What is the comparison between a Physician Assistant and a Nurse Practitioner?
Click on this link to view "Comparison of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners".
If my Bachelor’s Degree is in a health science field but did not include Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology , do I have to take them prior to applying?
Yes. Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology are required courses.
Please click here for more information on Anatomy and Physiology. Please see Biochemistry requirement information on the Admission Requirements page. If your Bachelor’s Degree did not include these courses, you are required to have completed or be enrolled in* at time of application all 3 undergraduate level courses (three credit hours each) prior to applying to the program (*see Admission Requirements page).
ASSET COURSES: Microbiology, Psychology (not required but would enhance your application)
Am I eligible if I have a 3 year Bachelor's Degree?
No, the minimum requirement is a four year undergraduate degree or equivalent (see below).
Am I eligible if I have a 3 year Bachelor's Degree plus other education (College, University courses, etc.)?
Generally speaking, if applicants have a 3 year degree plus additional courses, the additional courses should:
1. Equal one full year of university credit hours.
2. Be 3rd and 4th year undergraduate level courses.
3. Of the 3rd and 4th year undergraduate level courses, there must be a minimum of 12 hours of 4th year undergraduate level courses.
We understand that each institution differs in this respect. If you are not sure whether your degree / combination of education meets the degree requirement, please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies directly at graduate_admissions@umanitoba.ca
Can I apply if my degree was not completed in Canada?
Yes, providing you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada. Please click on International Application Assessment for information and if you have further questions please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies at graduate_admissions@umanitoba.ca
How exactly is the GPA calculated?
The GPA is calculated on the most recent 60 credit hours of study, no matter if it was full time or part time study.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants (PA) in Manitoba?
The inital PA salary scale in Manitoba is $80,000 - $100,000 per year. Additional salary would apply to positions that involve shift work, on-call responsibilities, and overtime. Please contact your home Province's health department and/or Regional Health Authorities to inquire about their PA salaries.
Is this program recognized across Canada in terms of licensure / employment?
Each jurisdiction in Canada has its own regulation for Physician Assistants. Manitoba is the leader in Canadian PA practice regulation since 1999 and PAs are associate members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. New Brunswick has had legislation in place since 2009 and Alberta since January 2011 through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. Ontario has legislation allowing PA practice under the Delegated Medical Authority of their Medical Act. Other provinces and territories are investigating various models for introducing and enabling PA practice. The University of Manitoba PAEP is accredited by the Canadian Medical Association Conjoint Accreditation and graduates are eligible to sit the National Certification Examination. As such we imagine they will be able to work across the country.
What is the path to PA registration and licensure in Manitoba?
In August 2009, changes in Legislation were implemented to include a "Physician Assistant" register at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM). This new category is now on the CPSM website. Physician Assistants in Manitoba are currently registered by the CPSM. Please visit the CPSM website for current registration requirements at http://www.cpsm.mb.ca/index.php
Once registered / entered in the Physician Assistant Register, you are eligible for licensure after fees are paid, appropriate questions are answered and you are actively commencing practice.
Am I required to successfully complete an exam to be eligible for licensure?
There is a national certification exam created and administered by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC). At present, this exam is not required for licensure in Manitoba.
Can I apply for this Program if I am not a Canadian Citizen?
No, eligible applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
Is there a language requirement for this program?
Yes, the language requirement can be found on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website at http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/admissions/139.html
What will job availability be like across Canada?
There has been ample interest and support for the PA profession among Physicians. Please contact your home Province’s health department and/or Regional Health Authorities to inquire about potential practice opportunities for PAs.
Is there any student funding available?
Please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies web page for information on various bursaries, awards, Financial Aid and Awards Office etc. http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/funding/index.html
Is this program recognized in the United States?
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) does not accredit programs outside of the US at this time. We have been careful to meet all their requirements, and are still in negotiation with them. As it stands at the present time, Canadian trained PAs are not certifiable in the US.