PA School Spotlight: University of Manitoba PA Program

This PA School Spotlight features a student in the University of Manitoba's Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program, sharing her experience just as she was starting her first semester.

The program runs 26 months. What makes it stand out most is its size: the cohort is just 15 students. That tiny class means students get to know each other well and become something like a little family, with more one-on-one time for skills and lab work.

It is also one of only a handful of PA programs in Canada. At the time of this spotlight, there were only three programs in the country, and this was the only master's-level option. For a Canadian applicant, that combination of proximity, cost, and credential made it a clear choice.

The decision came down to a few practical factors.

• It is close to home

• - It was the only master's program available in Canada at the time

• - It has a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam

• In fact, it was the only program she applied to. With just three PA programs in Canada at the time, and with US tuition costs running much higher, staying in Canada made the most sense for her.

• The small cohort was the deciding feature. A class of 15 means more individualized attention, closer relationships with classmates, and more hands-on time in the lab than you would get in a large program. For a student who values community and direct mentorship, that environment is hard to beat.

Since she was only a week into the program, her thoughts on the hardest part were forward-looking. She anticipated that balancing all of her classes without neglecting any would be the biggest challenge. It is easy to dive deep into one subject until you fully understand it, but with multiple exams coming up at once, you do not always have that luxury.

For studying, she likes watching videos on YouTube to explain topics, since animations make concepts easier to visualize than reading notes alone.

Her encouragement to other students, whether they are just starting or partway through and doubting they will make it through didactic year, is simple and warm: remember you were selected for a reason, the admissions committee knows what they are doing, and you can do it. You can find her on Instagram at @carmenashley_pa.

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Spotlights like this one show that PA training looks different depending on where you study, and that smaller programs can offer a uniquely close-knit experience. If you are a current PA student who would like to share your program, we would love to feature you. And if you are comparing programs, our PA Programs Map can help you weigh your options.