SASKATOON – Applications open this fall for the new Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS) that begins next year in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). The program, one of the few of its kind in Canada, will begin in September 2025 with a cohort of 20 learners.
“MPAS further strengthens the University of Saskatchewan’s diverse health sciences program,” said Dr. Sarah Forgie (MD), dean of the College of Medicine. “Our learners will become key contributors to collaborative health-care teams, helping to improve service efficiency and patient care across the province.”
Physician assistants are a newly regulated health-care profession in Saskatchewan. They are highly trained clinical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to improve patient access to quality care.
“This is a significant moment for health care transformation in Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Airini (PhD), USask provost and vice-president academic. “Our university is proud to be at the forefront of this fundamental change in how health care is delivered in this province.”
Graduates of the two-year program will work collaboratively with physicians and health-care teams in clinics and hospitals. Physician assistants perform a range of tasks that extend the reach of their physician supervisor—this may include patient assessments; ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests; prescribing medications; counselling patients on preventive health care; performing procedures; or assisting in surgery.
“We are grateful for the University of Saskatchewan’s dedication to developing and implementing this program to meet the health needs of patients in Saskatchewan,” Minister of Advanced Education Colleen Young said. “Through this program, students will be able to train close to home and become skilled health care professionals who support the work of physicians and health care teams across the province.”
The Government of Saskatchewan committed $2 million in the 2024-25 provincial budget to establish USask’s MPAS program. The program is part of the province’s to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain more health-care professionals.
“Integrating physician assistants is another step towards a team-based model of care that supports physicians in their practice and increases accessibility of health care services for patients,” said Health Minister Everett Hindley. “Additionally, it’s critical that we create more training opportunities closer to home for Saskatchewan residents who are interested in a career in health care here in our province. The University of Saskatchewan’s new program will encourage these professionals to choose to work and live in Saskatchewan following graduation.”
For further information about the program, including application dates and requirements, visit the . Applications for the first student cohort will open on September 18 through November of this year.
