Max Rady College of Medicine

Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program

The Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program at the University of Manitoba offers a unique opportunity for licensed medical professionals to advance their careers in the specialized field of anesthesia. This one-year program is designed to equip clinical and physician assistants with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to support anesthesiologists in a variety of clinical settings. By completing this program, participants will be fully qualified to administer anesthesia under the supervision of experienced anesthesiologists, playing a critical role in patient care and surgical outcomes.

four surgeons in an operating room with a patient on the operating table.
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    Department

    • Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine

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    Expected duration

    • 1 year

Program details

The Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program is an intensive, hands-on training course that prepares participants for the demanding responsibilities of an Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant. 

Over the course of a year, participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

  • Orientation: A three-week introduction to the program and clinical environment.
  • Seminar Series: In-depth sessions covering equipment, monitors, devices, pharmacology, and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
  • Clinical Simulation: Hands-on training with 12 scenarios across four simulation sessions to develop practical skills.
  • OSCEs: A series of 24 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) conducted over four sessions to assess clinical competencies.
  • Clinical Preceptorship: One-on-one mentorship with experienced preceptors, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the program.

This program, conducted within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, offers a rigorous and supportive environment that ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in their roles as Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistants.

  • three students are seated and listening to a fourth student explain a diagram.

Admission requirements

Expected duration: 1 year

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Professional Background: Candidates must be registered nurses (RN), registered respiratory therapists (RRT), international medical graduates (IMG), or clinical/physician assistants (Cl.A/PA) licensed to practice in Canada.
  • Licensure: Applicants must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
  • Experience: A minimum of two years of recent experience (within the last five years) in critical care or anesthesia-related operating room settings is required.
  • Commitment: A two-year return-of-service agreement is mandatory for those accepted into the program.

Please note that this program is a specialized training course, not a Master's or Bachelor's program, and it is not currently accredited through the University of Manitoba or other secondary education institutions.

How to apply

The next intake is planned for September 2026. The application window is now closed.

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Contact us

Susan Rubin
Regional Manager, WRHA Surgery and Anesthesia Programs
2nd Floor, 671 William Avenue
Winnipeg,  Manitoba, R3E 0Z2, Canada

srubin@wrha.mb.ca
204-787-1749
204-787-4291