Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Allocate a limited same-day appointment
Practise making a fair, patient-safe recommendation when capacity is limited. Review whether you identify missing clinical information, avoid blaming either patient, explain your prioritization, and offer a workable alternative; then record again.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
- Format: two years, full time and in person.
- Entry: January 2028.
- Seats: 24.
- Interview: virtual on April 8, 2027.
- Residency: Maritime residency rules apply.
- Accreditation: Accreditation Canada lists the program as Admitted, not Accredited.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a recognized four-year university degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA over the last 60 credits, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, Casper, short-answer responses and two references. Healthcare experience is not required. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and satisfy the published Maritime residency rules. Official requirements
Important dates
- November 9, 2026: Section 1 opens.
- December 7, 2026: Section 2 opens.
- December 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Section 1 closes.
- January 17, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Section 2 closes except references.
- Early March 2027: interview invitations.
- April 1, 2027: reference deadline.
- April 8, 2027: virtual interview day.
- May 2027: decisions.
How selection works
Dalhousie reviews academic eligibility and non-academic evidence from Casper, short-answer responses, references and interview performance. Final selection is made by the MPAS Admissions Committee. The program does not publish quantitative weights. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
The January 2028 interview is conducted on a dedicated virtual platform on April 8, 2027. Current program material describes the assessment as an MMI.
Not published
Station count, preparation and response time, interviewer roles, scoring rubric, file access and component weights are not public. Official dates
Who this program may suit
This program may suit Maritime applicants who meet the residency rules, have strong recent academics and can demonstrate sound judgment, communication and service orientation without relying on prior healthcare employment. Official residency rules
Practice and next step
Practise a limited-access scenario: explain how you would allocate one same-day appointment among competing patient needs. State a fair process, surface safety risks and communicate the decision. Review one weakness, then record a second response.
Frequently asked questions
When is the interview?
April 8, 2027.
Is it virtual?
Yes, on a dedicated virtual platform.
Is healthcare experience required?
No.
Is the program fully accredited?
No; the current national directory lists it as Admitted.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published