University of Manitoba

🎓 Educational Background — University of Manitoba

Degree Requirements

• A four-year Bachelor's degree, preferably in a health sciences field, from a college or university recognized by the University of Manitoba.

• Students in their fourth and final year of undergraduate study may apply.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

• Minimum: 3.0 GPA in the last two full years (60 credit hours) of study.

• Competitive GPA: Typically around 3.5.

Course Prerequisites

• Required undergraduate courses (minimum 3 credit hours each):
  • Human Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

• Recommended (asset) courses:
  • Microbiology
  • Psychology

🧠 Situational Judgment Test

• Applicants must complete or register for the TakeAltus (Casper) Situational Judgment Test before the January 15 application deadline.

• For details, visit: TakeAltus

🗣 English Language Proficiency (for international applicants)

• IELTS: Minimum overall 7.0 across all bands.

• Required for both program admission and registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

🩺 Application Process — Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

🎓 University of Manitoba

📅 Application Deadlines

• Intake: Fall entry only (applications not accepted for Winter or Summer terms).

• Deadline: See current cycle on University of Manitoba Graduate Studies Admissions — typically mid-January (aligns with Casper test deadline).

🧾 Application Components

1. Application Fee

• Non-refundable; payable upon submission of the online application form.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Résumé

• Should highlight academic background, healthcare experience, and relevant employment or volunteer work.

3. Statement of Intent

• A personal essay outlining motivation for becoming a Physician Assistant and career goals.

4. Self-Declaration Statement

• Required to confirm compliance with program eligibility and ethical standards.

5. TakeAltus (CASPer) Test

• Must be completed by the application deadline.

• Registration and test information available at TakeAltus.com.

6. Unofficial Transcripts & Degree Certificates

• Upload unofficial copies for all postsecondary institutions attended.

• Official documents will be required upon offer of admission.

7. Letters of Recommendation

• Two letters required.

• Requests must be sent from within the application system to referees.

• Referees should be familiar with your academic or professional qualifications.

🖋️ Statement of Intent — Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

University of Manitoba

🧭 Overview & Purpose

The Statement of Intent is a key component of your MPAS application. It allows the Admissions Committee to evaluate your motivation, values, and alignment with the University of Manitoba’s and the Physician Assistant (PA) profession’s principles.

Your essay should demonstrate personal insight, professional readiness, and commitment to the PA role.

📏 Criteria & Format Requirements

• Length: Maximum 1,000 words

• Quality: Must be spell-checked and grammatically correct

• Content: Must directly address the required questions/themes listed below

• Tone: Reflective, sincere, and professional — show depth of understanding rather than listing achievements

💡 Values to Demonstrate (MPAS Core Values)

Your statement should reflect how you embody the University’s and the PA profession’s values:

• Respect and Civility: Model professionalism in all interactions

• Teamwork: Recognize collaboration as essential to healthcare practice

• Integrity: Uphold honesty and ethical conduct in all settings

• Compassion: Show empathy and concern for patient welfare

• Excellence: Strive for continuous improvement in studies, patient care, and duties

🧠 Required Questions / Themes to Address

Please structure your statement to address each of the following four themes:

1. Personal Background:
   • How did your family, upbringing, and community shape the person you are today?
   • Reflect on key influences that shaped your character and motivation to serve others.

2. Service & Contribution:
   • How do you contribute to society and serve those around you?
   • Discuss community involvement, volunteerism, or leadership in service roles.

3. Professional Motivation:
   • What attracts you to the Physician Assistant profession?
   • What skills, values, and experiences do you bring to the field?

4. Career & Program Fit:
   • Why do you want to be a Physician Assistant rather than another healthcare professional?
   • Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Manitoba’s MPAS program specifically?

✅ Tips for a Strong Statement

• Begin with a personal story or reflection that connects your past experiences to your motivation for the PA profession.

• Use specific examples rather than general statements to illustrate your qualities.

• Show understanding of the PA role in Canadian healthcare — collaboration, patient-centered care, and adaptability.

• Proofread thoroughly for grammar and clarity; seek feedback from mentors or colleagues.

• End with a forward-looking conclusion that expresses your readiness and enthusiasm for the program.

💻 Starting Your Online Application

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) — University of Manitoba

🧾 Application Overview

• The online application is divided into multiple sections, including:
  • Personal information
  • Post-secondary education history
  • List of recommenders
  • Supporting documents upload

• Estimated completion time: ~30 minutes (if you’ve already prepared your materials).

• Security note: You will be logged out after 30 minutes of inactivity.

