinical rotations at leading tertiary care sites in Halifax and have the opportunity to train in unique settings beyond the metro area, working with dedicated community-based faculty who offer valuable insights into regional healthcare delivery.