Education · 1 of 5
The path
University science, a 2-year program, a national exam.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Strong marks in biology, chemistry and math. Get some health care exposure: volunteering, first aid, a hospital job.
- 2
University
2 to 4 years
At least 2 years of a bachelor's degree with anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Most programs prefer a finished degree and real health care experience.
- 3
PA (physician assistant) program
About 2 years
Master's or bachelor's level, about 2 years: a year of classes, then a year of clinical rotations through medicine, surgery, emergency, pediatrics, psychiatry and family practice. Programs at McMaster, the University of Toronto consortium, Western, Manitoba (25 months), Saskatchewan, Calgary and Dalhousie, plus the Canadian Armed Forces for serving members.
- 4
Certification exam
After graduation
Pass the PACE (the national PA certification exam), run by PACCC (the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada), to use the CCPA (Canadian Certified Physician Assistant) title.
- 5
Register where required
A few months
Every province but Quebec registers PAs through its College of Physicians and Surgeons. Then find a supervising physician and a job.