• Always save your progress before exiting your application.

🔐 Saving and Returning to Your Application

• You can save and return to your application at any time.

• Log in using the login ID and password you created when you first registered.

🎓 Education History — How to List Institutions

• When listing your post-secondary institutions:
  • If your college is affiliated with a university, list the university name in your application.
  • Example: If you attended Jawahar Engineering College (affiliated with Anna University), list Anna University as your institution.

✏️ Making Changes to Your Application

If You Have Not Yet Submitted Your Application:

• You can update your email address by:
  1. Navigating to the Biographical Data page.
  2. Selecting “Change Email” under the Email Address section.

If You Have Already Submitted Your Application:

• Log into your Student Portal.

• Select your application, then Application Overview.

• Scroll to the bottom and select “Change Email Address” to update your contact information.

🧑‍🏫 Letters of Recommendation — Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

University of Manitoba

📩 Submission Process

• All letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the recommender using the university’s online system.

• You will formally request recommendations within the online application by entering each recommender’s:
  • Full name
  • Email address

• Recommenders will then receive an automated email with a link to upload their confidential letter.

⚠️ Paper copies or emailed letters will not be accepted or uploaded.

🚫 Integrity and Confidentiality

• The referee process is confidential.
  • Letters are submitted directly to the University of Manitoba and will not be shared with applicants.

• Do not participate in writing, editing, or submitting your own recommendation letters.
  • Helping or submitting a letter on behalf of your recommender is considered fraud and will result in an unsuccessful application.

• Recommenders must write and submit their own letters independently.

🔄 How to Check or Re-Send a Recommendation Request

If your recommender says they did not receive the request email, follow these steps:

1. Login to the Student Portal.

2. Navigate to the Recommendations section:
   • If you have submitted your application → click “Recommendations Page” under your checklist.
   • If you have not submitted yet → open your application and go to the “Recommendations” section.

3. Check the email address entered for the recommender.
   • If it is incorrect → click “Exclude”, then re-add the recommender using the correct email.
   • If it is correct → click “Send Reminder” and ask your recommender to check their junk/spam folder.

4. If the email is still not received, contact the admissions office, who will send the link directly to the recommender.

➕ How to Remove or Add a Recommender

1. Login to the Student Portal.

2. Go to the Recommendations section:
   • If you have submitted, click the “Recommendations Page” under your checklist.
   • If you have not submitted, open your application and navigate to the “Recommendations” section.

3. To remove a recommender → click “Exclude”, then confirm by selecting “OK.”

4. To add a new recommender → click “Add Recommender” and enter their details.

📄 Submitting Unofficial Transcripts and Supporting Documents

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) — University of Manitoba

🧾 Transcripts

• Official transcripts are NOT required at the time of application.

• Unofficial copies should be uploaded to your online application for initial assessment.

• Important: Official documents will not be kept for future applications.

• You must submit transcripts from every recognized post-secondary institution you have attended, even if no degree was earned.
  • Includes exchange programs.
  • Exception: University of Manitoba transcripts are not required.

• You can upload necessary documents after submitting your application and paying the application fee.

• Documents uploaded after submission are typically assessed within 3–5 business days.

• You will receive an email confirmation once your file is complete.

🌐 Transcripts in Other Languages

• If your transcript is not in English and is from a non-Canadian institution, you must provide:
  • Official literal translations of all records.

📎 Other Supporting Documents

Check your YALLQgram account to see if additional documents are required. Typical supporting documents may include:

• Reference letters

• Copy of CV / Résumé

• Statement of Interest / Statement of Intent

• Writing sample(s)

⚠️ Important: All documents submitted become the property of the University of Manitoba and cannot be returned, including copies.

🔍 Checking Your Application Status

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) — University of Manitoba

📧 Notifications

• You will be notified by email once a decision has been made on your application.

• Emails may also update you on missing documents or required actions.

✅ How to Check Your Status

• After submitting your application, log in to the Admissions Portal to:
  • Confirm your application is complete
  • Verify that your application fee has been paid
  • Track the receipt of all required materials

• Your application is marked “Complete” only when:
  1. All required documents are received
  2. The application fee has been paid

⏱ Processing Times

• Processing times vary depending on the program review process.

1. Rolling Review

• Applications are reviewed as they are received.

• Check your application status in the portal for updates.

• If your application is awaiting review, you may contact your department directly for estimated timelines.

2. Committee Review

• The Admissions Committee meets during a set period each intake.

• Decisions are made after the committee reviews all applications.

You will receive an email notification once a decision has been made.